Born for the Octagon: The Best British & Irish Fighters

The UK and Ireland have produced some of the UFC’s most exciting stars of a generation, with outspoken personalities and the grit to take on the world’s best in the Octagon. Whether they’re knocking out opponents in record time or lighting up press conferences, these athletes have carved out massive fanbases on both sides of the Atlantic and continue to represent their country in front of millions. 

Let’s take a look at the top names making waves in the Octagon and how you can own a piece of their journey with official UFC memorabilia. 

Tom Aspinall – King of the Giants 

First up is one of the UK’s fastest-rising stars, Tom Aspinall. Hailing from Salford, England, Aspinall stormed onto the UFC scene with a blend of speed, power, and technical skill never seen in the heavyweight division. 

Aspinall quickly made a name for himself with a series of first-round finishes, showcasing not just knockout power but also slick submissions. The Salford born fighter currently holds the record for the shortest average fight time in UFC history. 

 In 2023, he reached the pinnacle by capturing the interim UFC heavyweight championship with a stunning first-round KO against Sergei Pavlovich. A feat he achieved as a late replacement for the heavyweight title showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. 

Aspinall then went on to become one of the only fighters in UFC history to defend his interim title. The British fighter defended his belt against the only man who had beaten him in the UFC, Curtis Blaydes. In typical fashion, the fight was over in the first-round as Tom Aspinall knocked out Blaydes to retain the interim gold.  

Check out all Tom Aspinall products available to you, here.  

Paddy Pimblett – The People’s Champion 

You can’t talk about UK UFC stars without mentioning Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. Who burst onto the UFC scene in 2021 with a first round knockout of Luigi Vendramini and followed with a quick-witted post-fight interview reminiscent of Conor McGregor himself.  

Backed by a passionate Liverpool fanbase, Paddy has since gathered a cult following from all four corners of the globe. Known for his explosive fighting style and unfiltered personality, he’s also been praised for his openness in discussing topics around mental health.  

Paddy Pimblett’s most recent bout against Michael Chandler cemented him as a true title contender with a dominant outing in Miami. The performance means his next win may push him for a title fight against the reigning champion and who knows what’s in store after that.  

Secure a piece of Paddy Pimblett’s UFC history today.  

Ian Machado Garry – The Future’s Already Here 

Ireland’s next big hope comes in the form of Ian Machado Garry. Often dubbed “The Future,” Garry entered the UFC in 2021 with confidence, precision striking, and a clear goal: to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, but on his own terms. 

With only one loss on his record, Ian Machado Garry has proved his worth in the welterweight division with notable wins over Michael Page, Neil Magny, and Carlos Prates. The Irish fighter's tricky style has already proven to be a challenge for the top fighters in the division as he looks to push his way into title contention.  

Can Ian Machado Garry be the next Irishman to stand taller than the rest?  

Take home a piece of the ‘Future’, here.

Molly McCann – Meatball with a Mean Streak 

Molly McCann burst onto the UFC scene in 2018 with hands that spoke volumes and an ability to captivate fans with her words. An instant fan favourite, the scouse fighter suffered mixed results inside the Octagon across her seven-year spell in the organisation.  

Molly’s breakout moment came in 2022 with a stunning spinning elbow knockout at UFC London, a finish that sent the crowd into a frenzy and put her firmly on the global radar. That victory, followed by another highlight-reel finish just months later, marked the peak of her UFC rise. Alongside her close friendship with fellow Scouser Paddy Pimblett, McCann's authenticity and resilience helped cement her place as one of the most beloved figures in UK MMA. 

Sadly, Molly McCann’s most recent outing in the Octagon was also her last as she announced her retirement from the sport. A tough loss for UK fans as we say farewell to a legendary figure in women’s MMA.  

Celebrate the legacy left behind by Molly McCann today!  

Leon Edwards – Headshot 

You can’t talk about British UFC champions without mentioning Leon “Rocky” Edwards. He made his UFC debut in 2014 and quietly climbed the welterweight ranks, picking up win after win while being largely overlooked by the mainstream spotlight. That all changed in 2022 when he delivered one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history, dethroning Kamaru Usman with a last-minute head kick to become the undisputed welterweight champion. 

Backed by the UK fight scene and representing Birmingham with pride, Leon has earned a reputation for his clinical striking, calm demeanour, and relentless work ethic. He’s also become a symbol of perseverance, having battled through setbacks and delays to reach the sport’s pinnacle. 

Leon Edward’s has faced setbacks in his recent matchups but in true ‘Rocky’ fashion the British fighter will look to bounce back.  

Secure a piece of Leon Edwards legacy today! 

Conor McGregor – The Pioneer  

When talking about British and Irish UFC legacies, you have to mention the ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor. The Irish phenome burst onto the scene with a swagger and confidence that instantly set him apart. He was born to be a star from his inaugural UFC fight, which lasted just over one minute before the bout was won via knockout.  

From there, McGregor's rise was meteoric. His trash talk, charisma, and precision striking quickly made him a global name. In 2015, he backed up the hype by clinching the UFC Featherweight title, with a record-breaking 13-second KO of José Aldo.   

Not one to settle, McGregor made history again the following year by defeating Eddie Alvarez to become the UFC’s first ever simultaneous two-weight world champion, holding both the Featherweight and Lightweight belts.   

Conor McGregor transcended mixed martial arts, becoming a pioneer for both Irish MMA and the sport on a global scale.  

You can celebrate Conor McGregor's greatest moments in the Octagon with UFCCollectibles.com.   

Your Corner of UFC History 

These athletes don’t just fight they inspire. And now, fans have the chance to celebrate their favourite UK and Irish stars with exclusive collectibles straight from the Octagon. From signed gloves and photos to fight-worn kits and display-ready gear, UFCCollectibles.com is the only place to own the moment from the greatest UK and Irish fighters!