UFC London Prelims Preview: What to Expect

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 21, 2026 1:53 PM ET

UFC London Prelims Preview: What to Expect

The main heavyweight bout on the prelims pits unbeaten Pinto against late-replacement Franco. Pinto enters at 11-0 with a 2-0 UFC ledger. Franco arrives at 10-1 and will make his UFC debut.

Fight context

Pinto is a 28-year-old competing out of Lisbon. He replaced Mick Parkin after Parkin withdrew on Feb. 3. Franco stepped in on roughly a month’s notice.

Records and betting

Betting lines heavily favor Pinto. Odds listed Pinto at -900 and Franco at +600. That gap reflects experience and recent competition level.

Pinto profile

Tools and recent form

Pinto is noted for his size and long reach. He pairs fluid athleticism with significant punching power.

In his most recent fight, Pinto used takedowns and ground strikes. He stopped Jhonata Diniz with a second-round TKO via ground strikes.

He has shown sound defensive instincts. Analysts compare his physical profile to early Ciryl Gane and prime Alistair Overeem.

Franco profile

Background and style

Franco trains with Jailton Almeida. He is a large light heavyweight who could eventually compete at heavyweight.

He has a raw, power-based approach. He has finished many regional foes with heavy overhands and kicks.

Contender Series loss and recovery

Franco’s sole loss came on the Contender Series to Freddy Vidal last September. That defeat was his first fight past the opening round.

Reports note he looked spent by the middle of the second round. He then returned to Brazil and recorded a couple dominant wins.

Key matchups and stylistic factors

Pinto excels both standing and wrestling when he controls tempo. Franco prefers to land big shots and follow hurt opponents to the canvas.

Franco rarely initiates sustained grappling. However, his ground-and-pound can be damaging if he secures top position.

Cardio is a central question. Franco has shown vulnerability to fatigue in longer fights. Pinto appears capable of pacing through three or five rounds when ahead.