It seemed an early stoppage, it’s fair to say that.
Brad Pickett was understandably crestfallen as he rushed back to his feet after referee Grant Waterman had waved off the catchweight clash at UFC London.
It was the final time that Pickett would grace the Octagon and he was likely up on the scorecards in the third and final round, when he was caught by a head kick.
One. Last. Dance! An emotional @One_Punch makes his final walk to the #UFCLondon Octagon… pic.twitter.com/sr6E2WLSvI
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 18, 2017
‘One Punch’ went out on his shield after an emotional fight week and he received a fitting send-off as the O2 Arena crowd leaped to its feet to honour a true pioneer of British mixed martial arts.
Pickett’s aggression on the feet and slamming takedowns in both the first and second round likely had the Londoner up 20-18 on the scorecards.
Tensions were at an all-time high as he stepped off the stool for the final time in his career and a scuffle even broke out in the crowd as Pickett continued to come forward, typically not content to protect a lead and fight conservatively.
The result wasn’t what he would have hoped for but Pickett should regret nothing.
Marlon Vera ruins the leaving party for @One_Punch in the final round. #UFCLondon https://t.co/LCGAbJgOo6
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) March 18, 2017
He is that rare breed of athlete that is unconditionally loved by a loyal group of hardcore fans and he was buoyed ever so slightly by the deafening applause that greeted him as he crossed the Octagon’s threshold for the last time, leaving a career of unforgettable scraps behind him.
Pickett can hold his head high. No outcome was going to change that.
And we can only thank him for the memories he has given us along the way.
