Undefeated heavyweight Marcio Pinto gets new opponent for UFC London
MMA Fighting
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Undefeated heavyweight Marcio Pinto will no longer face Mick Parkin in his upcoming UFC London bout on March 21. Instead, Pinto has been matched against octagon newcomer Felipe Franco, marking a significant shift in the card's lineup. The reason behind Parkin's removal remains unclear, though multiple sources confirmed the change to MMA Fighting.
Pinto, who boasts an impressive 11-0 professional record, recently secured back-to-back knockout wins over Jhonata Diniz and Austen Lane during his UFC appearances in 2025. Known for his striking ability, Pinto also competed on Dana White's Contender Series, earning a contract with the organization after defeating Lucas Camacho in October 2024.
Franco, a rising talent with a 10-1 record, enters the UFC with momentum. His recent victory over Douglas Felipe Santos via arm-triangle choke highlights his grappling skills, though this win has yet to be officially recorded. Since losing to Freddy Vidal on Dana White's Contender Series, Franco has gone 2-0 in his most recent appearances.
The updated UFC London lineup features a stacked card at The O2 Arena. Headlining the event is a featherweight clash between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. Other notable matchups include Luke Riley vs. Michael Aswell, Roman Dolidze vs. Christian Leroy Duncan, and Iwo Baraniewski vs. Austen Lane.
This change in opponents adds intrigue to Pinto's highly anticipated debut against Franco. The fight promises to showcase two rising stars in the heavyweight division, with Pinto's undefeated record pitting him against Franco's raw potential. UFC London continues to build as a must-watch event for MMA fans, offering a mix of established names and fresh talent ready to make their mark.
For sports enthusiasts, this development underscores the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts, where lineup changes can shift the narrative but also create new opportunities for excitement. The event's significance lies in its ability to highlight both veteran fighters and emerging talents like Franco, keeping the sport fresh and competitive.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/21/2026