UFC Fight Night takes over London O2 Arena in slot left after Shawn Mendes cancelled tour

The O2 Arena will host an evening of mixed martial arts at the end of the week instead of music. Shawn Mendes was set to headline the venue over the weekend, but after his show was cancelled, the UFC’s Fight Night will now take over the arena.

Mendes confirmed last year he would not be playing in the capital. In a statement to fans, he announced he would be cancelling more than 70 shows across North America, the UK and Europe.

At the time, he cited mental health struggles, saying: "After speaking more with my team and working with an incredible group of health professionals, it has become more clear that I need to take the time I’ve never taken personally to ground myself and come back stronger."

The O2 previously hosted the Mercy singer before the coronavirus pandemic. Mendes performed multiple shows at the venue in 2019 following the release of his third studio album.

Here’s when the singer was set to perform at the O2 Arena and what event will take the concerts place.

What event will be held at the O2 Arena instead?

The UFC Fight Night will take the place of Mendes’ headline show slot over the weekend. As part of the American mixed martial arts promotion company’s scheduled evening, the UK’s Tom Aspinall will take on the Polish MMA fighter Marcin Tybura.

When was Shawn Mendes scheduled to perform at London’s O2 Arena?

The Stitches hitmaker was set to perform to London crowds at the O2 Arena on Saturday, July 22.