Belal Muhammad vs Leon Edwards
Manchester, England – In an unforgettable showdown at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad delivered a career-defining performance that left fans and critics alike in awe.
By defeating Leon Edwards in the main event at the Co-op Live Arena, Muhammad captured the welterweight championship through an authoritative blend of striking and grappling. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Muhammad.
The bout marked a rematch of their 2021 encounter, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke suffered by Muhammad.
This time, with the stakes higher than ever, Muhammad made the most of his opportunity, ending Edwards’ 13-fight unbeaten streak and claiming the welterweight title.
The fight couldn’t have started better for Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC). He wasted no time taking Edwards to the canvas, setting the tone early.
The Manchester crowd erupted as Edwards managed to get back to his feet, immediately responding with a knee to Muhammad’s midsection and a solid left uppercut.
However, Muhammad retaliated with an uppercut of his own and a slam for a second takedown to close the round, showcasing a new level of skill and strategy.
In their previous fight, Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) had methodically picked Muhammad apart before the eye poke halted the action.
This time, it was Muhammad who took control, demonstrating his improved grappling skills—a testament to his preparation under the guidance of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Starting quickly in the second round, Muhammad matched Edwards’ hand speed and secured another takedown. Though Edwards managed to stand up, Muhammad quickly took his back after dumping him headfirst onto the canvas. Edwards needed a shift in momentum and took Muhammad down at the end of the round, but the control remained with Muhammad.
In the third round, Edwards managed to secure a takedown and took Muhammad’s back, attempting a rear-naked choke. Muhammad fought off the attempts, maintaining his composure and control.
The fourth round saw Edwards sting Muhammad with a left hook, but Muhammad held his ground, landing a combination and securing another takedown. Though Edwards reversed the position with 25 seconds left, it wasn’t enough to change the fight’s trajectory.
With his coach, Dave Lovell, urging him to finish strong, Edwards sought a knockout or submission in the final round. Muhammad, however, maintained relentless pressure, securing his ninth takedown of the fight and controlling the action.
Edwards, desperate, reversed position and landed a significant elbow that opened a cut on Muhammad. Despite this last effort, it was too late to alter the outcome.
The unanimous decision marked the end of Edwards’ impressive unbeaten streak and the beginning of Muhammad’s reign as the welterweight champion. After the fight, Muhammad expressed his pride and determination, emphasizing his unique identity as a fighter.
“He said I’m no Khabib [Nurmagomedov] or Georges St-Pierre. I’m Belal Muhammad,” he declared. “I’m my own man. Now the world knows it and sees it; now they have to respect it. I’m a world champion.”
UFC President Dana White commented on the fight, stating that an immediate rematch between Muhammad and Edwards was unlikely. “It wasn’t a barnburner,” White said, indicating that the UFC would look to other matchups for future events.
Fans and analysts have already begun speculating about Muhammad’s first title defense and Edwards’ path to redemption. The landscape of the welterweight division has been significantly altered by this result, setting the stage for new rivalries and storylines.
Belal Muhammad’s victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 not only crowned him the new welterweight champion but also solidified his status as a formidable force in the MMA world.
His performance, marked by strategic prowess and unyielding determination, demonstrated his growth as a fighter and his readiness to lead the division. As Muhammad begins his reign, fans can look forward to a new era of exciting matchups and fierce competition in the welterweight class.
What were the judges’ scores for the fight?
The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Belal Muhammad.
What was the outcome of their previous fight?
Their previous fight in 2021 ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke suffered by Muhammad.
Who helped Muhammad prepare for this fight?
Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was in Muhammad’s camp to help him prepare for the fight.
What did UFC President Dana White say about an immediate rematch?
Dana White said that an immediate rematch between Muhammad and Edwards was unlikely, indicating the fight “wasn’t a barnburner.”
How did the fight impact the welterweight division?
Muhammad’s victory ended Edwards’ 13-fight unbeaten streak and introduced new dynamics to the welterweight division, setting the stage for fresh rivalries and future matchups.
What did Belal Muhammad say after winning the championship?
Muhammad emphasized his unique identity, stating, “I’m my own man. Now the world knows it and sees it; now they have to respect it. I’m a world champion.”
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