The main event of UFC 304 features a welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards & #2 Belal Muhammad. This title fight rematch symbolizes 2 fighters who have risen to the top with long win streaks and dominant performances.
Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad
Carrying the belt into this fight is Leon Edwards, after a doubleheader against divisional great Kamaru Usman, ‘Rocky’ defeated Colby Covington. The Jamaican-born fighter brings a 12-fight win streak to this fight and is looking to emulate the success of Georges St. Pierre. Edwards brings in elite-level kickboxing and proven takedown defense against the aforementioned Usman & Covington.
Belal Muhammad brings another win streak into this fight, he’s currently on a 9-fight unbeaten streak. A streak that has seen him propel himself into the #2 spot in the welterweight rankings, second only to Kamaru Usman. Last time out, Belal secured a victory against divisional mainstay and previous title challenger Gilbert Burns. But, it is his win against Sean Brady that is the standout in this run. Belal showed his improved standup game in that fight and secured a standing TKO in the second round.
The Fight
Pressure is put on Edwards by Muhammad straight away, forcing him up against the fence. Muhammad then shoots for a takedown and gets it with ease, putting Edwards on his back. He quickly gets back up and reverses the position, clinching Muhammad against the cage. The two separate and Edwards begins to work the body, landing a big knee. Muhammad continues to be the one pressuring, yet is constantly being countered. More body shots land for the champion but this time in the form of body kicks. Muhammad begins to find success in the striking with an uppercut that bothers Edwards, leading to a massive double leg takedown that once again puts Leon on his back before the round ends.
The pair exchange strikes in the opening of round two, with Muhammad’s pressure seemingly causing problems. He shoots a takedown, yet Edwards can initially defend by finding underhooks. Muhammad persists and can get the takedown and reach his back. A big lift slams Edwards onto the canvas and his head. He gets back to his feet before securing a takedown of his own and pushes Muhammad to the fence, ending the round in a strong place.
Muhammad sticks to his pressure based strategy which is working flawlessly, setting up another takedown with his boxing. Edwards then again, gets up, before reversing the takedown and taking the back of Muhammad. A much more comfortable place for the champion. Edwards locks in a body triangle to secure his position. In an attempt to break the lock, Muhammad explodes up, with the attempt being neutralised by the body triangle. Edwards retains his dominant position, but is struggling to set up any real offence. A better look for Edwards.
A big strike from Edwards marks the beginning of the fourth round. Belal’s boxing pressure soon becomes overwhelming yet again, leading to another takedown. A back take of his own means Muhammad can lock in a body triangle and put Edward in another uncomfortable grappling exchange. A late reversal in the round means Edwards finishes on top, however it is too little too late to secure it on the scorecards.
Edwards holds the center of the Octagon to start the final round, firing off hard shots at the challenger. He is inarguably looking for a finish. He manages to stuff a takedown before once again getting backed up against the fence. Muhammad shoots and drags him to the mat and takes his back. The next few minutes see him maintain this position, secured by the body triangle. 30 seconds left on the clock and Edwards reverses his position, reigning down elbows on Belal – splitting him open. The final horn sounds and although finishing strong, it appears to be a foregone conclusion.
The scorecards read 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 to grant new champion Belal Muhammad the title. His undefeated streak dates all the way back to 2019 and now includes 10 UFC wins
What did you think about Belal Muhammad’s title-winning performance? Did it surprise you? Let us know in the comments below!
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