After the excitement of UFC 304, MMA fans worldwide witnessed Tom Aspinall’s impressive performance as he swiftly defeated Curtis Blaydes. This victory put the British fighter in prime position for a highly-anticipated clash with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Another notable British fighter, Paddy Pimblett, also had a standout performance, securing a first-round submission victory over King Green.
However, the main event of UFC 304 is what really captured everyone’s attention. Leon Edwards, who came in as the UFC welterweight champion, lost his title to Belal Muhammad. Despite the significance of this win for Muhammad, the MMA community’s reaction was mixed. Paddy Pimblett, in particular, had some strong opinions about the new welterweight champion.
Leon Edwards, born in Jamaica but representing England, had not lost a UFC fight since 2015. His only previous non-victory came against Muhammad in a 2021 UFC Fight Night match, which ended in a no contest due to an eye poke from Edwards.
Paddy Pimblett Reacts to Belal Muhammad Defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304
Heading into UFC 304, Edwards was the reigning welterweight champion, having reclaimed his title by defeating Kamaru Usman. Many considered him the favorite for this bout. But Muhammad’s strategic performance over five rounds earned him the title with unanimous scorecards of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Post-fight, there was a fair amount of criticism aimed at Muhammad’s victory, with some fans finding his fighting style unexciting. Despite holding 15 UFC wins, 12 of which came by either unanimous or split decisions, Muhammad is often seen as a fighter who prefers to win through endurance rather than finishing fights with submissions or knockouts. This style doesn’t always sit well with MMA purists who favour more dramatic outcomes.
Former UFC fighter Darren Till voiced his discontent by saying he would “close his curtains” if Muhammad fought in his backyard, reflecting a sentiment shared by some fans. Paddy Pimblett also shared his thoughts on Muhammad’s win. In a behind-the-scenes video capturing the moment Muhammad’s hand was raised as the new champion, Pimblett’s reaction was one of clear disappointment. He sighed and remarked, “Most boring champion ever.”
What Next?
This clip of Pimblett’s reaction has sparked a variety of responses from the MMA community. While some fans agreed with Paddy Pimblett, others noted that Edwards’ performance seemed lacklustre, and Muhammad’s strategic approach was actually quite effective. Many have pointed out that Muhammad’s game plan was precise and well-executed.
As discussions continue among past and present UFC fighters about Belal Muhammad’s new championship status, it’s clear that the Palestinian-born fighter remains unfazed. With a career record of 24-3 and his first UFC title now in hand, Muhammad is poised to make his mark as the new welterweight champion.
What do you want to see next for Belal Muhammad? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
