The welterweight title clash between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 is more than just a fight; it’s a culmination of years of hard work, rivalry, and determination
Both fighters have overcome adversity to reach this point, and their contrasting styles and motivations make for a compelling matchup.
As the octagon door closes behind them, the world will be watching to see who emerges victorious in this epic battle for the welterweight crown.
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Table of Contents
Leon Edwards: A Journey of Redemption
The main event at UFC 304 is set to be a thrilling encounter between two elite welterweights: Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad.1
This clash for the welterweight title has garnered immense attention and anticipation, promising to be a memorable showdown.
Leon Edwards, known as ‘Rocky,’ has had a remarkable journey in the UFC. His ascent to the top of the welterweight division has been characterized by resilience, skill, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Edwards first gained significant recognition with his last-minute head-kick knockout against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. While some dismissed it as a fluke, Edwards has since silenced his critics with two successful title defenses.
The Rocky Era continues. UK Stand Up!!! pic.twitter.com/brVRh41csG
— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) May 16, 2024
Defending the Title: Edwards’ Recent Triumphs
Following his dramatic victory over Usman, Edwards faced ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘ once again. This time, the fight went the distance, and Edwards secured a majority decision win, proving his previous victory was no accident.
He further solidified his position as the welterweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Colby Covington, a formidable opponent known for his wrestling and cardio.
The Unbeaten Streak: Edwards’ Path to Dominance
Edwards is currently on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, a testament to his consistency and dominance in the welterweight division.
Ranked No.4 on the promotion’s pound-for-pound list, he has become one of the most respected fighters in the UFC.
However, his streak is not without its blemishes. A no-contest against Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 187 remains a notable event in his career.
Edwards vs. Muhammad: The No-Contest Controversy
The first encounter between Edwards and Muhammad ended in controversy.2
An accidental eye poke from Edwards rendered Muhammad unable to continue, resulting in a no-contest.
This incident has fueled the rivalry between the two fighters, with Muhammad seeking retribution ever since. The unfinished business from their previous fight adds an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash.
Belal Muhammad: The Underdog with a Vengeance
Belal Muhammad, known as ‘Remember the Name,’ has steadily climbed the ranks in the welterweight division.
He enters UFC 304 on a 10-fight unbeaten run, a remarkable feat that includes victories over top-tier opponents such as Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.
Muhammad’s journey has been characterized by determination, skill, and an unyielding desire to prove himself.
Aiming for Payback: Muhammad’s Motivation
The no-contest against Edwards has been a driving force for Muhammad. The 36-year-old fighter harbors serious animosity towards his opponent and has been vocal about his desire for payback.
Muhammad’s motivation extends beyond the fight; he has confirmed that he doesn’t intend to bury the hatchet once the fight concludes.
This intense rivalry adds an emotional dimension to the bout, making it a must-watch event for fight fans.
Analyzing the Fighters: Edwards vs. Muhammad
As the fight approaches, both fighters bring distinct styles and strengths to the octagon. Edwards is known for his striking prowess, with a well-rounded game that includes effective kicks, punches, and clinch work.
His ability to adapt and strategize has been crucial in his recent victories.
On the other hand, Muhammad is renowned for his relentless pressure and grappling skills. His wrestling background allows him to control opponents on the ground and dictate the pace of the fight.
Muhammad’s cardio and endurance have also been key factors in his success, enabling him to maintain a high level of intensity throughout his bouts.
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The Stakes: Beyond the Welterweight Title
- While the welterweight title is the primary prize, the stakes for Edwards and Muhammad extend beyond the championship belt.
- For Edwards, a victory would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history. It would also silence any lingering doubts about his legitimacy as a champion.
- For Muhammad, a win would be a career-defining moment. It would validate his journey, his perseverance, and his belief in himself.
- Defeating Edwards, especially given their history, would catapult Muhammad into the upper echelons of the welterweight division and establish him as a true contender.
The Mental Game: Psychology of the Fighters
- In high-stakes fights like this, the mental aspect plays a crucial role. Edwards has shown remarkable mental fortitude, overcoming setbacks and adversity to reach the pinnacle of his career. His calm demeanor and focus have been evident in his recent performances.
- Muhammad, on the other hand, brings a different kind of intensity. His desire for revenge and his determination to prove himself can be powerful motivators.
- However, he must balance this intensity with composure to avoid making mistakes in the heat of the moment.
Training Camps: Preparing for Battle
Both fighters have undergone rigorous training camps in preparation for UFC 304. Edwards has likely focused on refining his striking and defensive techniques, ensuring he can neutralize Muhammad’s grappling threats.
His camp would also have worked on endurance and conditioning to maintain peak performance throughout the fight.
Muhammad’s training camp would have emphasized his wrestling and ground control, aiming to exploit any weaknesses in Edwards’ game. Additionally, he would have worked on his striking to keep Edwards guessing and to create opportunities for takedowns.
Also Read: Belal Muhammad Shrugs Off Colby Covington’s Challenge: Garry’s a Tougher Opponent
Edwards vs. Muhammad: Predictions and Expectations
Predicting the outcome of a fight of this magnitude is challenging, given the high level of skill and determination both fighters possess.3
Edwards’ striking and versatility make him a formidable opponent, capable of ending the fight with a single well-placed strike. Muhammad’s wrestling and relentless pressure, however, can disrupt Edwards’ rhythm and control the fight’s pace.
Ultimately, the fight could go either way, and fans can expect an intense, closely contested battle. Both fighters have the tools to secure victory, and it may come down to who can implement their game plan more effectively on fight night.
The Impact on the Welterweight Division
The outcome of this fight will have significant implications for the welterweight division. A win for Edwards would reinforce his position as the division’s kingpin and potentially set up future superfights with other top contenders.
For Muhammad, a victory would mark his arrival as a serious title contender and open the door to more high-profile matchups.
The Fans’ Perspective: Anticipation and Excitement
Fans of the UFC are eagerly awaiting this clash, with anticipation building as the fight approaches.
The rivalry between Edwards and Muhammad, coupled with their respective unbeaten streaks, has created a buzz in the MMA community.
The main event at UFC 304 promises to be an electrifying showdown that will be remembered for years to come.
Live Round-by-Round Updates:
Round 1: Muhammad’s Aggression
Belal Muhammad came out strong in the first round, immediately putting pressure on Leon Edwards. Known for his relentless pace and wrestling prowess, Muhammad successfully took Edwards down early, setting the tone for the round.
On the ground, Muhammad controlled the position and landed effective ground strikes, clearly establishing dominance.
Edwards, however, showcased his resilience by managing to get back to his feet. He attempted a takedown of his own but couldn’t secure it, leading to a clinch battle near the cage.
Edwards landed a sharp one-two combination followed by a high kick, stunning Muhammad momentarily. An uppercut from Edwards added to the damage, but Muhammad responded with an uppercut of his own, followed by another takedown.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 2: Edwards’ Striking vs. Muhammad’s Wrestling
The second round saw Edwards starting with effective striking, landing a crisp one-two combination.
Despite the success on the feet, Muhammad quickly returned to his wrestling roots, executing a powerful high crotch takedown that left Edwards on his head.
Muhammad’s control on the ground was impressive as he took Edwards’ back and attempted submissions, though he couldn’t secure a finish.
Edwards managed to get back to his feet but was visibly winded from the intense grappling exchanges. As the round progressed, Muhammad continued to dominate with his wrestling, keeping Edwards on the defensive.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 3: A Shift in Momentum
Edwards began the third round cautiously, aware of the takedown threat. He partially landed a head kick and looked for opportunities to strike without overcommitting.
Muhammad attempted another takedown, but this time Edwards reversed the position, taking Muhammad’s back and trying to lock in a body triangle.
While in control, Edwards attempted a rear-naked choke, but Muhammad’s defense was solid, isolating the choking hand and avoiding the submission.
Edwards landed some punches, but nothing significant. Nevertheless, the round marked a shift in momentum as Edwards showed his ability to adapt and counter Muhammad’s wrestling.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Edwards.
Round 4: Back and Forth
Muhammad appeared more comfortable on his feet in the fourth round, trading punches with Edwards. A big connection from Edwards reminded Muhammad of the champion’s striking prowess.
Muhammad responded with a one-two combination and attempted another takedown, eventually taking Edwards’ back after a brief struggle.
Muhammad’s ground control continued to test Edwards’ endurance. The champion defended multiple rear-naked choke attempts, showing his grappling skills.
Just as it seemed Muhammad would ride out the round in control, Edwards reversed the position and took Muhammad’s back, ending the round on a strong note.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 5: A Dramatic Finale
Entering the final round, Edwards knew he needed a strong performance to retain his title. He started aggressively, defending an early takedown attempt from Muhammad.
As Muhammad attempted another level change, Edwards managed to stay upright initially but was eventually dragged to the canvas again.
With Muhammad controlling the back and looking for a finish, Edwards’ stamina seemed depleted. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Edwards reversed the position in the final minute, landing a vicious elbow that cut Muhammad’s eyebrow open.
Blood poured from the cut as Edwards unleashed a flurry of elbows, finishing the round strong and leaving a lasting impression on the judges.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Edwards.
Post-Fight Analysis
The fight was a testament to the skills and heart of both fighters. Muhammad’s wrestling and ground control were exceptional, but Edwards demonstrated his adaptability, striking prowess, and resilience.
The back-and-forth nature of the bout made it a thrilling contest, with both fighters having their moments.
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