Belal Muhammad made a statement Saturday night at UFC 304, dethroning Leon Edwards in a thrilling rematch. 🥊🏆
🥊 The Fight Recap
In a highly anticipated rematch, Belal Muhammad showcased his evolution as a fighter, defeating Leon Edwards to become the new welterweight champion at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. This victory was a far cry from their controversial 2021 encounter that ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.
Final Scores: 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 in favor of Muhammad.
🔥 Key Moments
First Round: Muhammad wasted no time, taking Edwards to the canvas early. Although Edwards retaliated with striking prowess, Muhammad’s uppercut and subsequent slam set the tone for the bout.
Second Round: The former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence was evident in Muhammad’s grappling, as he dominated the round with quick takedowns and relentless pressure.
Third Round: Edwards momentarily gained control with a takedown and attempted a rear-naked choke, but Muhammad’s defense was resolute.
Fourth Round: Muhammad continued his offensive with another takedown, controlling the pace despite Edwards’ late-round reversal.
Fifth Round: With his corner urging him to finish strong, Edwards managed a last-minute elbow that opened a cut on Muhammad. However, Muhammad’s consistent dominance throughout the fight secured his victory.
💬 Post-Fight Reactions
Belal Muhammad: “He said I’m no Khabib [Nurmagomedov] or Georges St-Pierre. I’m Belal Muhammad. 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: Stated that an immediate rematch is unlikely, noting that the fight “wasn’t a barnburner.”
🌟 A New Champion in Town
Muhammad’s victory extends his unbeaten streak to 11 and solidifies his place among the elite in the welterweight division. His journey, characterized by perseverance and improvement, culminated in a career-defining performance against Edwards, who had been unbeaten for over eight years.
🥋 Training and Strategy
Muhammad’s preparation for this rematch included training with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which significantly improved his grappling. This strategic advantage played a crucial role in his ability to control Edwards on the ground and secure multiple takedowns.
🌍 What’s Next?
With Muhammad now the welterweight champion, the UFC landscape shifts. Potential future matchups could include top contenders like Colby Covington or a possible bout with Kamaru Usman. As for Edwards, his path to redemption will likely involve climbing back up the ranks with a series of decisive victories.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis on the UFC 304 fallout and the future of the welterweight division.