Belal Muhammad is the new welterweight champion after a stunning performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

This was the first time the fighters faced each other since their previous bout was declared a no contest due to an accidental eye poke by Edwards. Since then, Muhammad has been on a mission to get a rematch against “Rocky.” The fight did not go as many fans expected, as Muhammad defeated Edwards via unanimous decision!

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round One:

Muhammad landed an early takedown, but Edwards quickly got back to his feet and started landing heavy knees in the clinch. The fight continued standing, with Edwards keeping his distance and peppering Muhammad with strikes every time he tried to close in. Edwards skillfully controlled the range, but Muhammad relentlessly pressured forward, forcing the champion against the cage. After landing a heavy uppercut, Muhammad went for another takedown, finishing the round in top position.

Early takedown!

Belal Muhammad puts Leon Edwards on his back inside 30 seconds! #UFC304 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/ubmgyU0Qaw

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 28, 2024

Round Two:

Edwards started the next round more aggressively, but Muhammad didn’t back down, responding with his own combinations. After multiple takedown attempts, he threw Edwards to the mat headfirst. It didn’t take long for Muhammad to take Edwards’ back. He controlled the champion for a significant period, but Edwards managed to get back up and land a takedown of his own before the round ended.

Round Three:

Muhammad scored an early takedown, but Edwards reversed the position and took Muhammad’s back. Edwards attempted a rear-naked choke, but Muhammad defended well. The round continued in this position with Edwards attempting submissions and landing strikes.

Round Four:

Another strong round for Muhammad. He succeeded in the stand-up exchanges and pressured Edwards against the cage before landing another takedown. Muhammad took Edwards’ back and controlled him for the majority of the round. Toward the end, Edwards reversed the position but failed to land significant strikes.

We've heard those words before… 🤔

Desperation from Leon Edwards' corner going into our final round! #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/kalHBExjJH

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 28, 2024

Round Five:

The final round continued in the same manner until Edwards gained top position and started raining down sharp elbows, opening a cut on Muhammad’s nose. Blood poured out, and Edwards attempted to finish him, but time ran out.

Muhammad was crowned the new welterweight king as all three judges scored the bout in his favor after five rounds (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). Next for him could be an exciting matchup against top-ranked Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Our #UFC304 main event goes to the judges!

Will it be #AndStill or #AndNew?! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0RNPzknq9v

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 28, 2024

TRENDING

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad – Results

Main Card

Starts at 11:00 PM BST, Saturday, July 27 – Watch on Viaplay

• Welterweight: Leon Edwards (c) vs. Belal Muhammad
• Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall (ic) defeats Curtis Blaydes via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:00
• Lightweight: Paddy Pimblett defeats Bobby Green via submission (triangle) – Round 1, 3:22
• Middleweight: Gregory Rodrigues defeats Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Featherweight: Arnold Allen defeats Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Card

Starts at 09:00 PM BST, Saturday, July 27 – Watch on UFC Fight Pass

• Featherweight: Nathaniel Wood defeats Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
• Strawweight (Women): Bruna Brasil defeats Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Catchweight (137 lbs): Jake Hadley defeats Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Flyweight: Muhammad Mokaev defeats Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Early Preliminary Card

Starts at 07:00 PM BST, Saturday, July 27 – Watch on UFC Fight Pass

• Welterweight: Oban Elliott defeats Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Light Heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas defeats Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm triangle) – Round 3, 3:12
• Welterweight: Sam Patterson defeats Kiefer Crosbie via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 2:50
• Heavyweight: Mick Parkin defeats Lukasz Brzeski via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:23
• Strawweight (Women): Shauna Bannon defeats Alice Ardelean via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

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