Belal Muhammad Upsets Leon Edwards to Claim Welterweight Title at UFC 304 in Manchester

In a surprising twist at UFC 304 in Manchester, American fighter Belal Muhammad delivered a stellar performance to capture the welterweight championship from Britain's Leon Edwards. Muhammad, 36, dominated the match, securing a unanimous decision victory and ending Edwards' impressive 12-fight win streak, much to the dismay of the crowd at Co-op Live.

The fight, which began shortly after 05:30 BST to accommodate an American audience, saw Edwards visibly fatigued. "It wasn't surprising; my body felt tired from the start," Edwards admitted in his post-fight interview. "All week, I've been battling fatigue. Congratulations to Belal, but I'll be back."

UFC 304 was a landmark event, featuring two British fighters in headline bouts and marking the largest UFC event ever held in England, at the newly inaugurated 23,500-seat arena. The unusual 23:00 BST starting time drew significant attention, with many fighters, including Edwards, adjusting their schedules based on advice from the UFC Performance Institute.

While the card lacked spectacular finishes in its middle stages, the atmosphere peaked when Paddy Pimblett ignited the crowd around 04:30 BST. However, the energy shifted dramatically with Muhammad's decisive victory over Edwards.

Tensions ran high throughout fight week, fueled by the fallout from their 2021 bout, which ended in controversy due to an accidental eye poke from Edwards. Muhammad, entering the match undefeated in 10 fights, embraced his role as the antagonist, openly expressing his animosity towards Edwards and criticizing him for denying a rematch opportunity.

Muhammad's entrance was met with resounding boos, but he remained unfazed, dancing and engaging with his team. In contrast, Edwards, the longest-reigning titleholder heading into the bout, appeared focused and determined, shadowboxing on his way to the octagon.

The early rounds saw Muhammad dictate the pace with a mix of jabs and effective takedown attempts that Edwards struggled to counter. Despite chants of support from the crowd, Muhammad's grappling prowess kept him in control, nullifying Edwards' previous success against top-tier wrestlers.

As the match progressed, Edwards tried to shift momentum with a takedown and subsequent submission attempts, but Muhammad's defense held strong. By the fourth round, Muhammad's strategy of pressuring Edwards against the cage and dominating on the ground had sealed his path to victory.

Entering the final round, Edwards needed a dramatic turnaround akin to his previous title-winning performance against Kamaru Usman in 2022. Despite a spirited effort from the crowd, Muhammad's relentless approach secured another takedown, effectively sealing Edwards' fate.

Reflecting on his victory, Muhammad attributed his success to his team's meticulous preparation and unwavering support. "I have the best team in the world, and their support was crucial in this win," Muhammad said. "I'm just getting started."

With this victory, Muhammad not only claimed the welterweight title but also solidified his status as a formidable force in the UFC, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.