Belal Muhammad Shocks Leon Edwards to Claim UFC Welterweight Title
In a stunning turn of events at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad delivered a commanding performance to dethrone Leon Edwards and claim the welterweight title. The bout, held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, saw the 36-year-old American out-grapple Edwards, ending the Briton’s impressive 12-fight win streak. The unanimous decision victory marked a significant moment in Muhammad’s career and left the atmosphere of the venue subdued, reflecting the gravity of the result.
Dominant Performance and Fight Dynamics
Belal Muhammad’s victory was characterised by his effective grappling, which disrupted Edwards’ rhythm from the outset. Despite the challenge of fighting at an unusual time of 05:30 BST, which catered to the American audience, Muhammad demonstrated his readiness and tactical acumen. Edwards, speaking candidly after the fight, admitted, “Not surprising, my body just felt tired from round one. All week I’ve felt tired. Congratulations to Belal, we will be back.”
This bout was notable not just for its result but also for its place in UFC history. It was the first UFC event to take place at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena, setting a significant precedent. The card featured two British fighters in title bouts, making it a landmark event for UFC in England.
Build-Up and Atmosphere
The build-up to the fight was charged with tension, primarily due to the controversial ending of their 2021 encounter, which was halted due to an accidental eye poke from Edwards. Muhammad’s role as the antagonist was evident throughout fight week, as he embraced the role with a grin, responding to boos with a cheeky attitude and taunting fans about England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
As Muhammad made his way to the octagon, the atmosphere was electric, but his entrance was met with heavy boos, the loudest of the night. Edwards, the longest-reigning title holder in UFC history at that time, approached the octagon with a focused demeanour, shadowboxing and offering himself words of encouragement.
Tactical Breakdown of the Fight
From the first round, Muhammad took control with his grappling skills. Edwards had previously showcased his ability to defend against high-level wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. However, Muhammad’s relentless pressure and effective use of jabs and takedowns proved a different challenge. Edwards’ attempts to mount an offence were stymied by Muhammad’s superior wrestling.
The third round saw Edwards briefly shift the momentum in his favour with a takedown and an attempt at a rear-naked choke. Despite this, Muhammad’s resilience was evident as he regained control in the fourth round, using his jabs to keep Edwards at bay and securing another takedown.
As the final round commenced, Edwards needed a dramatic finish akin to his 2022 victory over Usman. Despite a valiant effort from the crowd to rally behind him, Muhammad’s continued dominance on the ground was decisive. The sight of fans leaving the arena was a clear indicator of the fight’s outcome as it became apparent that Edwards was heading towards defeat.
Post-Fight Reactions and Future Plans
In the aftermath, Muhammad made a defiant statement about his victory, saying, “It sounds like all of the people booing have got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes. I’ve got my family in here. God first, always. This fight is for my family, my people and for Palestine.” Muhammad, who has been vocal about his journey and challenges, added, “I got the best team in the world, we study to the core, we get better. We’ve got the best strikers, these guys are killers. You might not know their names, but we’ve got a real champion in Chicago now.”
For Edwards, the defeat marked his first loss since 2015, and he expressed a desire to return to the octagon before the end of the year. “One more this year, November or December I’m ready to go,” Edwards said, indicating his determination to bounce back and reclaim his place at the top of the division.
Conclusion
Belal Muhammad’s victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 not only secured him the welterweight title but also redefined his status within the UFC. With a dominant performance that showcased his grappling prowess, Muhammad has firmly established himself as a significant force in the division. For Edwards, the setback is a challenging moment, but his resilience and plans for a swift return reflect his unwavering commitment to the sport. This fight has set the stage for intriguing developments in the welterweight division and promises exciting future match-ups.
