The UFC welterweight division is set for an explosive title clash as reigning champion Leon Edwards prepares to defend his crown against the determined challenger Belal Muhammad. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for July 27 at UFC 304, taking place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.
Bookmakers are leaning towards Edwards retaining his title, given his impressive win streak and rich skill set. The English fighter has demonstrated technical striking prowess and formidable ground game, as evidenced by his successful outings against top contenders like Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman.
Their initial encounter in 2021 lasted just one round, with Muhammad seemingly overwhelmed by Edwards’ tactics. To avoid history repeating itself, the challenger will need to have made significant adjustments to his strategy, especially considering Edwards’ continued evolution as a fighter.
Tale of the Tape Edwards holds a physical advantage, standing 8 cm taller than Muhammad with a 5 cm reach advantage.
Leon “Rocky” Edwards
- Current UFC Welterweight Champion
- Former BAMMA Welterweight Champion
- Two-time UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus recipient
- Second-longest win streak in UFC welterweight history
- Professional record: 22 wins, 3 losses, 1 no contest (26 fights)
Edwards’ 13-fight UFC win streak is a testament to his ability to neutralize opponents’ game plans. While he may not possess one-punch knockout power, his durability and point-fighting acumen have proven difficult for challengers to overcome. His recent performance against Colby Covington showcased a champion in his prime.
Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad
- Former Titan FC Welterweight Champion
- Two-time UFC “Performance of the Night” and one-time “Fight of the Night” bonus recipient
- Currently ranked #2 in the UFC welterweight division
- Professional record: 23 wins, 3 losses, 1 no contest (27 fights)
Muhammad enters this bout with dual motivations: claiming the championship and settling a personal score with Edwards. A victory would validate his methodical rise through the ranks and prove that charisma and highlight-reel finishes aren’t the only path to UFC gold.
Keys to Victory For Edwards, maintaining distance with his diverse kicking arsenal and sharp boxing will be crucial. He’ll likely aim to control the pace, stuff takedowns, and potentially surprise Muhammad with his own grappling offense.
Muhammad must close the distance effectively, mixing his striking with well-timed takedown attempts. His cardio and relentless pressure could prove decisive in the championship rounds if he can wear down the champion.
Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 2 Fight Prediction
The initial Edwards-Muhammad clash in 2021 ended as a no contest, with Edwards dominating the lone completed round. Muhammad struggled to read Edwards’ feints, making him vulnerable. However, expecting a repeat performance would be unwise, as both fighters have significantly evolved since then.
Both combatants are decision specialists, adept at swaying judges. This makes a five-round battle a double-edged sword. Given their boxing prowess, expect increased aggression from round two onward as they seek a knockout. This dynamic makes the under 4.5 rounds an appealing wager.
I’m leaning towards Muhammad as the underdog. His striking has improved to the point where he can potentially outgun Edwards. Additionally, Muhammad’s edge in cardio and grappling, coupled with more favorable odds, make him an intriguing pick. While Muhammad’s year-long absence from the octagon might raise concerns, it could be a blessing in disguise. This time away likely allowed him to meticulously study the champion and fine-tune his strategy.