Tag: Leon Edwards

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Belal Muhammad & Tom Aspinall’s UFC 304 title wins, UFC on ABC 7 preview, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses UFC 304, previews UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi and much more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • The UFC welterweight division has a new king. [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] in a dominant decision win in the main event of UFC 304. This is a big shake up for the division. Who should be Muhammad’s first challenger? Where does Edwards go from here? We discuss.
  • In the co-main event of UFC 304, [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] retained his UFC interim heavyweight title by stopping [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] in just 60 seconds. Did Aspinall prove he’s the best heavyweight on the planet? How does this result impact the expected title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic? We break down the Englishman’s win, along with the state of the heavyweight division.
  • Aside from Muhammad and Aspinall’s wins, there were other important results at UFC 304. [autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag] viciously submitted veteran [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag][autotag]. [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] continued his unbeaten run, but may have seen his UFC career come to an end. [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag],[autotag] Nathaniel Wood[/autotag] and [autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag] picked up important wins. We discuss it all.
  • UFC on ABC 7 goes down Saturday, and the UFC has brought many impressive matchups to Abu Dhabi. From its main event in [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag], to [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]’s return, the panel previews all the action.
  •  Beyond UFC 304 in Manchester and the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi, there has been plenty of news since the last Spinning Back Clique episode. We highlight the biggest headlines to close out the show.

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UFC 304 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall lead with $42,000

Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall fetched maximum $42,000 payouts under the Promotional Guidelines Compliance for entering UFC 304 with belts.

MANCHESTER, England – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 304 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $307,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 304 took place at Co-op Live. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC 304 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]King Green[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Giga Chikadze[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Bruna Brasil[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Jake Hadley[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Caolan Loughran[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Oban Elliott[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Preston Parsons[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Modestas Bukauskas[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Marcin Prachnio[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Sam Patterson[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kiefer Crosbie[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Mick Parkin[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Lukasz Brzeski[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Shauna Bannon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Alice Ardelean[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $4,575,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $27,312,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 results: Belal Muhammad upsets Leon Edwards in dominant performance

Welp, the UFC oddsmakers got this one wrong.

If you had trouble before, perhaps championship gold will help you “Remember the Name.”

At UFC 304, [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] proved the oddsmakers wrong as he largely dominated [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] in all facets to win the promotion’s welterweight title by unanimous decision (). The fight was the main event at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

From the opening bell, Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) stalked Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) down with his striking before he resorted to his wrestling in each sequence. In the opening 20 seconds, Muhammad elevated and dumped Edwards to the canvas. He also tagged Edwards with a pair of hard punches that appeared to stun the then-champion.

His takedowns were emphatic, including a massive slam that dropped Edwards straight on the crown of his head in Round 2. Edwards had his strongest round in Round 3, as he controlled Muhammad from the back for the near entirety of the five minutes.

Muhammad returned the favor of domination in Round 4 and much of Round 5. A powerful sequence of punched from Edwards in Round 5 cracked Muhammad’s head open, but it wasn’t enough to sway any judge.

Saturday’s fight was a rematch of a 2020 bout that ended in a no contest when Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye. Since that fight, Edwards went on to win title gold and defend it twice. Muhammad won five straight fights to earn the title shot, including bouts vs. Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Vicente Luque.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 304 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

UFC 304 took place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round updates and official results throughout the event.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) met challenger [autotag]Belal Muhammad [/autotag](24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC). In the co-feature, interim heavyweight champ [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) took on [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC). Both bouts were rematches of fights that ended with odd circumstances the first time around.

Check out our round-by-round updates and official results for UFC 304 below. Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC 304 fight card

MAIN CARD (ESPN+ pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – for welterweight title
  • Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00 – for interim heavyweight title
  • Paddy Pimblett def. King Green via technical submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:22
  • Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
  • Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm triangle) – Round 3, 3:12
  • Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 2:50
  • Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:23
  • Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad

Round 1 – No glove touch here. Muhammad quickly takes the center and they begin finding the range. Muhammad darts in for a takedown and easily gets Edwards to the mat, almost silencing the crowd. Edwards tries to keep Muhammad wrapped up from the bottom, and he finds space to scramble back to his feet. Edwards reverses the clinch position and looks for his own takedown. The crowd is back into it now, chanting, “headshot, dead.” Edwards lands an elbow on the exit. They are trading punches in the center now. Edwards grabs a Thai clinch and digs a knee to the body. They reset, and a moment later Edwards sneaks in a nice uppercut. A body kick is not too far behind it. Muhammad keeps the forward pressure high, though. A hard left sneaks in. An uppercut rocks Edwards! The champ is trying to hide it. Muhammad recognizes it and completes a takedown. Muhammad lands ground and pound for a few seconds until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 2 – Edwards comes out with a hard kick to the body. A heated exchange of punches follows. Muhammad snaps a left jab as he presses forward. There’s the level change, and Muhammad works for a takedown. Edwards puts up a good defense, but Muhammad sticks with it and gets him down to a knee. He nearly gets the back too, but Edwards doesn’t stay here. Muhammad is relentless though, and woah! He slams Edwards on his head with a high crotch takedown! Edwards gets back to his feet for a split second. Muhammad with another high crotch! He’s on Edwards’s back now, trying to get a hook in. Edwards doesn’t allow it and gets back to his feet, but Muhammad is on him like glue and tries to drag him back to the mat. Edwards works through it and eventually reverses the clinch. Now Edwards drags Muhammad to the mat. Edwards is on the back, but there’s the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 3 – Edwards fires a head kick, but it’s partially blocked. Muhammad gets back to the forward pressure. Another takedown for the challenger, but Edwards pops up quickly. Edwards gets in on the hips and gets a takedown. He scrambles to the back and looks for a choke. Muhammad defends well and doesn’t seem too concerned with a choke, but can’t get Edwards off his back as he racks up a lot of control time. Edwards starts punching to the body before the last seconds of the round tick away.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Edwards.

Round 4 – Muhammad gets right back to pressuring. Edwards goes for a big head kick, but Muhammad defends. A nice combination punctuated by a left from Edwards scores well. Muhammad still comes forward, and starts putting punches together as Edwards gets close to the fence. Muhammad shoots in and takes the back as Edwards is down on one knee against the fence. Muhammad punches to the head. The challenger adjusts and now has Edwards in the same position he was stuck in last round. Muhammad gets in a few short punches while maintaining control. Edwards scrambles and reverses position, ending up in guard with 30 seconds to go. Muhammad tries to get to his feet, and Edwards stick with him to take the back.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 5 – Punching exchanges start the last five minutes. Edwards goes for a head kick, but it’s not there. Muhammad shoots but is denied. Muhammad stays in close, keeping busy with punches. Muhammad changes levels and takes the back. Muhammad has a body triangle locked in and is fully in control. Midway through the round now. Muhammad adds a couple of punches from the back. Less than two minutes. Muhammad still in control from the back, just touching Edwards with short punches. One minute left. Edwards reverses with 40 seconds to go. A big elbow for Edwards slices a big cut on Muhammad! Blood is pouring everywhere. Edwards gets in a few more punches right before the horn, and that’s it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Edwards, but the fight goes to Muhammad 48-47.

Result: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – for welterweight title
Recap: UFC 304 results: Belal Muhammad upsets Leon Edwards in dominant performance
Photos: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (48-47), Derek Cleary (48-47), Clemens Werner (49-46)

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin sizing each other up. Blaydes lands a right hand in a 1-2 combo. Another right for Blaydes. Both land punches as Aspinall closes in to clinch. Aspinall looks for a takedown but lets go. Aspinall eats another punch from Blaydes and takes a step back. He then sets up for a 1-2, but the left sends Blaydes stumbling back! The right hand misses, but Aspinall rushes in to follow up! Blaydes turns to his stomach and Aspinall punches until the referee stops the fight. Wow!

Result: Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00 – for interim heavyweight title
Recap: UFC 304 results: Tom Aspinall quickly knocks out Curtis Blaydes, calls out Jon Jones
Photos: Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard

King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett

Round 1 – Pimblett opens up with leg kicks as the crowd loudly chants his name. A left hand from Pimblett connects. Another leg kick from Pimblett. Green rushes forward with a combination. They reset, and Green side kicks to the lead leg. Green punches to the body and Pimblett responds with a leg kick. Green starts talking to his corner and Pimblett, inviting him to kick the leg again. Green changes levels for a takedown, but Pimblett quickly wraps up Green in a triangle, and it’s deep! Green tries to fight through it but Pimblett adjusts and it’s fully locked in now. Green can’t get out. Pimblett rolls him over, adding an armbar. But Green is out cold! Wow. The crowd goes nuts as the referee waves the fight off. What a huge statement by Pimblett.

Result: Paddy Pimblett def. King Green via technical submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:22
Recap: UFC 304 results: Paddy Pimblett sleeps King Green with beautiful triangle choke
Photos: Paddy Pimblett def. King Green at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Green (32-16-1 MMA, 13-11-1 UFC), Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and CLD gets right to the action with a sharp jab as he pressures forward. Rodrigues blitzes with a hard combination that prompts CLD to retreat and circle away to reset. Another 1-2 for Rodrigues gets in. CLD darts forward and lands a short elbow. He backs away and lands an inside leg kick. Rodrigues mixes things up with a single leg takedown and gets to work on the mat. Rodrigues tries to transition as he lands a few short elbows to the head and punches to the body. A large hematoma begins to grow on CLD’s forehead. CLD tries to scramble to his feet, but Rodrigues floats well and maintains a top position. Rodrigues lands a few short elbows from a front headlock position before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues.

Round 2 – Another touch of gloves, and CLD fires off an inside leg kick. CLD kicks outside, but Rodrigues counters with a fast combo. CLD looks for the clinch, and eats a knee to the body. He sticks with it though, getting Rodrigues into the fence. CLD drops down and nearly lifts Rodrigues, but doesn’t get him up. They separate, and there’s a hard exchange of strikes, including a spinning elbow from CLD. Now Rodrigues is on the hips, looking for a takedown. CLD threatens a kimura as Rodrigues gets to the back, and the position battle continues. The referee surprisingly decides to separate the fighters, despite being active. Back in the center, punches fly in a heated exchange before CLD clinches again. Rodrigues lands nicely and CLD is hurt. A big right hand from Rodrigues. CLD is wobbled! Both are bleeding now. Rodrigues takes control on the ground until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues.

Round 3 – One round to go, and Rodrigues immediately gets back to forward pressure. CLD grabs Rodrigues after getting caught with another big punch. Rodrigues reverses and lifts CLD up for a big slam to the mat. CLD pops up though, and the clinch battle against the cage is on again. The referee steps in closely, seemingly ready to break it up quickly again. Rodrigues gets a hold of CLD’s leg. CLD attempts to jump and spin with a kick off his plant leg, but misses. Now Rodrigues is on the back, looking to get a choke in. The referee is still threatening to stand up the fight, despite Rodrigues being on CLD’s back. Blood is all over the place right now. Less than a minute to go, Rodrigues punches and elbows to keep the referee away while maintaining control until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Gregory Rodrigues outgrapples a bloodied Christian Leroy Duncan
Photos: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304: Best photos
Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Duncan (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Derek Cleary, David Lethaby, Anders Ohlsson

Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

Round 1 – Chikadze starts it off with a pair of hard right kicks. A body kick, followed by a leg kick and another high kick. Chikadze is on fire early. Allen slows the action by charging forward with punches. The offense stalls for a bit as Allen circles. Chikadze punches and goes high with a kick. Allen just misses with a combination. Chikadze catches air with a big wheel kick. Allen kicks to the body. Chikadze lands a sharp right down the pipe. Allen finds a home for a nice left hand. The crowd’s chants echo throughout the arena as they circle around the cage. Allen lands a powerful left hand. Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze just misses fully connecting with a flying knee, but it still catches Allen off balance. Allen gets up and lands a front kick to the face just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Chikadze.

Round 2 – Allen comes out, circling all over the cage. Chikadze attempts another wheel kick that misses the target. Allen lands an inside leg kick and a punch to the body, but Chikadze also lands a sharp punch. They exchange leg kicks. Allen gets in a fast 1-2 combo. Then Allen cracks with a hard left hand, briefly buckling Chikadze. Allen’s on the hunt now and lands another combo. A high kick from Chikadze is blocked. Another a moment later partially lands. Allen responds with a left hand. Chikadze is on the outside circling now. Allen connects with another left. Chikadze answers with one of his own. A powerful combo lands for Allen as Chikadze looks for a kick. Chikadze digs in with a leg kick. They trade punches upstairs, and then high kicks in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Allen.

Round 3 – Allen works behind a right jab as he circles to the same side. Chikadze looks for a right head kick as Allen charges forward with a left hand. Chikadze’s nose is very bloody as Allen continues to connect with punches. Allen mixes in a punch to the body as he chases Chikadze. A body kick gets in for Chikadze. Two minutes to go, and Allen lands a left. Chikadze responds with another kick to the body. Allen lands again with a punch. Allen lands a hook, sparking a combination. Chikadze’s offensive output has slowed, as Allen’s pressure is heavy. Chikadze threatens a spinning attack, but Allen keeps his defense tight. Allen continues to chase Chikadze around the cage, landing more punches and a jumping switch knee before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Allen, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Arnold Allen elects to stand, outpoints Giga Chikadze in fun battle
Photos: Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Allen (20-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC), Chikadze (15-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Mark Collett, Anders Ohlsson

Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood

Round 1 – Wood starts firing a few outside leg kicks. Pineda quickly shoots in, but doesn’t complete the takedown. Wood gets back to leg kicks, firing off a pair. Pineda kicks to the legs too. A jab from Wood lands. A right front kick to the stomach puts Pineda down! Wood decides to follow him to the ground and gets stuck in guard. Pineda has plenty of time to recover here, and eventually transitions to take top position. As the final seconds tick away, Pineda stands up and rains down a few hard punches before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Wood.

Round 2 – Both fighters come out swinging; Wood with cleaner strikes, Pineda with looping hooks. Wood lands clean to the right side of Pineda’s face. Pineda immediately covers up his right eye and turns away. Swelling is very apparent in the area, but Pineda swings back to keep Wood away and stay in the fight. A front kick from Wood kicks right on or slightly below the belt line, and Pineda is given some time to recover for a low strike. The fight resumes and Pineda digs in a nice leg kick. Wood responds with one of his own, and Pineda’s leg gives out. Pineda gets up and eats a hard punch, sending him stumbling backward. Wood doesn’t rush in, and Pineda gets to his feet. They clinch briefly, but Wood disengages. Wood clips Pineda with a left and Pineda stumbles. Another left sends Pineda to the ground! The finish seems near! Wood decides to…get in Pineda’s guard until the round ends?

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Wood.

Round 3 – Between rounds the doctor checks the right eye of Pineda, which looks pretty bad. He’s allowed to continue, though. The fight is on for five more minutes, and the exchanges pick up on the feet. Wood gets a body lock, but Pineda rolls through to threaten a kneebar. With Wood nearly on his back in an awkward position, Pineda smashes him in the face with a sneaky back elbow. They scramble, and Pineda ends up in top half. Pineda does well to keep the position and gets in a couple of short strikes. Wood tries to get to his knees, but has to stop because of guillotine and D’arce choke threats.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Pineda, but the fight goes to Wood, 29-27.

Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
Photos: Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda at UFC 304: Best photos
Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Pineda (28-16 MMA, 5-7 UFC), Wood (21-6 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: David Lethaby (29-27), Darryl Ransom (29-27), Clemens Werner (29-28)

Bruna Brasil vs. Molly McCann

Round 1 – McCann quickly takes the center and is met by an outside leg kick that spins her around. Brasil kicks to the body nicely and circles away. The crowd begins chanting for McCann as she pressures Brasil. A nice right hand from McCann followed by swinging hooks that miss. Both kick at the same time, but Brasil’s knee goes straight into McCann’s groin and we have a break in the action. A massive swelling is apparent on McCann’s forehead during the pause as well. We’re back to it, and they get right back to trading. Brasil is sharp with knees, keeping McCann at bay. Brasil lands a left and circles. She’s sticking and moving very well right now. McCann keeps following, though. McCann closes in and Brasil connects with a hard knee to the body, folding her over. Brasil doesn’t follow, and allows her to stand up. A moment later, Brasil digs in with another heavy kick to the body. McCann folds over again. Brasil stays patient though. Now she rushes in and grabs a Thai clinch. More knees dig in. McCann gets a hold of her though. Brasil gets out of the clinch and digs in another knee. McCann tries for a takedown but gets reversed. Brasil is on top and tries to take the back. She gives up on it and stands, but McCann gets up looks for a takedown of her own.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Brasil.

Round 2 – McCann charges forward with punches, but Brasil is light on her feet and evades. McCann steps in with a left that is partially blocked. Brasil fires off a sharp punch. McCann changes levels for the takedown, looking for a single leg. It’s not there for her, and the clinch battle is on. Both get in knees to the body. McCann then lifts and dumps Brasil to the canvas. McCann backs out as Brasil threw her legs up. Back on the feet, McCann’s punch leads to another clinch against the fence. Foot stomps from McCann now. Brasil gets the hip toss and begins working from full guard with a minute to go. McCann does well to keep her wrapped up and pushes off. We’re back to standing. McCann spins with a punch, but it’s a wild one, and Brasil lands a hard punch, dropping McCann.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brasil.

Round 3 – McCann comes out with heavy pressure, looking to land punches. She looks for the takedown, but Brasil reverses and scrambles to take top position. McCann gets her feet on the hips and pushes off. Back to standing and McCann is going for it with big punches. McCann lands a couple of big strikes. Brasil eats them, and lands a big knee followed by a takedown. Two minutes to go and Brasil is in guard. McCann attempts to scramble up, but gets her back taken. McCann works her way up as Brasil slides off, and immediately jumps on Brasil’s back to threaten a choke. She gets too high and slides off, and Brasil is back to top position. Brasil gets on the back again in the closing seconds, and the fight concludes after a final scramble for position.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brasil, giving her the fight 30-26.

Result: Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Bruna Brasil punishes Molly McCann en route to upset win
Photos: Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Brasil (10-4-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC), McCann (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (30-27), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Clemens Werner (30-27)

Jake Hadley vs. Caolan Loughran

Round 1 – Hadley opens the action with an inside leg kick. Another soon follows. Loughran looks for a punch to the body. Hadley swings and connects with a big punch. An inside leg kick behind it. Loughran slowly paces forward behind a left jab. Hadley kicks inside again. Hadley jabs on the outside as he circles to his left. Loughran puts together a nice combination. Single punches continue to be exchanged, with neither fighter putting a lot behind their strikes with a minute to go. Almost a sparring feel here as they circle around the octagon.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hadley.

Round 2 – Loughran takes the center quickly and fires off punches first. Hadley counters, and Loughran shoots in. Hadley defends and circles off the cage. Hadley fires a right jab and kicks inside. Another right jab to a kick combo for Hadley. Loughran rips a right hand to the body. He then slips a punch and lands a solid right hook. They’re exchanging at a steady clip now. Both fighters landing. Hadley connects with a left but a kick from Loughran goes low at the same time and we have a pause in the action. After a 94-second break, we’re back to it. Single strikes are exchanged before Loughran shoots in. He nearly complete a single leg, but Hadley scrambles out. A moment later, Loughran gets the fight to the ground and begins working from half guard, but there’s only a few seconds left.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughran.

Round 3 – They get right back into trading punches. Loughran presses forward, and sees his opening for a takedown attempt. Hadley defends it nicely and the clinch battle is on. Hadley lands a beautiful elbow on the exit. A sharp right jab soon follows. They’re trading again at a high clip, but not much power on display. Hadley adds the inside leg kick as he circles. The right jab connects. Loughran kicks to the inside of the leg now. As the time ticks away, they continue to exchange leg kicks. Loughran presses forward with a right hand just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hadley, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Hadley (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC), Loughran (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28), Mark Collett (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev

Round 1 – The tensions boiled over right before the fight began, as Mokaev and Kape nearly scrapped before introductions. We’re off to it, and Mokaev rushed across the cage to start. However, things immediately slow down. Weird. Anyway, a front kick from Mokaev. Another kick from Mokaev a few moments later. And another. The pace is not matching the pre-fight intensity. Single strikes from both as both appear timid. Mokaev kicks high, but it’s blocked. Kape kicks to the legs. Kape has the forward pressure on, but isn’t offering. Now he blitzes with punches and a flying knee. Mokaev resets but Kape follows and lands a very nice combination that appears to hurt Mokaev.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kape.

Round 2 – About 30 seconds in, Mokaev charges forward with a knee and a punch as Kape circles away. Mokaev kicks high, and partially connects. Kape backs away and grabs at his foot. Commentary seems to believe they see a broken toe. Kape is clearly favoring his right foot, but tries to keep fighting. Mokaev shoots in for a takedown, and gets it, but Mokaev clearly pulls Kape’s shorts, nearly ripping them. Kape complains, and the referee pauses the fight. Mike Beltran tears into Mokaev for doing that, but doesn’t take a point. While Mokaev gets a stern talking to, Kape has to fix the drawstring on his shorts before the fight resumes. Kape catches a kick, and Mokaev appears to scrape the eyes. Kape turns away, but Beltran didn’t see the poke, and doesn’t stop the fight. Mokaev charges in, but Kape turns at the last second to defend. Kape is back to the forward pressure, looking to land punches. Mokaev lands a couple of kicks. A left hand from Kape connects.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Mokaev.

Round 3 – The doctor checks on Kape’s toe between rounds, but is allowed to continue. Mokaev slaps with a head kick. As Kape charges in, Mokaev changes levels, but aborts the takedown. Mokaev lands a counter as Kape charges forward. Kape nicely sprawls a takedown attempt and gets right back up to pressure on the feet. He fires off a quick punching combination. They circle around the cage and Kape lands a left. Mokaev shoots in and Kape locks on a guillotine. It’s more of a holding position right now. Mokaev eventually pops his head out, and Kape unloads a series of elbows to the top of the head. Mokaev looks to stay heavy on top, but Kape sneaks in low and rolls for a kneebar. It’s not there, but it’s good enough to get the fight back to standing. Kape is back on the forward charge and Mokaev looks for a takedown before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Mokaev, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Rivalry fizzles as Muhammad Mokaev beats Manel Kape in lackluster affair
Photos: Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28), Anders Ohlsson (30-27), Darryl Ransom (29-28)

Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons

Round 1 – They touch up the gloves and get to it. Elliott opens up with a spinning kick that misses the mark. Parsons gets to the clinch, looking for a takedown. They jockey for position against the fence. Back and forth they go, and eventually separate. Elliott fires off a left jab and then looks for a spinning kick to the body. Parsons fires off a combo and spins with a kick too. Elliott wheel kicks, but it’s blocked. Elliott starts a combination, but a Parsons counter kick trips him up. Elliott bounces up into a clinch. Nothing is there again and they return to the center. Exchanging punches in the center, Elliott lands a nice one. Parsons shoots, but is stuffed by solid takedown defense. The round comes to a close in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott.

Round 2 – Parsons comes out with an inside kick and punches upstairs. Elliott circles and lands a punch of his own. Parsons shoots again, but is denied. The clinch battle against the fence is on again. They separate and return to the center. Parsons lands a nice double jab. Elliott responds with a combo. Parsons is in deep on a well-timed shot, but wow, Elliott’s defense on the takedowns is stellar. They’re back in the center trading punches. Elliott has the clinch now, and drags Parsons down as the crowd begins to chant. Parsons gets back up to his feet, and we’re back to the striking game. Parsons kicks outside to the leg, but eats a counter left hand. One minute to go now, and Parsons shoots in again. Elliott defends and grabs a kimura. Parsons rolls through it, scrambles, and we’re back to a clinch against the cage.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott.

Round 3 – Elliott lands a quick 1-2. He leads the dance with punches before Parsons shoots in. It’s defended well once again, but Parsons tries to scramble to keep it alive. Eventually Elliott gets back up to his feet, and lets his hands go. A sharp 1-2 lands for Elliott. He lands another flurry of punches. The clinch battle is on again against the cage. Elliott separates and returns to the middle, working behind a left jab. Parsons looks to land a few kicks, but comes up with air. Elliott lands a nice punch and gets in on a clinch. He disengages and lands a short elbow. Another shot from Parsons is stopped initially, but he adjusts and finally gets him to the mat. However, Elliott immediately throws up an armbar, forcing Parsons to defend. Just 30 seconds to go, and Elliott gets back up to his feet. Parsons looks for short punches in the clinch before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Elliott (11-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Parsons (11-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Mark Collett (29-28), David Lethaby (30-27)

Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

Round 1 – Prachnio starts off looking to land a few leg kicks. He goes to them repeatedly, really digging in with a right that buckles Bukauskas’ leg. The focus on kicks continues for Prachnio as Bukauskas looks for punches upstairs. Bukauskas lands a solid kick to the body and cracks with a left hand. Prachnio lands a beautiful punch to the body followed by a overhand left. Somehow Bukauskas just eats it. Bukauskas turns up the forward pressure as he lets his hands go. They end up clinched after an exchange, Bukauskas pushing Prachnio into the cage. A spinning elbow partially connects for Bukauskas on the exit. Bukauskas wobbles Prachnio with a punch! He blitzes to follow up, but Prachnio circles away and resets. Prachnio threatens a few spinning attacks, but doesn’t commit. Bukauskas steps in for a big right hand. One more big rush of punches from Bukauskas before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bukauskas.

Round 2 – A wild exchange starts the round. Prachnio continues to look for kicks, but Bukauskas lands with power punches. Prachnio lands a punch to the body. A moment later, he swings wildly with an overhand right, taking himself off balance. Bukauskas lands a nice left followed by a crushing right hand that rocks Prachnio! The rush is on again for Bukauskas against the fence! Woah! Prachnio throws up a head kick and wobbles Bukauskas! Now Prachnio is looking to capitalize! Bukauskas is able to get a hold of him and keeps the clinch against the cage. What a crazy moment. Just under two minutes to go and they’re back in the center. Bukauskas gets a body lock and completes the takedown. Bukauskas postures up for a few heavy punches. Now he transitions to side control and threatens a kimura. Prachnio gets back to guard, and works his way up to standing just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bukauskas.

Round 3 – Prachnio comes out on fire! He’s just blitzing with hooks and tagging Bukauskas! Somehow, Bukauskas gets a hold of him again and gets a takedown. Bukauskas stays heavy, looking to transition. The referee calls for action, and Bukauskas punches to the head and body. Bukauskas with a couple of short elbows now. An arm triangle is there, but doesn’t go for it. Prachnio’s arm is still there, and now Bukauskas looks to lock it in. The squeeze is on, and there’s the tap! What an end to a wild fight.

Result: Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm triangle) – Round 3, 3:12
Recap: UFC 304 video: Modestas Bukauskas resorts to ground game to finish game Marcin Prachnio
Photos: Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Bukauskas (16-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Prachnio (17-8 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Kiefer Crosbie vs. Sam Patterson

Round 1 – Crosbie starts the action with a calf kick. A few punches from both follow, with Crosbie adding another calf kick. Patterson puts together a very sharp, fast combination. Crosbie goes inside with a kick, and it strays a little too high. The action is paused for a moment, but Patterson is ready to go. He unloads another sharp combination on the restart. Crosbie counters and clinches. However, Patterson gets the takedown. Patterson quickly slaps on an arm triangle and it’s deep. Crosbie is in big trouble here. Patterson adjusts, steps off to the side, and really sinks it in. There’s the tap! Wow. What a performance by Patterson!

Result: Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 2:50
Recap: UFC 304 video: Sam Patterson chokes out Kiefer Crosbie in first round
Photos: Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Crosbie (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Patterson (12-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki

Lukasz Brzeski vs. Mick Parkin

Round 1 – They get right into it, trading heavy punches. Brzeski is aggressive early here. Parkin weathers the early offense, and gets in a few solid counters himself. Now they’re settled in, and the pace slows. Brzeski works on the outside and continues to fire off first. Parkin gets it going with a solid combination. Brzeski gets in a quick high kick, but Parkin responds with a hard right hand. The pace picks up again and they’re trading. Parkin clips Brzeski with an overhand right. Oh! He’s wobbled! A little delayed reaction there, and Parkin rushes in with hooks. Boom. Brzeski is down! Parkin with a few more punches and the ref rushes in. Parkin gets his first finish in the UFC!

Result: Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:23
Recap: UFC 304 video: Mick Parkin flattens Lukasz Brzeski for first-round knockout
Photos: Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Brzeski (10-4-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Parkin (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Alice Ardelean vs. Shauna Bannon

Round 1 – Bannon immediately darts across the cage and side kicks Ardelean. The striking exchanges start going at a fast clip. Both offering punches and connecting. Bannon throws up a few different kicking techniques, but Ardelean defends well. Ardelean gets a hold of Bannon for a takedown, and immediately grabs the fence. Referee warns her repeatedly, but just keeps grabbing. Ardelean gets the takedown anyway. Bannon throws up a few submission attacks from her back as Ardelean stays heavy. Ardelean finds a little space to get in some punches, but Bannon keeps attacking submissions, this time an armbar. Bannon gets her rolled over. Ardelean is fully focused on defense now. She gets back to guard, but Bannon keeps attacking with elbows.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bannon.

Round 2 – They trade punches right off the bat. Bannon circles on the outside, staying light on her feet. Ardelean looks for an overhand right but Bannon evades and gets in a nice head kick. Bannon looks for a hip throw in the center of the cage, but Ardelean wasn’t having it. Back to trading punches, Ardelean lands a nice right. Bannon responds with a blitz of punches that gets a crowd reaction. Ardelean clinches against the cage. A few short punches and knees are exchanged as Bannon is pinned against the fence. Ardelean adjusts and gets the outside trip takedown into side control. Ardelean gets a headlock as Bannon attempts to escape out of the back. Bannon gets out and lands a couple of punches right before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bannon.

Round 3 – Bannon blitzes forward with a punch-kick combo. Another 1-2 combo followed by a side kick for Bannon. And she adds another. It’s all Bannon right now, landing another nice combination. Ardelean smiles, but isn’t responding with offense. Bannon charges with a combo. Ardelean lands a solid right hand. They’re trading now. A solid left connects for Ardelean. Bannon threatens the side kick again. Another blitz of punches from Bannon, who continues to rack up the striking numbers. Ardelean eats another combo. Bannon blitzes again, this time Ardelean counters. The fight is paused for a piece of loose tape on Ardelean’s gloves. Back to the action, Bannon lands a slick head kick. Bannon blitzes again and the crowd is getting into it a bit. Bannon is really loose now and eats a left from Ardelean just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-0 for Bannon, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Photos: Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Ardelean (9-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Bannon (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Mark Collett (30-27), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Darryl Ransom (28-29)

UFC 304 predictions

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad fight odds

  • BetMGM: Edwards -275, Muhammad +210
  • DraftKings: Edwards -258, Muhammad +210
  • FanDuel: Edwards -255, Muhammad +210

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes fight odds

  • BetMGM: Aspinall -400, Blaydes +310
  • DraftKings: Aspinall -395, Blaydes +310
  • FanDuel: Aspinall -405, Blaydes +320

Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett fight odds

  • BetMGM: Green -115, Pimblett -105
  • DraftKings: Green -118, Pimblett -102
  • FanDuel: Green -112, Pimblett -104

How to watch UFC 304

The UFC 304 early prelims will stream live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET. Another set of prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, which will air on ESPN2 and stream on ESPN+. The pay-per-view main cards kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

UFC 304 PPV price

UFC 304 will cost ESPN+ subscribers $79.99. If you’re a new subscriber, you have the option of bundling UFC 304 in with the cost of an annual subscription at a 30 percent discounted price, bringing your total to $134.98.

What time does UFC 304 start?

UFC 304 kicks off with early prelims at 6 p.m. ET, followed by prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards at UFC 304: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Belal Muhammad’s unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] at UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. (Photos by Ben Roberts, Getty Images; Reuters; UFC; MMA Junkie)

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad prediction, pick: Could champ have hands full at UFC 304?

Belal Muhammad has the style on paper to give Leon Edwards some fits at UFC 304. Whether or not that happens is a whole other thing.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC 304 main event between welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] and [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag], who meet in a rematch of a March 2021 fight that ended in a no contest because of a nasty eye poke by Edwards.

Leon Edwards UFC 304 preview

Leon Edwards UFC 286 ceremonial weigh-ins

Staple info:

  • Record: 22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC
  • Height: 6’0″ Age: 32 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 74″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Colby Covington(Dec. 16, 2023)
  • Camp: Team Renegade (Birmingham, Eng.)
  • Stance/striking style: Southpaw/muay Thai
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ UFC welterweight champion
+ BAMMA welterweight title
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ 6 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 5 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Good lateral footwork
+ Accurate shot selection
^ Coming forward and off the counter
+ Hard head and body kicks
+ Superb clinch game
^ Grip awareness, elbows off the break, etc.
+ Underrated wrestling ability
^ Solid defensive and offensive fundamentals
+/- 1-0 in career rematches

Belal Muhammad UFC 304 preview

  • Record: 23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC
  • Height: 5’11” Age: 36 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 72″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Gilbert Burns (May 6, 2023)
  • Camp: Chicago Fight Team (Chicago, Il.)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Titan FC welterweight title
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt
+ Wrestling base
+ 4 KO victories
+ 1 submission win
+ 1 first-round finish
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Solid feints and footwork
+ Good combination striker
^ Shifts stances/variates to the body
+ Hard leg kicks
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Serviceable takedown threats
^ In the open or against the fence
+ Good transitional grappler
+/-1-0 in career rematches
+/- 5-2-1 against UFC-level southpaws

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad point of interest: Striking the second time around

Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Leon Edwards (red gloves) fights Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Between their first fight lasting just over a round to the fact that it took place over three years ago on short notice, it’s hard to make concrete statements based on that meeting alone.

Although Edwards was winning early, you can’t discount the fact Muhammad has a winning record against southpaws and traditionally gets stronger as fights wear on.

Despite being an orthodox-stance striker who isn’t shy about throwing power from the rear, Muhammad has done a deceptively good job of developing his lead hand in recent years.

Half-stepping his way into space off of a prodding jab, Muhammad makes hay off of multiple looks that range from building right crosses to the body to levering hooks off of his straight shots. The 12-year pro also has been much sneakier about shifting his stance mid-combination, as Muhammad shows a slick ability to draw opposition into right hooks off a back-stepping southpaw shift (a la a prime “Jacare” Souza).

Muhammad is also content with continually punishing legs from a distance when he needs to, but is not beyond taking damage to his own lower extremities due to his propensity to stay heavy on his lead leg. Against a crafty counter fighter who is not shy about attacking the lower extremities, Muhammad could get more than he bargains for should he not disguise his entries properly from range.

Enter Edwards.

A slick, diverse striker who can counter or come forward with effect, Edwards’ pairing of speed and accuracy helps him cover a lot of ground in regards to gaining respect.

Working behind a deceptive jab that he often uses to check his opponents, Edwards keeps powerful left crosses and kicks at the ready, occasionally sprinkling in sneaky teeps and explosive knees to intercept oncoming level changes. The Englishman also doesn’t mind throwing a shot away in order to land another, as Edwards seems perfectly fine with making adjustments on the fly.

Whenever his opponents offer up straight shots down the center, Edwards has a knack for countering over the tops of their shoulders. And when they decide to hook hard or launch power from the rear, Edwards is quick to suffocate their efforts by initiating the clinch and applying his patent close-quarter-combat tactics.

When feeling in stride, Edwards will try and capitalize on previous bodywork by going up high with his patent head kick – usually setting it up off of your classic southpaw double-attack dynamic.

Even though I see Edwards’ left elbow having some play in this fight, the distance he likes to launch it at will likely invite a very sticky customer.

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad breakdown: Potential grappling threats

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: (R-L) Belal Muhammad punches Stephen Thompson in their welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Considering the previous success that other fighters have had against Edwards, no one should be shocked if Muhammad looks to pressure the champion into grappling exchanges early and often.

Coming from a wrestling base where he was coached by PFL standout Louis Taylor, Muhammad is no stranger when it comes to stringing takedowns into his offensive repertoire. Whether he is chaining off of singles in the open or changing his level for doubles against the fence, Muhammad offers solid takedown threats that his opposition needs to respect.

Muhammad is also good at chaining his way into clinching scenarios, which could make things interesting given each fighter’s strengths.

Not only is Muhammad a decent shot wrestler, but the Palestinian-American works well from the body lock, showing a knack for shucking by his opponents and encouraging back exposure through his mat returns. Thankfully for Edwards, the Englishman appears to be more comfortable in the clinch than he is anywhere else in the octagon.

Far from a pushover in the wrestling department, Edwards has made some sizable upgrades to his game throughout his UFC tenure.

Initially identified as a striker when first stepping onto the UFC scene, Edwards put a sizable emphasis on his wrestling after losing a close split decision in his promotional debut. Since then, we have seen Edwards surprise better on-paper grapplers with suffocating clinches and well-timed trip takedowns that allow the Englishman to counter offensive efforts and win rounds in the process.

Edwards also likes looking for the back, but – as seen in the tweet above – is just as happy playing the role of a positional rider and grinding things out with crafty controls and other forms of attritional warfare. That said, Edwards is not beyond making suspect decisions from time to time and will need to be careful about giving away opportunities that Muhammad can make hay with.

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad odds

The oddsmakers and public are favoring the sitting champion, with FanDuel listing Edwards -250 and Muhammad +190 at the time of this writing.

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad prediction, pick

Despite England traditionally backing its fighters at the betting window, money appears to be slowly trickling in on the challenger.

Given the fact that Muhammad has always been a dog who will fight for your money, I can’t say that I blame anyone for taking a shot on the Palestinian-American in this spot.

Not only does Muhammad have the on-paper activity and style to pose some problems for Edwards, but the 36-year-old from Chicago also possesses remarkable recoverability to boot. Nevertheless, I’m still having trouble straying from the reads I had ahead of their first affair.

Even though Muhammad – who is an excellent game planner – will have a full camp to prepare this time around, he looks to be inherently hardwired to dip and slip hard to a southpaw’s power side due to his wrestling-boxing archetype.

Add in the fact that left-sided strikes remain the common culprit for Muhammad regardless of stance, and I suspect that the challenger will be offering up Edwards the type of building materials he traditionally makes hay with.

Part of me will be cheering for Muhammad and the cause he so bravely stands for, but the unbias analyst in me will be picking Edwards to produce a knockout by Round 4.

Prediction: Edwards inside the distance

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad start time, where to watch

As the main event, Edwards and Muhammad are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 12:30 a.m. ET. The fight streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 watch-along live stream with MMA Junkie Radio

Join MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” for a live-streamed watch-along of UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

The UFC is back in the U.K. with UFC 304, headlined by two title-fight rematches, and MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” will host a live-streamed watch-along right here, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] goes for his third title defense against [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Tom Aspinall [/autotag] defense the interim heavyweight title against [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag].

UFC 303 (pay-per-view/ESPN2/ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Below is the lineup of fights included in the watch-along:

UFC 304 main card

  • Champ Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad – for welterweight title
  • Interim champ Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes – for heavyweight title
  • King Green  vs. Paddy Pimblett
  • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues
  • Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

UFC 304 prelims

  • Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood
  • Bruna Brasil vs. Molly McCann
  • Jake Hadley vs. Caolan Loughran
  • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 ‘Embedded,’ No. 6: ‘They can’t save you now!’

In the sixth and final episode of “Embedded,” you can feel the heat up close at the UFC 304 ceremonial weigh-ins.

The UFC is across the pond for UFC 304, and the popular “Embedded” fight week video series is here to document what’s happening behind the scenes.

UFC 304 (pay-per-view/ESPN/ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) puts his belt on the line in a rematch with [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) three years after their first encounter ended in a no contest. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) defends the interim heavyweight championship in a rematch with [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) two years after a freak knee injury to Aspinall ended their first fight.

The sixth episode of “Embedded” follows the featured fighters while they get ready for fight week. Here is the UFC’s description of the episode from YouTube:

Curtis Blaydes has dinner before weigh ins; King Green has a cardio session; Belal Muhammad goes to a spa; UFC 304’s athletes weigh in for fight night.

Also watch:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

What time is Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad fight? Walkout time for UFC 304 main event

Here’s when to expect Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad to make their cage walks at UFC 304.

[autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] and [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] will finally run it back for all the marbles. This welterweight championship bout scheduled for five rounds is taking place Saturday, July 27 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) is going for his third consecutive defense of his 170-pound title after wins over Kamaru Usman and most recently Colby Covington last December. Edwards and Muhammad are no strangers as the two first fought in March 2021 in a bout that ended in a no contest after a nasty eye poke by Edwards in the second round.

Since that fight, Muhammad often has talked about wanting a rematch, and now he gets it while Edwards is the champion, a shot he’s rightfully earned while on a nine-fight unbeaten streak. Muhammad most recently defeated former title challenger Gilbert Burns in impressive fashion in May 2023 to solidify himself as the No. 1 contender.

Here are the walkout times for the UFC 304 main event between Edwards and Muhammad.

When does the UFC 304 fight card start?

  • The UFC 304 lineup consists of 14 fights. Early prelims start at 6 p.m. ET, prelims at 8 p.m. ET, and the pay-per-view main card at 10 p.m. ET.

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad walkout time

  • As the main event, Edwards and Aspinall are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 12:30 a.m. ET.
  • The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 304 odds between Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round welterweight championship bout in the co-main event, Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad meet Saturday at UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, United Kingdom. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m., and they can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin 8 p.m. ET, and they can be viewed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Records: Edwards (22-3-0) | Muhammad (23-3-0)

The southpaw Edwards took the welterweight strap from Kamaru Usman with a 5th-round KO/TKO win at UFC 278 in August 2022. Edwards then defended the belt at UFC 286 with a majority-decision win in March 2023. In his next fight, his 2nd title defense, Edwards posted a unanimous-decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 in December.

Edwards has 4 straight wins since a no-contest against Muhammad in their 1st bout in a UFC Fight Night 187 main event in March 2021, which ended in an accidental eye poke early in Round 2.

Muhammad likes to fight long into the night, and PPV fans are likely to get their money’s worth. He has ended up going the distance 4 times in the past 5 bouts, including a win via unanimous decision against Gilbert Burns last time out at UFC 288 in May 2023. Muhammad has gone the distance in 12 of his past 15 bouts since Feb. 11, 2017.

Edwards has also ended up going the distance pretty frequently, including 3 of his past 4 fights, and 11 of the past 15 fights since July 18, 2015.

Edwards has a 2-inch reach advantage, and 3-inch height advantage. While Muhammad has a substantial 4.55-to-2.75 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, Edwards is more accurate with those strikes at 59.36%. Muhammad lands roughly half of his significant strikes at 50.31%.

In takedown average, Muhammad has a slight lead at 1.98-to-1.25, while the takedown-accuracy percentage is nearly identical. Edwards has a 0.42 submission average, to just 0.17 for Muhammad.

Watch the early prelims and prelims with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:51 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Edwards -265 (bet $265 to win $100) | Muhammad +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over -215 | Under +162)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -190 | No +148)

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UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Edwards (-265) will set you back 2.65 times the potential return. That’s pretty risky in a bout featuring a pair of fighters who usually rely upon the judges to determine a winner.

Still, Edwards hasn’t lost since Dec. 19, 2015, nearly a decade of wins. If you were to toss the champ into a multi-leg parlay, it isn’t a bad bet. You just can’t bet this straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s actually surprising YES (-190): WILL FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? isn’t a little more expensive, given the frequency these 2 fighters end up going the distance. Backing it straight up, risking 1.9 times the potential return, isn’t terribly attractive, but it is a sound bet. Tossing this into a Same-Game Parlay (SGP) or multi-leg ticket, isn’t a bad idea, either.

In addition, EDWARDS ON POINTS (+120) at plus-money, in front of his fellow countrymen in Manchester, should be a rather decent investment, too.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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