Leon Edwards shares definitive prediction for Belal Muhammad title clash at UFC 304, explains "extra motivation" to "whoop" opponent
Leon Edwards has put forth a decisive prediction for his highly-anticipated rematch against Belal Muhammad. 'Rocky' alluded to their long-running rivalry and highlighted the additional motivation at play for him to deliver a beatdown to Muhammad.
Their first encounter transpired in the headlining match of UFC Vegas 21 on March 13, 2021. Edwards seemed to be getting the better of the striking exchanges while Muhammad valiantly fought back.
Unfortunately, an eye poke to Muhammad's right eye incapacitated him in round two. The fight was stopped and declared an NC (No Contest).
Edwards subsequently became the UFC welterweight champion and has two successful title defenses under his belt while Muhammad defeated multiple welterweight contenders and worked his way into the title picture.
The Brit is scheduled to defend his welterweight championship against Muhammad at UFC 304.
Watch their first encounter below:
On the 'UFC 304 Countdown' episode posted to the UFC's official YouTube channel, Leon Edwards referenced his upcoming title defense on his home turf of England.
The 32-year-old Jamaica-born British fighter acknowledged the relentless trash talk that Muhammad has directed at him since their first fight. Edwards stated:
"I've never lost a fight in the UK, amateur or pro. And to be headlining Manchester, opponent Belal Muhammad - this guy has been saying my name now for a long time. It's extra motivation to go out there and whoop him..."
"I believe I'm better wherever the fight goes; just my mentality, and the way I understand the game, and my IQ within mixed martial arts. I feel like I'm miles ahead of him. It will be shown on fight night ... Come fight night in Manchester, you've got a lot to answer for. And I want to go out there. I want to finish him."
Check out Edwards' comments below (24:49-26:00):
Leon Edwards addresses the infamous eye poke against Belal Muhammad
Around the 11:35-minute mark of the 'UFC 304 Countdown', Leon Edwards explained that he was attempting a cross-head kick against Belal Muhammad when his finger inadvertently touched him.
Edwards seemingly believes that while the finger touched Muhammad under the eyelid, his crying and wincing made him feel that he had poked him in the eyeball.
The UK combatant further implied that he was more skilled than Muhammad on that night and would prove it in their rematch at UFC 304. On the contrary, 'Remember the Name' recounted that he'd temporarily lost his vision in the eye and that he'd previously had eye injuries and surgeries.
Moreover, Belal Muhammad seemed to suggest that he cried not because he thought he'd lost his eyesight, but because he'd lost the opportunity to prove himself in their pivotal fight.
The American fighter of Palestinian descent lambasted Leon Edwards for the eye poke. Deeming Edwards "a coward," the 36-year-old accused the champion of evading their rematch.
The two bitter rivals will finally clash in the headlining match of UFC 304 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27.