UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad: Live round-by-round updates
The main event at UFC 304 features a welterweight title clash between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad.
While many saw his last-minute head-kick KO against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 as a fluke, 'Rocky' has since silenced his critics with two tile defenses. A majority decision win against 'The Nigerian Nightmare' and a unanimous decision against Colby Covington.
Now on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, the Englishman is ranked No.4 on the promotion's pound-for-pound list. The only blemish in his otherwise perfect streak is a no-contest against Muhammad from UFC Fight Night 187.
'Remember the Name' was unable to continue after suffering an eye poke in the fight. Ever since that fateful night, he has been aiming for payback.
Muhammad is coming to this weekend's fight on a 10-fight unbeaten run. His last five wins have come against top names including Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, and Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson among others.
The 36-year-old harbors serious animosity towards his opponent and has confirmed that he doesn't intend to bury the hatchet once the fight concludes.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Edwards is a -245 favorite over Muhammad (+200 underdog) for the matchup.
The main card of UFC 304 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for the live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad
Round 1
Muhammad is the aggressor early trying to put his opponent on the backfoot. "Remember the Name' changes levels and puts his opponent on the canvas. Muhammad clearly has the upper hand on the ground.
The champion controls posture and makes his way back to the feet. 'Rocky' attempts a takedown against his opponent but fails to secure it. Both fighters are engaged in a clinching battle near the cage wall.
Edwards connects with a one-two and follows up with a high kick. A crushing high knee strike momentarily stuns 'Remember the Name'. 'Rocky' sneaks in an uppercut which catches Muhammad off guard.
An uppercut now lands for Muhammad, he follows it up with a beautiful takedown. 'Remember the Name' lands a few ground strikes. The champion seems concerned.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 2
'Rocky' starts the second round landing a one-two on his opponent. Double jabs land for the challenger. 'Remember the Name' is giving the champ a run for his money on the feet.
Muhammad ties to level change. He eventually gets it. Edwards is trying to get back to his feet. The challenger picks the champ up with a high crotch and forces him to the ground. Edwards seems to have landed on his head.
Despite taking his opponent's back, the challenger is unable to lock in a submission. As Edwards tries to get back up he is once again picked up and slammed to the ground by Muhammad.
'Rocky' is in trouble. This is turning out to be a dominant round for the challenger.
Edwards is back up on his feet, but he seems to be a bit winded after having to wrestle this long. He manages to get a sneaky takedown on his opponent. Muhammad however gets back to his feet, albeit with Edwards threatening submissions from his back.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 3
Edwards partially lands a head kick. The champ seems wary of the take-down threat and seems a bit gun-shy on the feet. Another takedown attempt by Muhammed, but this time Edwards reverses position and takes his opponent back.
He forces Muhammad to the canvas and tries to lock in a body triangle. Edwards seems to be content with maintaining the position. He tries to sink in a rear naked choke, and Muhammad neutralizes the submission threat by isolating the choking hand.
Edwards is landing the odd punch on his opponent, but nothing of substance has landed for him so far.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Edwards.
Round 4
Muhammad seems more and more comfortable on his feet. A big connection on the feet by the champion, putting Muhammed on notice. And the challenger returns fire with a big one-two.
Muhammad tries a level change but has to settle for taking his opponent's back as Edwards stuffs the attempt. 'Remember the Name' is landing significant strikes on his opponent.
The champion seems winded as he defends his opponent's rear naked choke attempts. Edwards is finding no opening to get back to the feet. Out of nowhere, Edwards reverses position and transitions to his opponent's back.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Muhammad.
Round 5
As Round 5 begins Edwards seems more aggressive. Muhammad ties a level change and 'Rocky' stuffs it. The champion might need a finish to retain his title.
Muhammad attempts another level change, but Edwards is standing upright for now. 'Remember the Name' eventually drags his opponent down to the canvas. He has his opponent's back and forces Edwards to go on the defensive.
Edwards' gas tank seems to have taken a hit from all the wrestling. With a minute to go, the challenger seems to be in complete control of the fight.
Wow!!! Edwards reverses position and lands a big elbow which cuts open his opponent's eyebrow. Blood is gushing out of Muhammad. The champion lands another flurry of elbows to close out the fight.
Our Scorecard: 10-9 Edwards.
Official Result: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision. (48-47,48-47,49-46)