UFC 304 media day interviews: Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall, and others [VIDEOS]
The UFC 304 media day interviews offer fans a glimpse of what awaits them at the event's pre-fight press conference later today. It is one of the marquee pay-per-views of the year, marking the promotion's first event on English soil in 2024. Moreover, it is headlined by the country's pride.
Leon Edwards defends his UFC welterweight championship against the streaking Belal Muhammad in a rematch of a controversial three-year-old bout that ended in a no-contest. Similarly, the co-main event is also a championship rematch of a fight that ended in bizarre circumstances.
Tom Aspinall has a hometown title defense of his interim heavyweight belt, facing Curtis Blaydes in a quest to avenge their 2022 bout, which ended in anticlimactic fashion with a knee injury for the Englishman. There's more, though, so follow the media day interviews for a full scope on the promotional side of things.
Mick Parkin isn't overlooking his opponent, but won't underestimate himself
Mick Parkin takes part in the second bout of the early UFC 304 prelims, where he takes on Lukasz Brzeski at heavyweight. While he recognizes the toughness and danger his opponent presents, Parkin is more than sure of himself.
He believes that he is technically superior to his opponent in every aspect of MMA and intends to showcase his skills on fight night.
Muhammad Mokaev doesn't think much of Manel Kape
From their pre-fight hotel brawl to the general frostiness between them, it is safe to say that Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape do not like each other. More than that, though, Mokaev doesn't think highly of his opponent's skills.
He dismissed any notion of Kape being his toughest opponent to date, citing his foe's record of six losses while praising his own undefeated status. He asserted that his toughest opponent is himself.
Caolan Loughran predicts domination at UFC 304
Caolan Loughran's UFC 304 opponent is Jake Hadley. Both men are former Cage Warriors champions, with Loughran having reigned at bantamweight while Hadley ruled over flyweight. For that, Loughran has a healthy respect for his foe.
However, during his UFC 304 media day interview, the Irishman minced no words when talking about how dominantly he believes he'll beat Hadley.
Molly McCann welcomes scrap with Bruna Brasil at UFC 304
Molly McCann has become a bit of a fan favorite due to her all-action fighting style and penchant or spinning back elbows. One of those stunning knockouts came against a Brazilian, and McCann has noted that most of her exciting fights are against Brazilians.
Thus, she is more than excited about fighting Bruna Brasil, who, she stated, will be the ninth Brazilian she has ever faced.
Nathaniel Wood assesses Daniel Pineda
The last fight on the UFC 304 prelims is Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda in a featherweight scrap. Both men are coming off losses and determined to bounce back with a win, especially Wood, who hopes to do so on home soil.
In Pineda, he sees an opponent who is tough and difficult to knock out, but one whose cardio is prone to failure, and he intends to take advantage of that shortcoming.
Giga Chikadze issues a warning to Arnold Allen
Georgian phenom Giga Chikadze is an extraordinary striker. At UFC 304, he makes his octagon return since an Aug. 26, 2023 win over Alex Caceres. Tasked with welcoming him back is Arnold Allen, a well-rounded generalist.
Ahead of their bout, Chikadze warned his foe against wrestling him, claiming that those who try to grapple him often end up staring at the ceiling, dazed from a knockout.
Arnold Allen anticipates a fun fight with Giga Chikadze
Whether he's fighting the true elites like Max Holloway or serviceable journeymen like Dan Hooker, Arnold Allen is always in a fun fight.
Given Giga Chikadze's action-packed striking style, the Englishman welcomes a fire-fight with his foe.
Paddy Pimblett opens up about mental health struggles
UFC 304 almost lost the Paddy Pimblett vs. Bobby Green fight as the Scouser considered withdrawing from the event due to his mental health struggles, to which he is no stranger.
Fortunately, his coach helped guide him from his mental low point, and the pair found motivation.
Bobby Green lashes out at Paddy Pimblett
Action fighter Bobby Green has criticized Paddy Pimblett's rise to stardom, claiming that he wasn't afforded the same treatment.
According to him, he had to work for what he has earned, while Pimblett was supposedly given his opportunities.
Curtis Blaydes warns Alex Pereira against heavyweight debut
The specter of light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira looms large over the heavyweight division. However, Curtis Blaydes has urged him to stay at 205 pounds.
According to the wrestling phenom, he would completely overwhelm 'Poatan' with his wrestling and dominate him.
Tom Aspinall welcomes the challenge Curtis Blaydes poses
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has opined that Curtis Blaydes is his toughest challenge at heavyweight due to the latter's rounded skill set.
Aspinall is eager to avenge his past loss to Blaydes, which ended with him suffering a knee injury.
Belal Muhammad promises all-time domination in UFC 304 title fight
After finally securing his rematch with Leon Edwards and a long-awaited title shot, Belal Muhammad is hyper-confident in his preparation.
He plans to utterly dominate, even torture his foe come fight night, which he believes will put him in welterweight GOAT contention.
Leon Edwards dismisses Belal Muhammad's claims
With his third title defense on Saturday, Leon Edwards has scoffed at Belal Muhammad's attempts at trash talk.
Moreover, Edwards laughed off Muhammad's predictions of dominating him yet did not envision a finish, which the Englishman found odd.