UFC 304 pre-fight press conference: Live updates
The UFC 304 pre-fight press conference live updates are here to offer fans a walkthrough of the promotional event ahead of this weekend's marquee card. The press conference, which will be streamed via YouTube, starts at 1:00 PM E.T. (Eastern Time) / 10:00 AM P.T. (Pacific Time) for American viewers.
Meanwhile, local fans in the UK can tune in at 6:00 PM B.S.T. (British Summer Time). Three of UFC 304's fights are high-profile attractions, starting with Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad, which will be contested for the Englishman's welterweight strap.
There appears to be animosity between the pair, stemming largely from Muhammad, who has waged a trash-talking campaign against his foe, who he faces this Saturday on July 27 in the main event.
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will also be present at the pre-fight press conference. He will look to generate hype for his rematch with Curtis Blaydes, who last beat him via freak knee injury, resulting in a TKO due to a doctor stoppage.
Furthermore, boastful lightweights Paddy Pimblett and Bobby Green are also likely to be present, eager to chirp at each other.
With several hometown heroes set to appear at the UFC 304 pre-fight press conference, follow Sportskeeda for live coverage of the event.
UFC 304 pre-fight press conference live updates
Press conference updates: After a delayed start, Dana White is joined on stage by Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall, Curtis Blaydes, Paddy Pimblett, and Bobby Green. The first question is aimed at 'Rocky,' who is asked about Muhammad's trash talk and the apparent animosity between them.
Edwards brushes off the trash talk and dismisses recent talk about Muhammad's talk that the latter's boxing is similar to Canelo Alvarez. Moreover, the Englishman claims that Muhammad is just another opponent in his way and that he's chasing 'GSP.'
In response, Muhammad claims that the boos he's receiving will be turned to cheers on Saturday.
Update 1: Aspinall is asked about his matchup with Blaydes, but he first takes the time to greet the hometown Manchester crowd. Aspinall expresses his belief that his title fight with Blaydes is between the world's two best heavyweights. Blaydes is asked about how Aspinall's skill-set and speed and praises him.
White asserts that the winner of Saturday's co-main event will fight Jon Jones.
Update 2: Pimblett is asked about the heat between him and Green, but shrugs it off. He expresses a lack of ill will and asserts that he has earned everything that has come his way, and nothing was given to him as Green suggested in the leadup to their bout.
Meanwhile, Green interjects, telling Pimblett things aren't that serious. Green expresses appreciation for the crownd, telling Manchester he is there for them. Pimblett gets asked about the fight, and talks about there being no ill will between them, to which Green agrees.
Update 3: Blaydes offers a short response about what the title fight with Aspinall means to him, and he affirms that it was entirely about the title. Muhammad is asked about his elevator altercation with Edwards, but seems uncomfortable with the trash talk, although he tries to get a rise out of the crowd by mentioning Spain's European Championship win over England.
White is asked about UFC 304 being the biggest event on UK soil. Green campaigns for a $100K bonus, which Edwards is excited about, which appears to be enough to get White on board. Edwards pokes fun at Muhammad's excitement over it, referencing his foe's low finishing rate.
Update 4: After White dismissing a suggestion for a stadium fight, Muhammad is asked if it frustrates him that Edwards is being dismissive of him and his anger. Edwards, meanwhile, laughs off his foe's trash talk and warns him about getting knocked out on Saturday.
Aspinall's walkout song of choice for UFC 304 becomes a topic, and the interim champion promises the best walkout in UFC history. Aspinall praises Michael Bisping and 'Rocky' as inspirations for being English champions, before the attention is back on Edwards.
Edwards is asked about the matchup and promises to dominate him. Muhammad tries to needle at him to no avail.
Update 5: Blaydes is asked how he plans on dealing with Aspinall's grappling if he pursues a wrestling-heavy gameplan, and the interim title challenger merely expresses confidence in his Brazilian jiu-jitsu in another short answer. It's the last question of the presser, and White proceeds to square everyone off.
The face-offs happen, with Muhammad motioning a 'headshot' gesture to Edwards, who fake-lunges at him to no reaction from the challenger before they walk off.