Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 2 UFC 304 Live Blog Play by Play
Leon Edwards is back to defend UFC Welterweight Championship in UK at UFC 304 in a rematch against Belal Muhammad.
Both fighters are currently on significant winning streaks. While Belal has gone 10 fights unbeaten, Edwards is also 14 fights unbeaten right now. This run includes a clash between them in March 2021 which ended in a no-contest. Will they be able to settle it all in their second clash?
Tune in below for the complete updates live from Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 2 welterweight title fight in the main event of UFC 304 PPV.
LIVE BLOG
Round 1: Belal pushes Leon towards the cage the first 20 seconds before getting an easy takedown. He tries to get the control but Leon is not making it easy for him at all. Leon hugs him to not allow Belal any power. Belal tries to readjust which allows Leon to break free but Belal pushes him to the cage quickly. Leon turns around the clinch and pushes Belal to the cage. Leon hits some knee strikes as he tries to get a better control. Belal also tries the same thing. They have to get back to the middle halfway into the round. Jabs traded. Leon hits a good uppercut. Belal tries to close the distance. Leon lands a body kick. Belal lands a jab. Belal keeps pressure on and connects a hook. Belal goes for quick punches before getting another takedown. Belal gets into a half-guard position. He lands some good punches and elbow. That late surge should cement this round for Belal.
Round 2: Leon hits a body kick. Belal sticks him with several punches. More jabs from Belal to back Leon up against the cage. Leon is working hard to not get pushed back but Belal once again lands jabs to set up and complete a takedown. Edwards defends the takedown this time by pushing back on the cage. Belal gets him away and gets a takedown. Belal gets on a waistlock this time. After a tussle, Belal is able to drop Leon once again. He keeps the waistlock on. Leon is severely under pressure as Belal tries to mix it up with strikes from behind. He tries to get up again but Belal drops him once again. Leon is just able to hold his ground but not get out of the lock. Belal himself lets it go as he looks for strikes. Leon turns around the clinch and pushes Belal to the cage after securing a takedown. They end the round tucked into the cage.
Round 3: Leon lands a body kick before catching Belal with a head kick. Belal answers with several jabs. He gets another takedown and puts him to the cage. Leon reverses it quickly this time and gets a waistlock on. Belal tries to trip him to get away but Leon wraps his legs on his waist and his hands around his shoulder and neck. Belal does not let him get the choke on. Belal gets out of the wrap after some work but Leon puts the legs wrapped once again. Belal keeps his right arm under to block the choke. They get to a sitting position where Leon keeps working towards the choke. Belal tries to work on left arm to free himself. The rest of the round goes by in the same tussle.
Round 4: Belal blocks a body kick after Leon fients some punches. Belal returns to jabs but Leon answers with more vicious punches. Belal is still able to push Leon back towards the cage. He is able to land a combo. Belal lands more jabs before attempting another takedown. Belal has to jump to his back when Leon defends the takedown. He attempts a choke from behind. Belal lands punches in between as Leon defends the choke. Belal is on his back now with his legs wrapped on Leon’s waist. He keeps hitting punches and elbows from behind. This goes on until the last 30 seconds when Leon suddenly turns it around. But, he is unable to land any major strikes.
Round 5: Belal starts with jabs. Leon swings big but misses. Leon is showing much more agression and Belal suddenly attempts a takedown. Leon blocks it and lands a shot. Belal goes back to jabs and pushes him to the cage. He attempts another takedown but has to content with a waistlock. Belal gets on his back once again. Belal gets Leon in control and once again starts to work with punches and elbows. More than two minutes go by in the same tussle with Belal in control and Leon struggling to get out. Edwards somehow gets out and gets into a half guard position with 40 seconds to go. He lands several big shots. Belal’s nose is broken and blood is pouring down. Edwards attempts a choke and more shots but time runs out.
Official Decision: Belal Muhammad won via unanimous decision(48-47, 48-47, 49-46).