UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 - Fight Preview and Predictions

UFC 304 is set to take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. The event features a highly anticipated main event where welterweight champion Leon Edwards will defend his title against No. 2-ranked contender Belal Muhammad. This rematch comes after their first encounter in March 2021 ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.

Main Event: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad

Leon Edwards (22-3-1) is looking to make his third title defense after claiming the welterweight championship with a stunning knockout of Kamaru Usman in August 2022. Edwards is known for his technical striking and defensive prowess, making him a challenging opponent. He enters this fight as a -260 favorite, reflecting his strong standing in the division and recent performances.

On the other hand, Belal Muhammad (23-3-1) is making his first title challenge after an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak that spans over five years. Muhammad is a well-rounded fighter known for his wrestling and striking volume, landing an average of 4.55 significant strikes per minute. He comes into this fight as the underdog at +220, but his confidence is high after a dominant win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288.

Fight Breakdown

In their previous encounter, Edwards dominated the first round before the fight was halted. This time, both fighters have the opportunity to showcase their improvements. Edwards has been criticized for his risk-averse fighting style, but his ability to control fights and avoid damage has led him to success. Muhammad, however, is expected to bring pressure and a high pace, which could lead to a more exciting matchup.

Co-Main Event: Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes

The co-main event features a rematch between interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and veteran contender Curtis Blaydes. Their first encounter ended just 15 seconds into the fight due to a knee injury suffered by Aspinall. Since then, Aspinall has bounced back with two impressive knockouts, showcasing his explosive striking and grappling skills.

Aspinall is the favorite at -370, while Blaydes comes in at +280. Blaydes is known for wrestling and can turn the tide in longer fights, which makes this matchup intriguing. Aspinall's speed and finishing ability will be tested against Blaydes' experience and grappling acumen.

Other Key Fights on the Card

UFC 304 features several exciting matchups, including:

• Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett: A lightweight clash where both fighters want to solidify their division positions.
• Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues: A middleweight bout that promises fireworks, as both fighters have knockout power.
• Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze: A crucial featherweight matchup that could have title implications.

Full Fight Card

Main Card (PPV, 10:00 p.m. ET)

• Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad – For the UFC Welterweight Championship
• Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes – For the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship
• Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett
• Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues
• Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

Preliminary Card (ESPN2, 8:00 p.m. ET)

• Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda
• Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil
• Caolan Loughran vs. Jake Hadley
• Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

Early Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 6:00 p.m. ET)

• Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons
• Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape
• Sam Patterson vs. Kiefer Crosbie
• Mick Parkin vs. Łukasz Brzeski
• Shauna Bannon vs. Alice Ardelean

Betting Insights and Predictions

Expert predictions suggest that while Edwards has the edge in striking and experience, Muhammad's relentless pace and pressure could make for a competitive fight. The odds reflect a clear favorite in Edwards, but the potential for an upset exists, especially given Muhammad's recent performances.

Many believe Aspinall's explosiveness will lead him to victory in the co-main event. Still, Blaydes' ability to endure and grapple effectively could turn the fight in his favor if it goes past the first round.

Final Round

UFC 304 promises to be an exciting night of fights featuring compelling matchups and high stakes. The main event between Edwards and Muhammad is not just a title fight; it's a chance for redemption and legacy for both fighters. Fans can expect an action-packed evening as the UFC returns to Manchester.

Stay tuned for live coverage and updates as the event unfolds!