In a stunning upset at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, Belal Muhammad (24-3) dethroned Leon Edwards (23-3) to become the new UFC welterweight champion. The main event on July 27 ended with a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) in favor of Muhammad, who dominated the fight with his grappling skills.Muhammad, who was considered the underdog, showcased the effects of his training alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, successfully taking Edwards down nine times and landing 192 strikes throughout the 25-minute bout. This victory marks Muhammad’s 11-fight unbeaten streak, now the fourth-longest active streak in the UFC.In the co-main event, British fighter Tom Aspinall retained his interim heavyweight title with a spectacular 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall’s impressive performance led to immediate calls for a unification bout with reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who is currently sidelined due to injury.The event, considered the biggest to take place on English soil in UFC history, also saw victories for other British fighters, including Paddy Pimblett, who submitted Bobby Green in the first round. Despite the loss of Edwards’ title, the night was significant for MMA in the UK, with strong performances from British athletes throughout the card.Muhammad’s victory is being hailed as one of the biggest upsets of 2024, with the new champion dedicating his win to his family, people, and Palestine. As the first Palestinian to win a UFC title, Muhammad’s future in the welterweight division looks bright, with potential challengers including Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena.
Key points
- Belal Muhammad defeats Leon Edwards to become new UFC welterweight champion in a major upset.
- Tom Aspinall retains interim heavyweight title with 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes.
- UFC 304 marks significant night for British MMA, despite Edwards’ loss.
- Muhammad becomes first Palestinian UFC champion, dedicating win to his people.