UFC 304 stands out as one of the most thrilling fight cards this year, with championship bouts in both the welterweight and heavyweight divisions. The event is further spiced up by the presence of Paddy Pimblett, a star attraction for many fight fans. Fireworks are expected in the coach when Leon Edwards squares off against Belal Muhammad, a rematch at the top of the billing, drawing immense anticipation from followers.
The evening opens with preliminary rounds taking off at 7 p.m. CT, available on ESPN2, simultaneously streaming free of cost on ESPN+. As the night proceeds, the stage will shift to the main card, expected to start at around 9 p.m. CT, providing a pay-per-view experience for the fans watching via the streaming service.
Edwards and Muhammad meet once again in what promises to be an intriguing fight. Their first encounter didn’t reach a definitive end due to an unintentional eye poke resulting in an early stoppage in round two. However, this unexpected turn of events might have cast a saving grace on Muhammad, the challenger who was clearly losing the battle in round one.
The previous matchup at UFC fight night back in 2021 left the global MMA community eagerly waiting for the rematch. Even though some fans criticize Muhammad’s fighting style as insipid, both the fighters have managed to keep their heat on fire in the UFC. Not to mention their unbeaten record in their last 20 matches adds more to their unyielding allure.
Edwards and Muhammad present an unstoppable force and an immovable object scenario. Edwards thrives on his fighting strategy focusing on stand-ups while Muhammad prefers to bring the fight to the mat immediately. Both fighters boast an impressive range of skills, ensuring that they will appear in their element, regardless of how the bout unfolds in the five rounds.
This matchup, however, may not satiate those hungry for electrifying finishes. Between them, both welterweight stars have only managed 16 finishes in their 45 victories. They regularly go the distance, especially Edwards, who only boasts one early finish since 2018.
Edwards, with his careful and patient approach reminiscent of Israel Adesanya, notably excels in conserving all-important energy throughout title fights and significantly enhancing the effectiveness of his attacks. Muhammad, on the other hand, constantly aims to initiate wrestling. The question arises, does Muhammad possess the required athleticism to stay aggressive for the full five rounds and make Edwards feel the heat in the octagon?
Although Edwards’ fighting style may not make him an instant favorite amongst the fans seeking explosive action, often, such calm and collected strategy proves rewarding inside the octagon. In light of such considerations, a decision victory for Edwards (+100) seems a plausible outcome, especially since the event takes place in his hometown, Manchester.
Besides Edwards vs. Muhammad match, let’s check out the lineup and the projected winner odds for each match on the main card, primarily served to you by DraftKings Sportsbook: The main card is slated to commence at 9 p.m. CT, available for viewing on ESPN+ pay-per-view for a richer experience.
The star-studded event is located at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Here is the exciting fight card: Arnold Allen (-218) versus Giga Chikadze (+180), Christian Leroy Duncan (-130) up against Gregory Rodrigues (+110). An interesting match between King Green (-115) and Paddy Pimblett (-105) further bolsters the line-up.
Tom Aspinall (-410) will be locking horns with Curtis Blaydes (+320) in what can be a captivating match in the making. And, of course, the main event of the night – Leon Edwards (-250) will attempt to outdo Belal Muhammad (+205) in what promises to be a spectacle.
An undeniable charm flows from the unpredictability of the bouts, where, despite odds being stacked in favor of or against certain fighters, the result potentially lies in the balance as long as the fight lasts. Such is the nature of the sport, an underdog today can become a champion tomorrow, and favorites can fall.
Both Edwards and Muhammad have shown a testament to their fighting prowess through their impressive unbeaten runs. While Edwards hasn’t tasted defeat since his face-off against Kamara Usman in 2015, Muhammad has managed to keep his record unblemished for half a decade now.
Regardless of how fans perceive their individual fighting styles, one can’t overlook the success they’ve managed to achieve. Each has brought in their unique style and strategy to the ring – Edwards with his footwork, Muhammad with his preference for wrestling, both making them popular in their unique ways.
When the cage door shuts, all that remains is the fighters’ performance within the octagon. This setting will see Edwards and Muhammad face off for a second time. The outcome may be uncertain, but if the previous matchup and their impressive track records are anything to go by, this fight promises to be both interesting and intense.