MMA Preview – Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 2 at UFC 304
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
LEON EDWARDS VS BELAL MUHAMMAD FACTS
When is UFC 304? Sunday 28th July, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 304? Co-op Live, Manchester (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 304? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 304
What channel is UFC 304 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 304? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
LEON EDWARDS VS BELAL MUHAMMAD LOWDOWN
Leon Edwards (23-3(1)) makes third defence of his welterweight crown. Since his unforgettable head kick knockout to dethrone one of the 170 lb greats Kamaru Usman (2022), he has ranked up a level. He went on to defend the belt in the rematch putting on a performance of utter class closing the rivalry down with a decision win. He followed that up shutting down another wrestler in Colby Covington (2023) at UFC 296 extending his unbeaten streak to 13 with the only blip being a ‘no contest’.
That ‘no contest’ occurred after Edwards accidentally poked Belal Muhammad’s (23-3(1)) eye back at UFC Fight Night 187 in 2021. It was a nasty poke in the second round which Muhammad could not recover from. However, he has strung five impressive wins together outpointing Demian Maia (2021), Stephen Thompson (2021), Vicente Luque (2022) and most recently Gilbert Burns (2023) which came after a rare TKO which he scored over Sean Brady (2022) at UFC 280.
LEON EDWARDS VS BELAL MUHAMMAD PREDICTION
Edwards is the heavy favourite considering his last three wins were against the best pressure wrestlers in the division. His takedown defence was simply immaculate and focused on fighting the hands even taking Usman and Covington down.
Edwards was also getting the better of Muhammad before the eye poke and has all the confidence. This will make him particularly dangerous on the feet without the fear of being taken down. His striking is like silk with better technique and more power than Muhammad however, he cannot underestimate the challenger.
Muhammad is getting better with every fight and mixes his attacks up brilliantly. His striking is underrated, he is awkward, switches stances and his volume is relentless throwing waves of strikes, clinch work and takedowns.
That said, we feel Edwards will defend the majority of takedown attempts and inflict his own damage in the clinch forcing the majority of this to play out on the feet. Here he will look better with the more data he downloads managing the distance and pumping his jab and kicks from range.
Do not expect a barnburner here but a gritty competitive five-round scrap. Muhammad’s heard and cardio will make this competitive until the bell and there is value on him as the hefty underdog. However, we expect Edwards’ class to shine through yet again to secure a decision.
Prediction: Edwards via Decision
Value Bet: Muhammad via Decision
