Belal Muhammad Stuns Leon Edwards to Claim Title in Epic UFC 304 Upset in Manchester

In a stunning upset at UFC 304 in Manchester, Belal Muhammad emerged victorious over Leon Edwards, stripping the British champion of his title on home soil. The atmosphere leading up to the fight was charged with animosity; the rivalry that began with their 2021 bout igniting hostility between the two fighters. Muhammad, who has thrived in the role of the antagonist, didn't shy away from fan jeers during fight week, even poking fun at England's Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, further embedding himself into the villainous persona. As Muhammad made his entrance, the crowd showered him with heavy boos, the loudest of the night, but he appeared unfazed, dancing and joking with his team. In stark contrast, Edwards, who entered the octagon as the longest-reigning titleholder in UFC history, looked focused, shadowboxing and whispering self-affirmations as he prepared for battle. The anticipation was palpable, with fans echoing Bruce Buffer’s introduction in unison for the champion. However, Muhammad wasted no time in dampening the crowd's excitement, securing an early takedown that set the tone for the fight. While Edwards had successfully defended against elite wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington in prior bouts, Muhammad's grappling prowess posed a distinct challenge that he was not prepared for. Throughout the first round, Muhammad maintained the upper hand, mixing effective jabs with strategic takedown attempts, rendering the chants of support for Edwards ineffective. The tide seemed to shift in the third round when Edwards executed a takedown of his own, even attempting a rear-naked choke on Muhammad, who defended well against the submission attempt. Despite this momentary resurgence, Muhammad regained control in the fourth round, pressuring Edwards with precise strikes against the cage and landing yet another takedown. As the final round approached, the crowd desperately willed Edwards to conjure a spectacular finish reminiscent of his previous victory over Usman. However, Muhammad continued his dominance, once again taking Edwards to the ground and controlling the action, leading to a mass exodus of fans who recognized that the champion's reign was drawing to a close. Post-fight, Muhammad expressed his elation and pride, stating, "It sounds like all of the people booing have got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes. I've got my family in here. God first, always. This fight is for my family, my people and for Palestine." He asserted his identity and skill, emphasizing that the world needed to respect him as a legitimate champion. For Edwards, this marked a painful departure from his undefeated streak since 2015, admitting that the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. However, he remained optimistic about his future, voicing a desire to return to the octagon before the year concludes, stating, "One more this year, November or December I'm ready to go." The night was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the raucous cheers for the local hero to the resounding victory for the American underdog, leaving fans to ponder what lies ahead for both fighters in the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts.