The UFC has a new welterweight champion after Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 304. Muhammad applied relentless pressure from the very beginning, overwhelming Edwards and claiming the title.
From the opening seconds, Muhammad established his game plan, aggressively closing in on Edwards and forcing him onto the back foot. As Edwards backed against the cage, Muhammad transitioned from a flurry of strikes to a powerful double-leg takedown.
Throughout the fight, Edwards demonstrated his resilience by surviving on the ground and managing to return to his feet, only to be taken down again shortly after finding some success.
This pattern continued, with Muhammad repeatedly cracking through Edwards’ typically strong takedown defense, while Edwards struggled to escape Muhammad’s grip and create space for his strikes.
Edwards had his most effective round in the third, where he scored a takedown and briefly gained control. He attempted to secure a rear-naked choke, but Muhammad defended well and survived the round, returning to his relentless strategy until the final bell.
Muhammad also showcased effective striking that, while not always technically flawless, prevented Edwards from establishing any rhythm when they weren’t clinched or grappling on the ground. There was one exception where Edwards cracked Muhammad, opening him up with an elbow. But Muhammad soon wiggled free.
After five rounds, the judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Muhammad, crowning him the new UFC welterweight champion.
Having fought for years to earn this title shot, Muhammad is now on a 10-fight winning streak. It appears unlikely that Edwards will receive an immediate rematch, as is often the case with title changes, potentially opening the door for Shavkat Rakhmonov, who entered the night as the UFC’s No. 3 ranked welterweight, behind former champion Kamaru Usman and Muhammad.
Rakhmonov boasts an impressive 18-0 record, with every fight ending in a submission or knockout, including all six of his bouts in the UFC Octagon.