Belal Muhammad has thrown down the gauntlet. He’s promised to “break” Leon Edwards in their next face-off.
They’re set for a welterweight title clash at UFC 304. This rematch is happening on July 27, in Manchester, England, at the Co-op Live arena. Their first bout? It ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke. Muhammad’s not sweating it, though. He’s called Edwards the “easiest matchup” in the top five. Bold words.
Muhammad’s game plan? It’s all about pressure. But, he’s quick to say that’s not his only edge. He’s pegged Edwards as “easy to break” and “mentally weak.” Quite the contrast to himself, he believes. Muhammad recalled Edwards’ pre-victory slump before his stunning win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. On the “Show Me The Money” podcast, Muhammad didn’t mince words.
“I don’t think there’s anybody in the world that’s gonna beat me,” he stated confidently. He sees Edwards as the weakest link in the top five, especially mentally. Muhammad’s strategy is all about breaking his opponent’s spirit. And it seems, he’s got a personal vendetta this time. “I’m going in there with a different type of anger now because I hate him so much.”
Their first encounter in 2021? A no contest that’s been a thorn in both their sides. Edwards bounced back, securing a title shot after defeating Nate Diaz. He then shocked the world by dethroning Usman and defended his title against him in a rematch. He also scored a win over Colby Covington.
Muhammad, on the other hand, has been on a tear. He’s racked up five consecutive wins against top 15 contenders. Despite a modest finish rate of 26%, he’s dominated fights against Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Gilbert Burns. Not to mention, he handed Sean Brady his first professional loss with a barrage of punches.
So, the stage is set. Muhammad vs. Edwards. A battle of wills, skills, and mental toughness. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a fight to remember.