Belal Muhammad’s Pressure Took the Welterweight Belt
Belal Muhammad won the UFC welterweight championship by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024. Their Manchester rematch ended in a unanimous decision, with two judges scoring the fight 48–47 and the third returning 49–46.
The challenger established an early lead
Muhammad attacked immediately, combining sharper striking with takedowns during the first two rounds. His pressure prevented Edwards from settling into a comfortable rhythm and made the champion defend repeated wrestling exchanges.
Edwards regained some momentum in the third round by taking Muhammad down. Muhammad responded with further wrestling in the fourth, reasserting the approach that had given him the early advantage.
The final round preserved the result
Muhammad again drove Edwards backward and secured a takedown in the fifth. He worked toward the champion’s back and maintained control for much of the round.
Edwards landed late offense that opened a cut, but the fight reached the horn with Muhammad’s earlier work intact. All three judges awarded the challenger the decision and the championship.
Persistence brought a championship opportunity
The result extended Muhammad’s winning streak to six fights and his unbeaten run to eleven appearances. That longer sequence included the no contest from his first Edwards meeting in March 2021, which ended after an accidental eye poke.
Muhammad had won five consecutive fights after that interruption to earn the rematch. His Manchester performance completed the pursuit with a title-winning combination of pressure, wrestling and improved striking against the reigning champion.
Sources
- UFC: championship fight sequence and decision
- UFC: six straight victories, eleven unbeaten appearances and rematch background
