Manchester: Belal Muhammad triumphed over Leon Edwards via unanimous decision to claim the welterweight title at UFC 304 on Sunday, while Tom Aspinall retained the interim heavyweight crown by knocking out Curtis Blaydes just one minute into the co-main event.
The 36-year-old American, Muhammad, dominated the first two rounds with a wrestling-heavy strategy, repeatedly taking Edwards to the mat and nearly knocking the Englishman out in the second round by slamming him on his head.
Edwards managed to take control in the third round, but Muhammad regained dominance in the fourth, maintaining a body triangle hold on Edwards for much of the round. Despite Edwards landing some effective jabs and kicks, he struggled to keep the fight standing and was taken down again in the fifth round.
As the final round drew to a close, Edwards delivered a vicious elbow that cut Muhammad, but there wasn’t enough time for him to capitalize on it. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Muhammad, who fell to his knees in triumph as UFC President Dana White placed the championship belt around his waist. “Doubt me now! Doubt me now!” Muhammad shouted as he left the cage.
Also Read | Southern China Landslide from Typhoon Gaemi Leaves 12 Dead
Edwards admitted to feeling fatigued throughout the week and during the fight. “I’m not surprised, my body just felt tired from round one. All week I’ve been feeling just tired … congrats to Belal, he got the job done,” he said.
