Leon Edwards has lost his UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad, following a unanimous decision defeat in Manchester.
The judges determined the exciting match with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Muhammad, marking a surprising defeat for Edwards in the UFC 304 main event.
Despite a desperate final round attack, ‘Rocky’ was dethroned in his third title defense while the emotional Muhammad, who shed tears after being named the new champion, extended his winning streak to ten fights.
This match held at the Co-op Live Arena was a rematch of their previous 2021 bout, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke that prevented Muhammad from continuing.
‘It seems like those booing will have a lot of tears to cry,’ Muhammad said to TNT Sports. ‘My family is here. God first, always. This fight is for my family, my people, and for Palestine.’
‘I have the best team in the world; we study deeply and improve continuously. We have the top strikers; they are real threats. You may not know their names, but we now have a real champion in Chicago.’
‘I am Belal Muhammad. I stand on my own. The world recognizes that now.’
‘Respect has to be earned.’
More updates to come.
