At UFC 304 in Manchester on Sunday, Belal Muhammad fulfilled a lifelong ambition by stunningly eliminating Leon Edwards to win the welterweight title. Muhammad continued to honor his pledge and shown his superiority and agility while facing such a formidable and skilled opponent. Nobody could dispute the victory he deserved because of his enthusiasm, methods, and drive. It was a reason for joy as he became the new welterweight champion. He attributed his victory to hard work, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Muhammad’s Relentless Pressure
Right from the first hour, Muhammad had a move he made which put Edwards on the back foot most of the time. He kept up the pressure to Edwards landing more takedowns as well as solid punches that made the former champion uncomfortable. The judges indeed boxed 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 in the fight for Muhammad to win the fight.
Addressing the Crowd
“It seems a lot of people cried in this world now,” Muhammad said to the Manchester audience. “Neka seisau la for my family, for my people in Palestine.”
The Perfect Game Plan
Edwards was neatly outwitted by Muhammad and his team for which they had planned a perfect strategy. He immediatedly pushed his opponents and submitted him in a matter of few seconds on the mat. Muhammad showed no let up from where he had been put and though Edwards got back on his feet, the champion never stopped putting pressure.
Right at the beginning of the fight, Muhammad was using aggressiveness in his movements and postures. He lashed out Edwards with an immensely charged punch in the end he tackled him once again. Muhammad continued to put pressure on Edwards and the Panamanian was unable to get into a comfortable groove.
Round 2: Attacking the Pressure
Muhammad was a more active fighter in the second round as well, he captured a great takedown and again slammed Edwards down. Even though Edwords came in late, Muhammad was still in charge, toying with Edwards inside the cage and strictly leading the way.
Third Goal: Interrupting the Race a Little in the Favor of Edwards
In the third round Edwards clinched with Muhammad shortly after and took him to the ground and managed to submit him. In turn, Muhammad had a good defense and stayed strong; he only thought about how to get out of the hold.
Round 4:
Again in the fourth round, Muhammad lashes another rapid fire combination and gets another takedown. He grounded himself in a body square, and reset dominance with a punch to Edwards.
And with five minutes on the top of the final period left, Edwards entered the ground, whereas Muhammad also came in. There was nothing Edwards could do and even when he tried to open a bad face, it was revealed to be too late as Muhammad’s cut was busted open. Finally the struggle began, when the fighting was over Muhammad raised his hand to show that he was a victor.
Post-Fight Reflections
Subsequently to the battle Muhammad thanked his team and drew attention in his rather astonishing story. In his statement, he was confident saying that: “I’ve got the best team in the world”. I schooled the guy we fought, we did well in every battle, Im not Khabib Nurmagomedov, Im not GSP, Im Belal Muhammad, Im a world champion.
Such a defeat was quite shocking for Edwards, to add to this it was in his own backyard. “I will not lie,” Edwards sighed, “I did not expect that.” “I hate to say it, but I just got gassing. I’ve been gassing all week. Congratulations to Belal. I want one more this year. Every season, November, December. I’m ready to go. ”
The welterweight class is brimming with possible opponents now that Muhammad is the champion.
