In the second round, Edwards unleashed a powerful left hook that, although unintentional, hit Muhammad square in the eye. The shock caused Muhammad to collapse on the canvas in visible distress. As he lay there, it became clear that he couldn’t keep his eyes open as he struggled to regain consciousness. Referee Herb Dean saw the gravity of the situation and quickly intervened to stop the fight. Doctors at ringside were called in to assess Muhammad’s condition, and their tests revealed that the fight was indeed incapacitated by the blow, declaring the fight no contest This news was particularly shocking, because it wasn’t time the first time Edwards was involved in such a fight.
The Eye Poke Practice
In the second round, Edwards threw a left hook that resulted in an inadvertent but solid eye. Muhammad slumped on the canvas, and the victim averted his eyes. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight and ringside doctors confirmed that Muhammad failed to see it, resulting in a no-contest decision. It wasn’t the first time Edwards had committed such a crime, but the incident was particularly gruesome.
Right after that
Muhammad was devastated. The main event ended abruptly, with fans and fighters questioning the extent of his injury. Theories of permanent damage and rumors that Muhammad needed false eyes spread rapidly. However, Muhammad took to Twitter to reassure his supporters, saying, “I am heartbroken my first main event ended like this but by God’s good plan im sorry to the fans and @ufc you absolutely had to fight .. Alhamdillah, sight is coming back, of the eye No permanent damage. I’m back, I want to run again, Leon Edwards.”
Despite the severity of the eye injury, Muhammad insisted that nothing was damaged at all. Dean ruled the eye poke was accidental, but a photo shared by Dana White showed Edwards’ fingers deep inside Muhammad’s eye. This footage made many fans uncomfortable but highlighted how accidental the mistake was.
Much Awaited Rematch
The fight community eagerly awaited the rematch, which was finally scheduled for UFC 304. This fight promised to settle the score and potentially clean up the welterweight division.
The Return of Muhammad
Determined to prove himself, Muhammad prepared aggressively for a second chance with Edwards. Both fighters had impressive records, with Edwards holding the welterweight championship belt. In his five military victories, Muhammad aimed to seize the title and avenge the controversial end of the first war.
Edwards’s Views
Edwards, known as ‘Rocky’, had a record of 22 wins and three losses. He was determined to defend his title a third time. Despite the previous incident, he was focused and ready to prove his dominance in the welterweight division.
Former champion Kamaru Usman weighed in on the contest, suggesting the division had stalled due to unresolved tensions between Muhammad and Edwards with Usman saying, “I mean, they should have fought a long time ago. I think they just hid a beautiful part. Belal will fight none but Leon. Leon, I don’t know if he tells anyone or if they give it to anyone.”
With their reunion on the horizon, both combatants were eager to settle their differences. The outcome will greatly affect the welterweight division and could give other competitors new opportunities. Fans were excited to see if Muhammad could overcome past setbacks and if Edwards could solidify his reign as champion.
