Brits Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall will headline UFC 304 at Manchester’s Co-op Arena on Saturday night as the pair look to defend their respective titles.
Thirty-two-year-old Edwards fought Muhammad back in March 2021 but the fight ended as a no-contest after Edwards accidentally poked the American in the eye early in the second round, leaving him unable to continue.
Now, nearly three and a half years later, both men will face each other in the octagon again as Edwards defends his welterweight title for the third time.
He co-headlines UFC 304 alongside Greater Manchester’s Aspinall, who is putting his interim heavyweight title on the line in a rematch with American Curtis Blaydes.
Like Edwards and Muhammad, Aspinall and Blaydes have already clashed before – in July 2022 at London’s O2 Arena. However, that bout lasted less than 30 seconds before Aspinall suffered a freak knee injury when trying to land a leg kick.
Saturday night, therefore, promises to be an incredible night for British MMA, with Edwards and Aspinall only the second and third champions in English history after Michael Bisping.
UFC 304 results so far
Belal Muhammed bt Leon Edwards – unanimous decision
Tom Aspinall bt Curtis Blaydes – first round KO
Paddy Pimblett bts King Green – first-round submission
Gregory Rodrigues bt Christian Leroy Duncan – unanimous decision
Arnold Allen bt Giga Chikadze – unanimous decision
Nathaniel Wood bt Daniel Pineda- unanimous decision
Bruna Brasil bt Molly McCann – unanimous decision
Jake Hadley bt Caolan Loughran – unanimous decision
Muhammad Mokaev bt Manel Kape – unanimous decision
Oban Elliott bt Preston Parsons – unanimous decision
Modestas Bukauskas bt Marcin Prachnio – third round submission
Sam Patterson bt Kiefer Crosbie – first round submission
Mick Parkin bt Lukasz Brzeski – first round TKO/KO
Shauna Bannon bt Alice Ardelean – split decision
Updates Available
Keifer MacDonald
Goodnight from us!
That’s all from us at the Co-op Arena. Thanks for following live updates on an incredible night for British MMA!
06:13Keifer MacDonald
RESULT: Muhammad dethrones Edwards
Belal Muhammad is the new welterweight champion after beating Leon Edwards by UD: 48-47 48-47 49-46 Edwards’ first loss since 2015.
The Arena is furious at Muhammad’s style of fighting and the judges’ verdict was even greeted with boos.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: (L-R) Belal Muhammad works for a submission against Leon Edwards of Jamaica in the UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
06:08Keifer MacDonald
R5: Late flurry from Edwards not enough
Edwards cuts Muhammad at the end of round five but it was too little too late. That will surely be the end of his reign as welterweight champion.
Lots of boos at the end of the fight, a very disappointing main event.
06:00Keifer MacDonald
R4: Muhammad again
Fair to say that Belal Muhammad isn’t winning over any fans with this performance tonight. Not what people want to see as the clock ticks towards 6am on Sunday morning.
Still, though, he edges that round 10-9.
05:54Keifer MacDonald
R3: First round win for Edwards
Much better from Edwards who has Muhammad on the verge of a rea naked choke hold for most of the round but is unable to execute. Huge cheers from the crowd as the round draws to a close, they’re much more impressed with what they saw from the welterweight champion in those five minutes.
10-9 Edwards.
05:49Keifer MacDonald
R2: Muhammad’s fighting style frustrates crowd
Loads of boos for Muhammad’s fighting style, but he’s 2/2. He had Edwards in tricky positions up against the cage for most of that round, though Rocky eventually managed to wriggle free.
But Muhammad is 20-18 up after two rounds.
05:42Keifer MacDonald
R1: Muhammad edges opener
Not too much in this opening round as both fighters look to ease their way into the fight. Though it was Muhammad who took the innovative in the opening five minutes and took Edwards to the floor on several occasions.
Edwards, however, did land a nice kick, something Muhammad will have to be wary of in the forthcoming rounds.
10-9 Muhammad.
05:33Stephen Killen
The main event: Edwards vs Muhammed
Leon Edwards has not lost a fight in the UFC since 2015.
The Birmingham-fighter is hoping that he will extend his unbeaten streak but he faces stiff opposition in Belal Muhammed.
The pair fought in the past but their trading of blows was cut short after an eye poke resulted in a no contest.
This bout is scheduled for five five-minute rounds.
We’ve had two first-round stoppages in the last two main card fights – could we have a third?
05:11Key Event
RESULT: Aspinall by TKO
ASPINALL BY TKO IN R1! HE DEFENDS HIS INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE. INCREDIBLE!
Wow. Where to start with that, then. Blaydes had no answer for Aspinall’s ground and pound just sixty seconds into the first round and the fight was called off almost immediately.
Speaking after the bout, Aspinall called out heavyweight champion Jon Jones: “Hello Jon, I have nothing against you personally but I just think I’m better than you. I’m coming for you!”
Will Jones accept Aspinall’s challenge?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: (L-R) Tom Aspinall of England knocks out Curtis Blaydes in the interim UFC heavyweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
05:07Keifer MacDonald
Aspinall set for first title defence
For those not familiar with the situation, Greater Manchester’s Tom Aspinall is defending his interim heavyweight title against American Curtis Blaydes, who beat him at a UFC Fight Night in London two years ago.
Should Aspinall emerge victorious tonight and avenge the only defeat of his UFC career to date, he is primed for a super-fight against Jon Jones.
05:01Keifer MacDonald
Over to the main events
Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall owe Paddy Pimblett immensely after that; the crowd had grown tired and slightly frustrated by the fights that came before Pimblett’s. Now, though, the entire mood of the Co-op Arena has been transformed ahead of back-to-back title defences.
04:49Key Event
RESULT: Pimblett wins by submission
Wow! I said Paddy had the potential to blow the roof off if he delivered a statement performance and that’s exactly what he’s done after forcing Green into submission courtesy of an incredible triangle choke three minutes into the first round. The hype is real!
Paddy says: “Statement made, bitches! I’m the first person to submit Bobby in the UFC, that’s a statement!”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Paddy Pimblett of England reacts after his victory against King Green in a lightweight bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
04:41Keifer MacDonald
Paddy has arrived!
Paddy has arrived and, by the sounds of it, he has brought half of Liverpool with him! What a reception that was for the Liverpool fighter, who is looking to go 6-0-0 in UFC and move into the top-15 lightweights with victory tonight.
The Co-op Arena is well and truly alive!
04:30Keifer MacDonald
Paddy the Baddy can raise the roof here
After nine decisions in a row, this crowd is in need of serious lifting as the clock ticks towards 4:30am. Can Paddy Pimblett provide that, he certainly doesn’t do things by half measures in the UFC.
04:23Keifer MacDonald
Gregory Rodrigues domination
That was some performance by Gregory Rodrigues and, quite frankly, anything other than a 30-27 scorecard in favour of the Brazilian would come as a huge shock to most inside Manchesters’ Co-op Arena.
Here come the judges’ scorecards and, as expected, they all score the fight 30-27 in Rodrigues’ favour.
03:56Key Event
RESULT: Allen wins by UD
Arnold Allen ends his two-fight losing streak by beating 10th-ranked featherweight Giga Chikadze by UD (29-28).
A very mature performance by the Brit, who managed to close the gap on his Georgian opponent due to his front-footed approach.
What did Allen do in his post-fight speech? Wish a very happy birthday to his Nan, of course!
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: (L-R) Arnold Allen of England punches Giga Chikadze of Georgia in a featherweight bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
03:45Keifer MacDonald
Tough one to call
Better from Allen in round two as he lands more notable strikes on Chikadze. However, the Georgian looked in control of that round from start to finish, with his only rock coming as Allen swiped his legs with a kick and he fell on the cage.
A big third round is needed from Allen, who has lost his last two fights coming into this, as this bout could be called either way.
03:40Keifer MacDonald
Chikadze edges round one
It’s all happening at the end of round one as Allen tests Chikadze’s chin with a strong left hook. However, it is the Georgian who, in my opinion, just about edges round one as he rocks Allen with a flying knee with just seconds remaining.
10-9 to the Georgian, for me.
03:31Keifer MacDonald
Here we go then, the UFC Main Card is about to begin
Arnold Allen and Giga Chikadze are about to get the #UFC304 Main Card underway. Good challenge for Allen after back-to-back defeats either side of the New Year.
03:25Keifer MacDonald
It isn’t a British fight night without a bit of Neil Diamond, right?
As we prepare for Arnold Allen and Gigi Chikadze prepare to enter the octagon and start the Main Card, the Co-op Arena has just broken out into a wonderful rendition of Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.
It’s fair to say everyone housed inside the arena loved that. Nicely done.
03:14Keifer MacDonald
First glimpse of Tom Aspinall
This Manchester crowd have just had their first glimpse of the interim heavyweight champion as he was pictured on the big screens arriving at the Co-op Arena ahead of his co-main event with Curtis Blaydes.
It must be said, the 31-year-old looked calm and composed as he made the walk to the dressing room.
03:11Key Event
RESULT: Wood wins by UD
Wood defeats Pineda by UD after three rounds.
29-27
29-27
29-28
03:04Keifer MacDonald
Wood takes early rounds
Wood has easily won rounds one and two here and came close to finishing 38-year-old Pineda midway through the second five minutes.
The Brit worked a lovely combination of punches to ground the American but was unable to work a finish or submission.
Keep it simple in this third round and Wood will surely be recording his eighth win in the UFC.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: (R-L) Nathaniel Wood of England kicks Daniel Pineda in a featherweight bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
02:59Stephen Killen
Belal is in the building
The contender in the main event has arrived with Belal Muhammed entering the Manchester arena in style.
The 36-year-old is looking to reap the rewards of his name in lights, three years after the no contest against Leon Edwards due to an eye poke.
Since then the Birmingham fighter has reached new heights, winning the welterweight title after beating Kamaru Usman – successfully defending against the Nigeran and Colby Covington.
Belal arrived tonight in a Rolls Royce, fair play.
02:55Keifer MacDonald
Final Prelim: Wood takes on Pineda
Good start for Wood, who grounded Pineda early in the round and hit him with a barrage of elbows and punches before looking for a choke.
Pineda, though, to his credit, showed strong grapple defence to take the mount on the Brit towards the end of round one.
It is Wood who has the backing of the Co-op Arena, unsurprisingly as he hails from London.
02:46Key Event
RESULT: Bruna beats McCann by UD
A first defeat in the strawweight division for Molly McCann after a truly incredible performance by Bruna Brasil. However, there can be no faulting the 34-year-old’s heart or desire and the Co-Op Live Arena recognised that as she left the octagon.
McCann, though, it must be said, did look lethargic in the first two rounds and only showed flashes of her true ability in the final five minutes as she threw the kitchen sink at her Brazilian opponent.
Anyway, here’s how the judges scored the bout:
30-27
30-27
29-28
02:39Keifer MacDonald
Better from McCann but not enough
That was more like it from McCann as she she landed some nice strikes on Brasil in the final round and nearly pulled off a rear-naked choke.
However, Brasil’s dominance in rounds one and two will be enough to see the Brazilian win this bout.
02:34Keifer MacDonald
Brasil takes round two
Brasil takes round two. McCann needs a big finish in round three if she’s to avoid defeat.
02:30Keifer MacDonald
Manchester looking to inspire McCann
“Meatball Molly, Meatball Molly, Meatball Molly,” sings nearly the entire arena in a bid to inspire McCann.
02:27Keifer MacDonald
Brasil takes round one
A tough opening round for McCann, who was rocked by a couple of strong hits from Brasil.
10-9 Brasil.
02:23Keifer MacDonald
Early time-out for McCann
The first round is temporarily brought to a halt as McCann is on the end of an illegal knee to the groin area. Huge cheers as she gets back to her feet.
02:20Keifer MacDonald
McCann enters the octagon!
Blaring reception as Molly McCann walks to the octagon soundtracked by Jamie Webster. This is McCann’s second bout in the strawweight division.
02:17Keifer MacDonald
Meatball time!
Huge cheers as Molly McCann’s name is read over the tannoy, followed by huge boos for her opponent Bruna Brasil!
McCann debuted as strawweight earlier this year after consecutive defeats at flyweight in 2022 and 2023.
02:14Key Event
RESULT: Hadley defeats Loughran
Hadley defeats Loughran by UD:
30-27
30-27
29-28
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Jake Hadley of England reacts after a bantamweight bout against Caolan Loughran of Northern Ireland during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
02:13Stephen Killen
RESULT: Jake Hadley bt Caolan Loughran – unanimous decision
A surprise win against the bookmakers for Jake Hadley who beats Caolan Loughran by unanimous decision.
30-27
30-27
29-28
Too slow from the Irishman, he couldn’t overcome the experienced fighter.
01:54Stephen Killen
“Thank you, Manchester”
Muhammed Mokaev has thanked Manchester for taking him in as a refugee as he aims for a title shot.
It wasn’t pretty but he got the better of his foe, Manel Kape. Their feud seemed to be settled after 15 minutes in the octagon.
“23 years old, 7-0 in the UFC give praise to Manel Kape,” says Mokaev.
“I’m still young and I’m fighting veterans, we have the best team in the world, thank you Manchester for welcoming me as a refugee in 2012. This country I really respect what it did to me and my small town Wigan and in Dagestan.
“I want a title shot, eh guys do I deserve a new contract? Manchester woo!”
Muhammad Mokaev reacts after his victory against Manel Kape.(Image: Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
01:52Keifer MacDonald
Fight six: Bantamweights Hadley and Loughran
Jake Hadley has had about ten days to prepare for this fight with Caolan Loughran, who fights out of Kaobon gym in Liverpool.
01:49Keifer MacDonald
Tough fight for Mokaev – but he deserves this moment in Manchester
Twenty-three-old Mokaev won’t be bothered by his performance tonight as he extended his unbeaten record in the UFC, but you could argue he was fortunate to have beaten Manel Kape.
Kape certainly got the better of Mokaev in round one and the early stages of round three, so I’m not sure how one of the judges scored the contest at 30-27.
Mokaev, though, leaves a UFC event in his home city with his unbeaten record still intact.
Well in, lad!
01:45Key Event
RESULT: Mokaev wins by UD!
Mokaev beats Kape by unanimous decision – 29-28, 29-28, 30-27.
His record in the UFC now stands out as 7-0-0 and Mokaev tells the Co-op Arena: “I want a title shot!”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Muhammad Mokaev of Russia reacts after a flyweight bout against Manel Kape of Angola during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
01:33Keifer MacDonald
Mokaev evens it up
Better from Mokaev. Kape, though, looks to have seriously injured his right toe.
10-9 Mokaev.
01:32Keifer MacDonald
Kape in danger
Looks like Kape has possibly broken a toe on his right foot. He’s struggling to spring off it.
01:27Keifer MacDonald
Kape steals round one
Wow! Some big hits from Kape late in round one and Mokaev tries to counter them by shooting for the legs.
10-9 Kape.
01:19Keifer MacDonald
Here we go!
Mokaev and Kape nearly clash before the fight has begun. Tensions for this one have been rising all week!
Huge cheers for Mokaev as his name is read out!
Three rounds of flyweight fighting to come!
01:16Keifer MacDonald
Born in Dagestan but made in Manchester
Muhammad Mokaev will have the support of nearly the entire Co-op Live Arena when he takes to the octagon shortly.
That’s because despite being born in Dagestan, Russia, Mokaev moved to England at the age of 12. After arriving at a refugee centre in Liverpool, Mokaev was housed in Wigan.
Now he is 6-0-0 in the UFC and if he wins tonight, will surely be in contention to fight for the flyweight title in the not-too-distant future.
His story is one of many in the UFC that hails the importance of learning a discipline and what can be achieved with incredible self-belief.
Muhammad Mokaev features at UFC 294 this weekend(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images))
01:11Keifer MacDonald
First prelims down
Next up is Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape in a flyweight bout. This could be one of the fights of the night with both fighters making no secret of their dislike for one another. In fact, they had to be separated by security at Friday’s weigh-in.
Save it for the octagon please, lads!
01:03Key Event
RESULT: Elliott wins by UD!
Oban Elliott earns his second win in the UFC thanks to a unanimous decision over Preston Parsons.
29-28
30-27
30-27
“Whether I showed it or not (his best performance), I’m a true gangster,” says Elliott.
00:58Keifer MacDonald
Both fighters think they’ve won – but who’s done enough?
As the klaxon signals the end of round three, both fighters take to their feet to lap up the applause of the crowd and celebrate with designated corners.
I’ve got Elliott for the win, but let’s see what the judges think.
00:55Keifer MacDonald
Wayne Rooney with a message of support for Pimblett and McCann
Speaking to the UFC’s social media channels, Rooney, who is at tonight’s 304 bout said: “Hi just want to wish Paddy and Molly all the best tonight.
“Really looking forward to seeing it, excited and hopefully you both get the win, all the best.”
00:54Keifer MacDonald
Manchester loving Elliott
Chants of ‘Oban, Oban’ as we enter the third round here at the Co-op Arena. It’s anyone’s game after two close rounds in this welterweight bout.
00:49Keifer MacDonald
McCann’s locked in!
Liverpool’s Molly McCann is preparing for her bout with Brazilian Bruna Brasil.
This will be just McCann’s second fight at strawweight after dropping down from flyweight earlier this year.
She is the third fight in the prelims.
CONTINUE READING
The post UFC 304 highlights – Belal Muhammad defeats Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall eyes Jon Jones super fight, Paddy Pimblett stuns Manchester first appeared on Frugals ca.
