‘I Will Get This Back In Blood’

Belal Muhammad had no trouble on enemy soil in his UFC 304 rematch against Leon Edwards this past weekend (July 27, 2024).

The first time Edwards and Muhammad met inside the Octagon, no fans were in attendance, and no winner had their hand raised. After a strong opening frame for Edwards, an inadvertent eye poke landed for the then-future champion on Muhammad 18 seconds into round two. Muhammad was unable to continue and the bout resulted in a no contest.

That fight was the only non-victory in a 10-fight plus stretch for each fighter until UFC 304. Implementing a brilliant pressure-heavy strategy, Muhammad outstruck and out-grappled his way to a unanimous decision victory to become the new Welterweight champion. Edwards has now commented for the first time since his brief post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier immediately after the loss.

“To my fans I’m sorry I couldn’t get the job done this time,” Edwards said on Instagram. “I have been through harder times than this in life and I will rise again. Thanks for all the love and support I will get this back in blood. #headshot”

The loss is only the fourth in “Rocky’s” 27-fight career (22-4, 1 no contest). Edwards, 32, has never been finished in defeat and has rebounded with winning streaks after each setback. Unfortunately for the now-former titleholder, it doesn’t sound like an immediate title fight trilogy is in his future.

Muhammad, 35, extended his unbeaten streak to 11 with the win, riding a six-fight winning streak since the first Edwards bout in March 2021. Of his 18 decision victories (24-3, 1 no contest), Muhammad has only won via split decision on one occasion when he battled Tim Means in November 2017.