Belal Muhammad dethrones Leon Edwards at UFC 304

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the UK for UFC 304, a highly anticipated pay-per-view event featuring 14 bouts and headlined by a long-awaited rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad.

The co-main event saw Tom Aspinall defending the interim heavyweight championship against Curtis Blaydes.

Main Card Highlights:

UFC Welterweight Championship — Leon Edwards (c) vs. Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad kicks Leon Edwards. PHOTO: REUTERS

Belal Muhammad dethroned Leon Edwards, ending his eight-year unbeaten streak. Muhammad initiated the fight with a takedown just 20 seconds in, dominating the first two rounds with multiple takedowns. Edwards fought back in the third round with a near rear-naked chokehold but couldn't sustain the momentum. Muhammad's control in the final rounds led to his unanimous decision victory, making him the first to defeat Edwards since 2015.

Belal Muhammad throws Leon Edwards. PHOTO: REUTERS

Muhammad dropped to his knees after the championship belt was placed around his waist by UFC President Dana White and shouted: "Doubt me now! Doubt me now!" as he left the cage.

Belal Muhammad. PHOTO: REUTERS

Edwards said he had been feeling fatigued all week.

Leon Edwards kicks Belal Muhammad. PHOTO: REUTERS

"I'm not surprised, my body just felt tired from round one, all week I've been feeling just tired ... congrats to Belal, he got the job done," he added.

PHOTO: UFC

Belal Muhammad defeats Leon Edwards by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).

UFC Heavyweight Interim Championship — Tom Aspinall (c) vs. Curtis Blaydes

Tom Aspinall defeats Curtis Blaydes, UFC 304. PHOTO: UFC

Tom Aspinall defended his title with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes.

Tom Aspinall (right) consoles Curtis Blaydes after knocking out the American. PHOTO: REUTERS

Aspinall's swift left-handed punch led to a flurry of strikes, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Aspinall called out Jon Jones post-fight, expressing confidence in his abilities.

PHOTO: UFC

Tom Aspinall defeats Curtis Blaydes by TKO (strikes) at 1:00 of Round 1.

King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett celebrates after winning his fight against Bobby Green by submission. PHOTO: REUTERS

Paddy Pimblett continued his rise with an eighth consecutive victory. Pimblett quickly subdued King Green with a series of submissions, ending the fight with an armbar that left Green unconscious. Pimblett's UFC record now stands at 6-0.

PHOTO: UFC

Paddy Pimblett defeats King Green by submission (triangle choke) at 3:22 of Round 1.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Gregory Rodrigues emerged victorious over Christian Leroy Duncan by unanimous decision. Despite a bloodied contest, Rodrigues dominated with significant strikes and multiple takedowns, nearly doubling Duncan's strike count.

PHOTO: UFC

Gregory Rodrigues defeats Christian Leroy Duncan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

Arnold Allen secured a unanimous decision win against Giga Chikadze. Both fighters landed significant strikes, but Allen's superior performance in the final round clinched the victory in a closely contested bout.

PHOTO: UFC

Arnold Allen defeats Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda

Nathaniel Wood defeated Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision. Wood's striking and a head kick that nearly ended the fight in the first round put Pineda on the defensive. Despite Pineda's control in the third round, Wood's overall performance earned him the win.

PHOTO: UFC

Nathaniel Wood defeats Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28).

Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil

Bruna Brasil won by unanimous decision against Molly McCann. Despite a strong effort from McCann, Brasil's dominance and multiple takedowns secured her victory.

PHOTO: UFC

Bruna Brasil defeats Molly McCann by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

Jake Hadley vs. Caolan Loughran

Jake Hadley won by unanimous decision over Caolan Loughran. Hadley's effective striking and takedown defence were key to his victory, easily controlling the match.

PHOTO: UFC

Jake Hadley defeats Caolán Loughran by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape

Muhammad Mokaev defeated Manel Kape by unanimous decision in a heated contest. Despite a slow start and a controversial moment involving Mokaev grabbing Kape's shorts, Mokaev's overall performance outclassed Kape.

PHOTO: UFC

Muhammad Mokaev defeats Manel Kape by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons

Oban Elliott secured a unanimous decision win over Preston Parsons. Elliott's defence against takedowns and significant strikes in the final round were crucial for his victory.

PHOTO: UFC

Oban Elliott defeats Preston Parsons by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).

Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

Modestas Bukauskas won by submission against Marcin Prachnio in the third round. Bukauskas overcame early control by Prachnio, securing an arm triangle that forced Prachnio to tap out.

PHOTO: UFC

Modestas Bukauskas defeats Marcin Prachnio by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:12 of Round 3.

Sam Patterson vs. Kiefer Crosbie

Sam Patterson quickly defeated Kiefer Crosbie by submission. Patterson's dominant strikes and a successful arm triangle ended the fight in the first round.

PHOTO: UFC

Sam Patterson defeats Kiefer Crosbie by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50 of Round 1.

Mick Parkin vs. Lukasz Brzeski

Mick Parkin won by knockout against Lukasz Brzeski in the first round. Parkin's powerful right hand led to a flurry of strikes that ended the match quickly.

PHOTO: UFC

Mick Parkin defeats Lukasz Brzeski by KO (strikes) at 3:23 of Round 1.

Shauna Bannon vs. Alice Ardelean

Shauna Bannon won by split decision over Alice Ardelean. Despite Ardelean's takedowns, Bannon's superior striking and significant hits secured her victory. Bannon landed 130 strikes, with 60 significant hits to the head, while Ardelean had only 76 strikes.

PHOTO: UFC

Shauna Bannon defeats Alice Ardelean by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27).