- George Chung
- Jul 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Belal Muhammad's 1233-day wait to face Leon Edwards again culminated in an unforgettable showdown at UFC 304 in Manchester. Right from the start, the 36-year-old Palestinian-American showed he wasn't about to waste his shot. Muhammad fought with a tremendous sense of urgency, taking the champion down repeatedly and keeping him off-balance for the majority of the contest. This relentless approach led to a unanimous decision victory, extending Muhammad’s winning streak to six and his unbeaten run to 11.
Muhammad hasn’t lost a fight since January 2019, when he dropped a decision to Geoff Neal. Despite setbacks, including a controversial eye poke from Edwards in their first bout, Muhammad persevered, defeating five straight ranked opponents to solidify his status as the No. 1 contender. His victory over Edwards was a testament to his commitment, determination, and belief in his abilities. Muhammad’s success is a reminder of the value of persistence and hard work in the face of adversity.
Tom Aspinall continued to prove why he's considered the best active heavyweight in the UFC, successfully defending his interim title with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event. Aspinall’s performance was swift and devastating, avenging his previous loss to Blaydes due to a knee injury suffered just 15 seconds into their first bout. With this win, Aspinall extended his record to 7-1 under the UFC banner, with all victories coming inside the distance and only one fight lasting beyond the first round.
Beyond his fighting prowess, Aspinall's humility and character stand out. When asked to send a message to Jon Jones, Aspinall expressed respect and a desire to prove himself by sharing the Octagon with the all-time great. He also used his platform to advocate for autism awareness, a cause close to his heart. Aspinall’s post-fight celebration with his team and family, and his genuine happiness for his friend Mick Parkin’s victory, underscore his selflessness and integrity. Aspinall is a role model both inside and outside the Octagon.
Paddy Pimblett silenced his critics with a stunning first-round submission victory over King Green. The lively Scouser, known for his charismatic entrances and sharp orange trunks, capitalized on Green’s sloppy takedown attempt by locking in a guillotine choke before transitioning to a triangle choke, putting Green to sleep. Throughout his steady march up the lightweight rankings, many doubted Pimblett’s abilities, expecting him to falter. However, Pimblett has consistently posted victories, and his win over Green, a seasoned veteran, solidifies his place in the division.
Despite criticisms and doubts, Pimblett has proven his skills time and again. His calm and composed performance against Green showcased his growth as a fighter. With this victory, Pimblett is set to take his rightful place in the Top 15 lightweight rankings, proving his legitimacy as a threat in the division.
Quick Hitters
Gregory Rodrigues: The all-action fighter delivered another impressive performance, defeating Christian Leroy Duncan and positioning himself as a crucial test for up-and-coming middleweights. Rodrigues' aggressive style and relentless pace make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Arnold Allen: After a two-fight skid, Allen secured a much-needed, gritty win over Giga Chikadze in the main card opener. Allen's perseverance through setbacks and his ability to turn things around demonstrate his resilience and skill.
Nathaniel Wood: Despite hitting Daniel Pineda with everything he had, Wood secured a victory, moving to 4-1 in the featherweight division. Wood’s relentless attack and determination were on full display, showing his potential to break into the rankings.
Bruna Brasil: Brasil showcased her improved skills and resilience, earning a significant win over Molly McCann. Despite not getting the first-round stoppage, Brasil’s dominant performance highlighted her growth as a fighter.
Jake Hadley: Making the most of a short-notice opportunity, Hadley halted a two-fight slide with a decision win over Caolan Loughran. Hadley's ability to adapt and perform under pressure bodes well for his future in the UFC.
Sam Patterson: Patterson continued his impressive run in the welterweight division with a second straight first-round submission win. His dominance and skill make him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Mick Parkin: The promising heavyweight prospect secured his first stoppage victory inside the Octagon, moving to a perfect 10-0 record. Parkin’s performance demonstrated his potential to rise in the heavyweight ranks.
UFC 304 was a night of incredible upsets, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable performances that have reshaped the landscape of several divisions. From Muhammad’s persistence paying off to Aspinall’s continued dominance and Pimblett’s silencing of critics, this event was filled with moments that will be remembered for years to come.
