On July 27, 2024, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will make its much-anticipated return to Manchester, England, for UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2. The event will be held at the newly established Co-op Live arena, marking the promotion’s fifth visit to the city and its first since UFC 204 in October 2016. This electrifying night of mixed martial arts will be headlined by a UFC Welterweight Championship bout between current champion Leon Edwards and top contender Belal Muhammad.
Leon Edwards, the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, will defend his title against Belal Muhammad in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad in March 2021 ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke that rendered Muhammad unable to continue. This rematch offers both fighters a chance at redemption and promises to be an explosive showdown. Edwards, known for his technical striking and resilience, will look to solidify his reign as champion. Meanwhile, Muhammad, a relentless and durable competitor, aims to capitalize on this opportunity to capture UFC gold.
The co-main event will feature an interim UFC Heavyweight Championship bout between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes. This fight serves as a rematch of their previous encounter at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall in July 2022, where Blaydes emerged victorious after Aspinall suffered a knee injury just fifteen seconds into the bout. Aspinall, having recovered from his injury and eager to make his mark in the heavyweight division, will face a formidable opponent in Blaydes, known for his wrestling prowess and striking power. This bout is set to deliver fireworks as both fighters vie for the interim title.
Featured Bouts
In addition to the marquee matchups, UFC 304 will showcase several intriguing bouts:
- Middleweight Clash: Christian Leroy Duncan was initially scheduled to face Robert Bryczek. However, Bryczek withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by former LFA Middleweight Champion Gregory Rodrigues. Duncan, a rising star, will look to continue his ascent against the experienced and dangerous Rodrigues.
- Women’s Strawweight Bout: Ravena Oliveira was set to fight Shauna Bannon, but an injury forced Oliveira to withdraw. Promotional newcomer Alice Ardelean steps in to face Bannon in what promises to be an exciting bout in the strawweight division.
- Bantamweight Battle: Ramon Taveras had to withdraw from his fight against Caolán Loughran due to an injury. Initially, Hecher Sosa was announced as his replacement, but it was later reported that Loughran will instead face Jake Hadley. This bout is sure to add depth and excitement to the bantamweight division.
UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action. With a mix of high-stakes title fights and compelling matchups, fans can expect a thrilling evening in Manchester. The event not only marks the UFC’s return to the city but also provides a platform for fighters to showcase their skills and achieve greatness. As the fighters prepare to step into the Octagon, anticipation and excitement continue to build, setting the stage for a historic night at Co-op Live.