Belal Muhammad Rejects Immediate Rematch with Leon Edwards After UFC 304: “See You in 3 Years!”
New UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad has no plans for an immediate title defense rematch against Leon Edwards following their main event bout at UFC 304.
In an unexpected turn of events, Muhammad shocked the British crowd by defeating Edwards via unanimous decision at UFC 304 on Saturday in Manchester. This victory ended Edwards’ long unbeaten streak in the Octagon, with Muhammad using his wrestling skills to neutralize Edwards’ game plan.
Muhammad’s revenge came three years after their no-contest bout during the main event of UFC Fight Night in 2021. Both fighters have come a long way since their first encounter, but Muhammad ultimately exacted his revenge by claiming the welterweight championship.
Post-fight tensions between Muhammad and Edwards seemed to have settled, yet the intensity of their rivalry remains strong, hinting at an inevitable trilogy bout in the future.
Muhammad is not planning to give Edwards an immediate shot at reclaiming the title. The former champion will need to earn his way back into contention.
During the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, Muhammad was questioned about the possibility of a third fight with Edwards.
“Yes, I’ll give him a rematch, in three years,” Muhammad stated. “Let him find his own way back. I think it was a dominant fight, no need for an immediate rematch. He didn’t have a long championship reign that would warrant an automatic rematch. I went to his hometown, faced his people, enemy territory, so it’s just a minor setback for him…
“But I’ve blocked that out.”
Edwards hinted at the possibility of returning to the Octagon at least once more before the end of the year. He will likely face another top contender before making a case for another title shot against Muhammad.
Muhammad has defeated former title challengers such as Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, and Gilbert Burns on his way to the championship. He hasn’t lost a fight since his defeat to Geoff Neal in 2019.
Edwards won the title by knocking out Kamaru Usman with a head kick at UFC 278. He then defeated Usman in their trilogy bout at UFC 286 before overcoming Colby Covington in December.
Muhammad aims to dominate the new era of the UFC welterweight division. After ending Edwards’ reign, Muhammad believes his rival should earn another title shot through merit.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other UFC news.
