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Leon Edwards suffered back injury ahead of UFC 304: ‘I’m not making excuses’

Leon Edwards suffered from back injury ahead of UFC 304 fight: 'I'm not making excuses' Dropping his undisputed welterweight championship at UFC 304 over the course of last weekend, Leon Edwards’ head coach, Dave…

Dropping his undisputed welterweight championship at UFC 304 over the course of last weekend, Leon Edwards’ head coach, Dave Lovell has revealed his student was dealing with “niggling” injuries including an issue with his back, leading him to struggle with the wrestling offense of Belal Muhammad.

Edwards, who headlined last weekend’s pay-per-view return to Manchester at UFC 304, dropped his undisputed welterweight crown in a one-sided unanimous decision loss to two-time foe, Belal Muhammad – over the course of five rounds.

Seeing his title run come to an abrupt stop following consecutive title defense wins over former champions, Kamaru Usman, and Colby Covington, Edwards confirmed plans to fight once more this year – amid links to a showdown with unbeaten Irish star, Ian Garry next.

Leon Edwards dealt with “niggling” back injury pre-UFC 304

Sharing his thoughts on his student’s performance against Muhammad in the pair’s re-run, the previously mentioned, Lovell revealed Edwards was struggling with a “niggle” in the form of a back injury ahead of UFC 304.

“I’m not making any kind of excuses for him (Leon Edwards), but we had a few niggles in camp,” Dave Lovell told Submission Radio. “His back was niggling him, so he couldn’t wrestle the way he really needed to offensively and defensively because of the niggle that recurred about maybe two, three times. Well, not taking nothing away from Belal’s (Muhammad) performance, you know. He did well, he done well. The best man won on the night, but Leon will be back.”

“Well, believe it not, we had a powwow about it, and I was very dubious because there niggles was going on for about maybe, five or so weeks on and off,” Lovell explained. “He had to go to a chiropractor, regular massages. But again, after one session it was back to Square 1.”

What do you think is next for Leon Edwards after UFC 304?

MMA News Today: Video Shows Paddy Pimblett Reacting Backstage To ‘Most Boring Champion’ Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Crowning, Turki Alalshikh Says UFC’s Sphere Card ‘Will Eat’ Canelo Match On Sept. 14, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 30, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Paddy Pimblett Posts Reaction To UFC 304 Main Event, Belal Muhammad Becoming Champion A video posted on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel gives fight fans a behind the scenes […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Video Shows Paddy Pimblett Reacting Backstage To ‘Most Boring Champion’ Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Crowning, Turki Alalshikh Says UFC’s Sphere Card ‘Will Eat’ Canelo Match On Sept. 14, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 30, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

Pimblett scolds Muhammad after title win
Alalshikh gives strong prediction for UFC vs. Canelo
Sonnen points out that Aspinall is finishing big guys with ease

Paddy Pimblett Posts Reaction To UFC 304 Main Event, Belal Muhammad Becoming Champion

A video posted on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel gives fight fans a behind the scenes look at his fight night experience this past weekend.

“The Baddy” delivered one of the performances of the night at UFC 304 in Manchester when he submitted King Green in the first round to earn a lightweight ranking.

The main event, however, did not end on such good terms for the UK fighters and fans as Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards to become the welterweight champion.

In the video, Pimblett is seen reacting to the official decision before going on to label Muhammad as the “most boring champion ever.”

Turki Alalshikh Not Worried About Saudi-Backed UFC 306 Going Up Against Canelo Álvarez

It’s incredibly rare to see any major sporting events going up against the UFC, but that is exactly what Canelo Álvarez will look to do on September 14 with his fight against Edgar Berlanga.

Alvarez has a track record for fighting on Mexican Independence Day, but he missed out on this last year after the UFC booked the T-Mobile Arena for the first Noche UFC card.

The MMA leader will instead be hosting UFC 306 this year at the Sphere, which is being built up to be an event like no other.

Part of the reason that both events are going head-to-head in Las Vegas is because UFC 306 is being sponsored by Riyadh Season and the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, which has allowed the UFC to go big on this particular card, meaning Álvarez could run the T-Mobile on this occasion.

Speaking to ESPN, Turki Alalshikh gave a short response to how he believes the Saudi-backed Sphere event will compete with Álvarez.

“We will eat him,”

Chael Sonnen Says Tom Aspinall Is Doing Something That Even Mike Tyson Struggled With

Tom Aspinall’s incredible ability to end fights early on means that he has unbelievably low amounts of Octagon time despite being a world champion.

The interim heavyweight champ has said it himself that he wants opponents to test him in deeper waters but nobody can take him there.

Following his one-minute finish over Curtis Blaydes this past weekend, Chael Sonnen was full of praise for the Brit in a recent YouTube video.

He compared Aspinall to arguably the greatest knockout artist combat sports has ever seen and said that he is even capable of finishing fights in ways that Mike Tyson couldn’t even accomplish.

“Mike Tyson had a hard time putting down the heavyweights that were 240, 250, 260 [pounds]. These are the guys that Tom is touching one time; this is shocking power. Tom is getting guys out of here so quickly. I don’t love the reality that in three years, Tom has been in the ring for about three minutes, but the other side of it is, what are you going to do? How are you going to stop him?”

Read more on the story here.

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Belal Muhammad laughs off Colby Covington tirade

Newly-minted undisputed welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad has laughed off threats from former interim gold holder, Colby Covington – mocking…

Newly-minted undisputed welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad has laughed off threats from former interim gold holder, Colby Covington – mocking his record in undisputed fight, after the Clovis native accused him of PED use.

Muhammad, the newly-crowned undisputed welterweight titleholder, returned to action in the main event of UFC 304 over the course of last weekend in Manchester, landing the divisional crown in a stunning upset decision win over common-opponent, Leon Edwards in the pair’s rematch clash.

As for Covington, the former interim champion has been out of action since he took on now-former champion, Edwards back in December in the main event of UFC 296, dropping his own one-sided unanimous decision loss to the Birmingham native in the duo’s heated grudge fight.

Receiving call outs from both former champion, Kamaru Usman – as well as unbeaten finishing ace, Shankat Rakhmonov, Muhammad was also targeted by Covington, who claimed he would take the champion’s “man card” if they shared the Octagon.

“You know, the guy’s (Belal Muhammad) a f*cking p*ssy,” Colby Covington told Submission Radio. “The onle time that Belal – the racist juice monkey, wanted to fight me when I only already had a title fight signed sealed and delivered. That’s the only time he wanted to fight me. Otherwise, he’s never said my name because he knoes he’s a little b*tch and he knows what I would do to him. He’s a p*ssy.”

Reacting to Covington’s comments, Muhammad mocked the former interim champion’s losing record in his trio of undisputed welterweight championship fights.

Colby Covington confirms US Congress run I'm the Donald Trump of the UFC — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Belal Muhammad mocks Colby Covington’s title fight record

“0-3,” Belal Muhammad posted on his official X account.

Out of action since last December, former interim gold holder, Covington has been linked with a massive welterweight showdown with former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira – with the Brazilian fan-favorite remaining open to a potential leap to 170lbs.

Who wins in a future title fight: Belal Muhammad or Colby Covington?

Colby Covington Unimpressed By Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Title Win: ‘He’s Obviously On The Right Steroids’

We can unsurprisingly count UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington among those unimpressed by his division’s newly crowned champion. Belal Muhammad completed his ascent to the mountaintop on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage this past weekend, getting the better of Leon Edwards in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. […]

Continue Reading Colby Covington Unimpressed By Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Title Win: ‘He’s Obviously On The Right Steroids’ at MMA News.

We can unsurprisingly count UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington among those unimpressed by his division’s newly crowned champion.

Belal Muhammad completed his ascent to the mountaintop on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage this past weekend, getting the better of Leon Edwards in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.

The five-round headliner was largely dominant for the challenger, who made good on his promise to unseat “Rocky” in emphatic fashion and begin a new era at 170 pounds.

Of course, while plenty were left impressed by Muhammad’s efforts in England, he still has his fair share of detractors. Among them is Covington…

Covington On UFC 304 Main Event: ‘I Can Tell You Who Lost & That’s The Fans’

During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Covington gave his first reaction to Muhammad’s championship victory across the pond this past weekend.

Despite not watching the fight itself, “Chaos” was confident that it would have been short on entertainment and a poor watch for the fanbase.

And after taking aim at both the new champ and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, “Chaos” insisted he would have no problems taking the welterweight gold away from Muhammad, whom he also accused of steroid use.

“I can tell you who lost and that’s the fans. I feel bad for the fans that they got robbed of some entertainment,” Covington said. “Belal the racist juice monkey won. Now that he finally made his first check off the prelims, he can finally fix that dildo that’s on his face. … That’s only if Ali doesn’t take all his money because we know his scumbag manager is a thief.

“I didn’t watch the fight, man. … I know that Leon made so much money in the last fight with me that I don’t think he’s hungry anymore,” Covington continued. “(Muhammad’s) a f*cking p*ssy. … The only time (he) wanted to fight me was when I already had a title fight signed, sealed, and delivered. Otherwise he’s never said my name because he knows he’s a little b*tch and he knows what I’d do to him. If I cross paths with him, he won’t be champion anymore. … I’d love to fight him. I’ll do whatever it takes to get to that. … He’s got nothing for me. … He’s obviously on the right steroids right now, doing the right cycles. He had a one night, lightning in a bottle-type performance.”

Despite Covington’s claims, Muhammad had mentioned him long before his title shot was confirmed last year. “Remember the Name” called out “Chaos” way back in 2017 in the aftermath of his victory over Tim Means at UFC Fight Night 121 in Sydney, Australia.

It didn’t take long for Muhammad to respond, taking aim at Covington 0-3 record in undisputed UFC welterweight title fights in a comment under a clip of the ex-interim titleholder’s recent remarks.

Covington most recently fell short of the belt in Edwards’ second defense. A comfortable decision victory for the Brit followed the American’s two previous title losses at the hands of Kamaru Usman in 2019 and 2021.

Read More: 4 Positives & 3 Negatives From UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2

Continue Reading Colby Covington Unimpressed By Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Title Win: ‘He’s Obviously On The Right Steroids’ at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman wants a crack at Belal Muhammad: ‘Get my welterweight strap back’

Off the back of his upset title victory over the course of last weekend at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad…

Off the back of his upset title victory over the course of last weekend at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad has already received a host of challenges to his newly-minted throne – most recently seeing a call out from former champion, Kamaru Usman land on his table.

Usman, a former undisputed welterweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion – most recently featured at UFC 294 back in October, losing a middleweight limit loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a close majority decision defeat.

As for Muhammad, the Illinois native headlined UFC 304 over the course of the weekend in enemy territory in Manchester, landing the undisputed welterweight championship in a stunning upset decision win over common-opponent, Leon Edwards.

Besting the Birmingham native throughout their five round headliner at the Co-op Live Arena, surging challenger, Muhammad managed to land the divisional crown in a huge upset win, and has welcomed the chance to take on the unbeaten finishing star, Shavkat Rakhmonov next.

Kamaru Usman calls for Belal Muhammad title fight

However, sharing his thoughts on Muhammad’s title coronation in the UK, Auchi native, Usman envisions a path back to his former championship – in the form of a charge against the wrestling talent.

“You want ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru Usman?” Kamaru Usman asked on his podcast. “Give me ample time to get in there. At the end of the year, top of next year, I’ll go in there and I take my welterweight strap back, one hundred percent. But if you’re talking to the man that’s from the outside looking in to try to satisfy everybody when you look at the landscape of everything.”

“Yes it’s ‘Oh, he lost to Leon Edwards,’” Kamaru Usman explained. “But you know, people have amnesia every quickly. People forget that I was winning almost twenty four minutes of that fight until the lightning struck and Leon landed that kick. I think when you land something like that, it almost kind of spoiled Leon to where he forgot that hey I was being dominated this exact same way.”

Who wins in a potential title fight: Belal Muhammad or Kamaru Usman?

Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend. Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Against the odds and predictions […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’ at MMA News.

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend.

Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Against the odds and predictions of many fans, pundits, and fellow fighters alike, Muhammad made good on his vows to dominate “Rocky” in his own backyard, utilizing his grappling to secure large periods of control and finding success on the feet too.

With that, “Remember the Name” was able to silence a crowd that didn’t shy away from letting him know their feelings as he made his way to the Octagon. That trend was also visible last week at the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins.

While some may be negatively affected by such a reception, Muhammad says it was ideal…

Muhammad Relished UFC 304 Boos: ‘I Want That Energy’

During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Muhammad reflected on his experience competing in front of a hostile Manchester crowd.

While Muhammad had downplayed the support Edwards had in the UK, “Remember the Name” was seemingly pleased to be on the receiving end of heavy boos during fight week events and his UFC 304 walkout.

“Honestly, I liked it. It was motivation,” Muhammad said. “I like to get booed. I want that energy. Like I said, I’ve been doubted my whole career. Those boos, they only push me to go harder.

“I’m from like, the south side of Chicago, so I’m not afraid of like, altercations or people talking trash to me. I love that type of energy,” Muhammad continued. “When they’re talking trash to me or I get an opponent I can talk trash to, those are the best kind of fights for me.”

Having proved plenty wrong with his ascent to top spot at 170 pounds, Muhammad will now turn his attention to cementing his grip on that crown and beginning the pursuit of another.

This week, Muhammad debuted in the pound-for-pound rankings at #6, just behind featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley. With some title defenses down the line, “Remember the Name” will hope to further climb that pecking order.

A new mountain to climb pic.twitter.com/pp0wc0nMTm

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 30, 2024

Read More: 4 Positives & 3 Negatives From UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’ at MMA News.