Tag: UFC 304

VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2

Fight week for the UFC 304 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad and the co-main event between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes. Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship rematch, with welterweight kingpin […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2 at MMA News.

Fight week for the UFC 304 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad and the co-main event between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship rematch, with welterweight kingpin Edwards (22-3, 1 NC) looking to add a third successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 in August 2022. He’s since retained possession of the belt by getting the better of Usman again and Colby Covington in 2023.

If “Rocky” is to continue his rule atop the 170-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC) at the second time of trying. The pair first collided in a UFC Fight Night main event back in 2021, which ended prematurely when accidental eye pokes left “Remember the Name” unable to continue. He’s since won five straight over Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns to finally earn his first shot at gold.

Before those two run it back in the main event at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, another home fighter will put his title on the line in a rematch.

Two years on from a devastating knee injury handing him his first UFC loss, interim heavyweight champion Aspinall (14-3) will look to right that wrong by leveling the score with Blaydes (18-4, 1 NC). In defense of the strap he captured with a thunderous knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last November, Aspinall is tasked with preventing “Razor” following his TKO of Jailton Almeida with first-time title glory on July 27.

Ahead of those two contests across the pond, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 304 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

UFC 304 Countdown: Full Episode

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2 at MMA News.

Photos – Leon Edwards shows off ripped physique ahead of UFC 304 title fight with Belal Muhammad

Leon Edwards shows off ripped physique ahead of title fight with Belal Muhammad at UFC 304Just a week out from his next defense of the undisputed welterweight crown, Leon Edwards has shown off a…

Leon Edwards shows off ripped physique ahead of title fight with Belal Muhammad at UFC 304

Just a week out from his next defense of the undisputed welterweight crown, Leon Edwards has shown off a ripped physique as he prepares for a rematch clash with Belal Muhammad in a return to Manchester.

Edwards, the current undisputed welterweight champion, returns to action next weekend headlining a title fight doubleheader at UFC 304 in Manchester, searching for his third successful defense of the 170lbs title.

leon

Last time out, the fan-favorite Birmingham technician made lightwork of former interim champion, Colby Covington in the pair’s title grudge fight last December, outworking the Clovis native over the course of five rounds in a one-sided decision shutout victory.

Taking on the surging, Muhamamd in a main event fight at the UFC Apex facility back in 2020, Edwards forced a second round doctor’s stoppage after an inadvertent eye poke left the Illinois native unable to compete, resulting in an official ‘No Contest’ clash en route to his championship run.

Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman

Leon Edwards shows off shredded physique ahead of UFC 304 return

And ramping up training in recent weeks in preparation for his showdown against Muhammad at the Co-op Live arena in England, Edwards has shown off a ripped physique as he returns to his native UK in search of another victory on home soil. 

Weighing up his immediate options off the back of next weekend’s title with Muhammad, Edwards – who has been the subject of much speculation regarding a title defense against pound-for-pound number one and lightweight best, Islam Makhachev, spoke of how soon a pairing could materialize.

leon training

“For sure, for sure,” Leon Edwards said of a title fight with Islam Makhachev. “I feel like we’ve both got work to do within our division… We’re both on similar paths so I can see that happening in the future. I would like to move up as well, and challenge for the middleweight belt.”

Who wins at UFC 304 next weekend: Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad?

UFC Commentator Surprised Paddy Pimblett Is Considering Influencer Boxing Ahead Of Last Fight On Contract: ‘One Of The Most Dynamic Grapplers…’

UFC commentator John Gooden recently voiced his astonishment after Paddy Pimblett revealed he is contemplating a move to influencer boxing as he approaches the final fight of his UFC contract. “The Baddy” is poised to go head-to-head against King Green on the main card of UFC 304. The pay-per-view will take place on July 27 […]

Continue Reading UFC Commentator Surprised Paddy Pimblett Is Considering Influencer Boxing Ahead Of Last Fight On Contract: ‘One Of The Most Dynamic Grapplers…’ at MMA News.

UFC commentator John Gooden recently voiced his astonishment after Paddy Pimblett revealed he is contemplating a move to influencer boxing as he approaches the final fight of his UFC contract.

“The Baddy” is poised to go head-to-head against King Green on the main card of UFC 304. The pay-per-view will take place on July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, giving Pimblett the opportunity to shine in front of his home crowd.

Pimblett is gearing up for his sixth UFC bout, which will also mark the end of his initial contract with the MMA promotion. A victory against “King” could launch him into the lightweight rankings.

However, the 29-year-old Scouser recently hinted in an interview with MMA Junkie that he might leave the UFC for lucrative boxing matches against YouTube influencers, suggesting he could earn more money outside the Octagon.

Pimblett’s remarks have left Gooden utterly perplexed, prompting him to question what could drive one of the UFC’s most promising prospects to even consider boxing YouTubers…

Gooden Trusts Pimblett’s Hard-Earned UFC Spot Will Keep Him Grounded

During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Gooden reacted to Pimblett’s notion of leaving the UFC for a boxing career. The British UFC commentator stressed that “The Baddy” needs to secure a win in his upcoming fight to gain leverage in negotiations for his second contract with the promotion.

He believes a victory would significantly strengthen Pimblett’s bargaining power when discussing his future with the UFC.

“It would just hurt the numbers right if he doesn’t come away with a win against King Green,” Gooden said. “Then you know that you’re negotiating; you’re going to the table with a quite different approach. I would imagine I was surprised to hear him talk about boxing.”

“I don’t know if it was just something that had been across his socials like 30 minutes before he jumped on whatever it was and then spoke about it.”

Gooden further elaborated, praising Pimblett as a high-caliber MMA fighter who has made a tremendous effort to reach the UFC. He mentioned that Pimblett shouldn’t squander this hard-earned opportunity so easily.

“Paddy, for me, is one of the most dynamic grapplers that we’ve seen come out of the UK. His ability to take the back is phenomenal, and his finishing ability with submissions is his top draw, so seeing him go into boxing is like, really, are you sure? I’m a little confused about that, and deep down, you know Paddy had a.”
“I think he turned down the UFC in the past in order to really make a good, conscientious run with enough kinds of veteran-ship to make a run in the UFC, so I know it means something for him to be in the organization.”

Pimblett is riding high after securing a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 last December. Since joining the UFC in September 2021, the Englishman has racked up an impressive five-fight win streak.

Given his strong fan base in Europe and his status as a rising star, it wouldn’t make sense for the promotion to let him go easily. Pimblett’s popularity and potential make him a valuable asset for the UFC.

Continue Reading UFC Commentator Surprised Paddy Pimblett Is Considering Influencer Boxing Ahead Of Last Fight On Contract: ‘One Of The Most Dynamic Grapplers…’ at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank

Belal Muhammad recently claimed that reigning UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards would be a walk in the park for him, suggesting that the division has lost its edge and currently lacks competitiveness. “Remember the Name” is gearing up to challenge Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch for the title in the main event of UFC […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad recently claimed that reigning UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards would be a walk in the park for him, suggesting that the division has lost its edge and currently lacks competitiveness.

“Remember the Name” is gearing up to challenge Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch for the title in the main event of UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

Muhammad went on an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak to secure his long-awaited shot at UFC gold, a goal he has been vocally pursuing for quite some time. During his journey, the 36-year-old Illinois native defeated notable opponents such as Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson.

Muhammad’s win streak has skyrocketed his confidence, leading him to view the divisional champ as a mere stepping stone…

Muhammad Exudes Assurance Ahead of Edwards Rematch

During a recent interview with Arab News, “Remember the Name” shared his thoughts on his upcoming clash with Edwards. He argued that the welterweight division is sorely lacking in competitiveness and confidently asserted that facing “Rocky” would be his most straightforward bout yet.

“I see weaknesses in a lot of these guys,” Muhammad said. “I don’t think there are going to be easy fights, but looking at this division, Leon is my easiest fight.”

Muhammad further emphasized that his extensive experience and relentless pursuit of improvement will be his greatest assets in the upcoming bout on July 27.

“I’ve had the highest highs and the lowest lows. After every fight, I analyze what I did wrong. I train year-round to be a better fighter. I really think I’m behind a lot of these guys. So I’ve always had that mentality that I’m behind and have to keep learning, growing, and getting better. And I think that’s what separates me from the rest. Every single fight, I come as a different fighter.”

Muhammad initially faced Edwards in a short-notice bout during a UFC Fight Night main event in March 2021. Unfortunately, an accidental eye poke in the second round forced Muhammad to withdraw, resulting in the fight being declared a no-contest.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank at MMA News.

Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304

Having seen a portion of the fanbase turn against him, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett expects to reverse that at the expense of Bobby Green. Pimblett broke onto the scene in a big way following his UFC signing in 2021, winning his debut via knockout and subsequently recording two memorable submissions on home soil at London-held […]

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Having seen a portion of the fanbase turn against him, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett expects to reverse that at the expense of Bobby Green.

Pimblett broke onto the scene in a big way following his UFC signing in 2021, winning his debut via knockout and subsequently recording two memorable submissions on home soil at London-held UFC Fight Nights in 2022.

But just as his following grew and rise to stardom accelerated, the tide appeared to turn when “The Baddy” made his pay-per-view debut opposite Jared Gordon in Las Vegas later that year.

While all three scorecards went in his favor, many cried robbery and began to dismiss the Liverpudlian as a legitimate threat to those high up the 155-pound ladder. And having suffered a foot injury, Pimblett had to wait a full year to answer his critics.

Last December at UFC 296, he remained unbeaten by getting the better of former interim champion Tony Ferguson. But having once again gone to a decision, and given the length of “El Cucuy’s” losing streak entering the bout, the result appeared to do little to stifle “The Baddy’s” detractors.

He’ll have another chance to do so at the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England, where Pimblett is set to share the Octagon with ranked opposition for the very first time.

And with a violent victory over Bobby “King” Green on July 27, the former Cage Warriors champ expects the “fickle” MMA fans to start backing him once again…

Pimblett: It’s ‘Popular’ To Hate On Me Right Now

During a recent interview with Ben Fowlkes for Yahoo! Sports, Pimblett looked ahead to his opening assignment of 2024 and first outing on home soil in two years.

When asked about some of the backlash he gets from the fans for topics ranging from in-cage performances to weight gain in-between his Octagon appearances, Pimblett suggested that it’s simply “popular” to speak negatively about him.

But with a dominant and emphatic display at the expense of Green at UFC 304, “The Baddy” expects his former supporters to return.

“Haters are gonna hate. I don’t give a f*ck what people on the Internet say, lad. I see people comment stuff all the time,” Pimblett said. “It’s a popular thing at the minute to hate on me. Ever since that Jared Gordon fight, it’s popular. Before that fight, I was the best thing since sliced bread. I was great, everyone loved me. Then I have a close decision that three judges decided I won — not me, I didn’t pick the winner — and everyone turns on you.

“That’s the thing in this sport, lad. MMA fans are so fickle. It’s one of them. I come out in this fight and knock Bobby Green, everyone will be back on side,” Pimblett added.

Pimblett will look to make good on his promise to finish Green inside the distance. More so than regaining fan support, that’s in order for “The Baddy” to debut in the lightweight rankings and begin his planned four-fight path to the title.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304

Having seen a portion of the fanbase turn against him, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett expects to reverse that at the expense of Bobby Green. Pimblett broke onto the scene in a big way following his UFC signing in 2021, winning his debut via knockout and subsequently recording two memorable submissions on home soil at London-held […]

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Having seen a portion of the fanbase turn against him, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett expects to reverse that at the expense of Bobby Green.

Pimblett broke onto the scene in a big way following his UFC signing in 2021, winning his debut via knockout and subsequently recording two memorable submissions on home soil at London-held UFC Fight Nights in 2022.

But just as his following grew and rise to stardom accelerated, the tide appeared to turn when “The Baddy” made his pay-per-view debut opposite Jared Gordon in Las Vegas later that year.

While all three scorecards went in his favor, many cried robbery and began to dismiss the Liverpudlian as a legitimate threat to those high up the 155-pound ladder. And having suffered a foot injury, Pimblett had to wait a full year to answer his critics.

Last December at UFC 296, he remained unbeaten by getting the better of former interim champion Tony Ferguson. But having once again gone to a decision, and given the length of “El Cucuy’s” losing streak entering the bout, the result appeared to do little to stifle “The Baddy’s” detractors.

He’ll have another chance to do so at the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England, where Pimblett is set to share the Octagon with ranked opposition for the very first time.

And with a violent victory over Bobby “King” Green on July 27, the former Cage Warriors champ expects the “fickle” MMA fans to start backing him once again…

Pimblett: It’s ‘Popular’ To Hate On Me Right Now

During a recent interview with Ben Fowlkes for Yahoo! Sports, Pimblett looked ahead to his opening assignment of 2024 and first outing on home soil in two years.

When asked about some of the backlash he gets from the fans for topics ranging from in-cage performances to weight gain in-between his Octagon appearances, Pimblett suggested that it’s simply “popular” to speak negatively about him.

But with a dominant and emphatic display at the expense of Green at UFC 304, “The Baddy” expects his former supporters to return.

“Haters are gonna hate. I don’t give a f*ck what people on the Internet say, lad. I see people comment stuff all the time,” Pimblett said. “It’s a popular thing at the minute to hate on me. Ever since that Jared Gordon fight, it’s popular. Before that fight, I was the best thing since sliced bread. I was great, everyone loved me. Then I have a close decision that three judges decided I won — not me, I didn’t pick the winner — and everyone turns on you.

“That’s the thing in this sport, lad. MMA fans are so fickle. It’s one of them. I come out in this fight and knock Bobby Green, everyone will be back on side,” Pimblett added.

Pimblett will look to make good on his promise to finish Green inside the distance. More so than regaining fan support, that’s in order for “The Baddy” to debut in the lightweight rankings and begin his planned four-fight path to the title.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304 at MMA News.