Leon Edwards open as big betting favorite to beat Belal Muhammad in rematch with UFC 304 fight official

Leon Edwards confirms he will fight at UFC 300 I will defend my title in April in Las VegasFinally slated to make his return this summer, Leon Edwards has opened as a sizeable betting favorite to successfully…

Leon Edwards confirms he will fight at UFC 300 I will defend my title in April in Las Vegas

Finally slated to make his return this summer, Leon Edwards has opened as a sizeable betting favorite to successfully defend his undisputed welterweight crown in his rematch with the surging, Belal Muhammad atop UFC 304 in July.

Edwards, the incumbent welterweight champion, is set to return to the Octagon at the end of July this summer, taking on Illinois contender, Muhammad in the pair’s title re-run – in the main event of UFC 304 in Manchester.

Leon Edwards

Sidelined since December of last year, Birmingham native, Edwards most recently recorded his second straight successful defense of his title with a unanimous decision shutout win over Colby Covington at UFC 296

And with betting lines now set for UFC 304 in July, welterweight king, Edwards has opened as a -218 favorite to dispatch the +180 underdog, Muhammad in the pair’s championship rematch this summer. 

Leon Edwards opens as favorite to beat Belal Muhammad at UFC 304

Fans and punters hoping to get in on the action early on what promises to be a hugely active betting line ahead of UFC 304 in July can do so over at https://tychebets.com/kritikes/casino-infinity – including bettors who are tuning into the huge return to the region from Greece.

First squaring off at UFC Vegas 21 three years ago in a main event slot, then-surging contender, Leon Edwards fought Muhammad to an eventual third round official ‘No Contest’ – forcing the latter out of their main event bout after landing an inadvertent eye poke.

Leon Edwards confirms he will fight at UFC 300 I will defend my title in April in Las Vegas
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Working his way back to top contention with a stunning unbeaten streak since, Muhammad most recently took out prior title challenger, Gilbert Burns back in May of last year in a short-notice five round decision win, earning himself the number two rank at 170 pounds. 

And remaining supremely confident of definitively dispatching Muhammad this time around at UFC 304 in the summer, Team Renegade BJJ & MMA stalwart, Edwards has already played up the possibility of facing off with UFC 303 headliner, Conor McGregor in a historic title fight at Madison Square Garden later this annum. 

“That’d be good, that’d be good, you know,” Leon Edwards told of a fight with Conor McGregor. “It would be good to give him the opportunity – yeah, 100 percent, why not? I feel like let’s give him the opportunity to become [a] three-division world champion, [and] give me an opportunity to take out a guy like Conor (McGregor). You know, New York – that would be perfect.”

Belal Muhammad set to serve as backup fighter to Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UFC 296
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“That is the fight, you know,” Leon Edwards explained. “He goes out there and takes out Michael (Chandler), I take out ‘No One Remembers His Name’ and we’ll go from there. We’ll go to New York – MSG, let’s go. That’s the fight. That’s the fight, that’s the fight, I feel. You know, two of us have business to take care of. That’s the fight, that needs to happen. It should happen.” 

Alongside his return to the U.K. to defend his title on home soil again, Edwards is joined by fellow British star, Tom Aspinall who himself rematches Curtis Blaydes in a co-main event slot, putting his much-discussed interim heavyweight title on the line at the Co-op Live Arena. 

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

Ian Garry vs. Michael Venom Page opens as pick ’em fight as betting lines drop for huge UFC 303 showdown

Ian Garry set to fight Michael Venom Page at UFC 303 in massive June showdownOfficially set to share the Octagon next month at UFC 303 amid months of speculation regarding a pairing, Ian…

Ian Garry set to fight Michael Venom Page at UFC 303 in massive June showdown

Officially set to share the Octagon next month at UFC 303 amid months of speculation regarding a pairing, Ian Garry versus Michael Venom Page has opened as a close pick ‘em clash between the duo, with betting lines officially dropping for the anticipated showdown.

Garry, the current number seven ranked welterweight contender, had been long-linked with a return at UFC 303 next month during International Fight Week, seeing a bout with former interim champion, Colby Covington failing to materialize. 

Ian Garry addesses UFC 296 exit this annoys me I want to fight
Mandatory Credit: Icon Sportswire

However, tonight, UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed Ian Garry would take on British star, Page in a massive clash at UFC 303 at the end of June, with fans clamoring for a pairing of striking talents on a blockbuster card.

Ian Garry – Michael Page opens as pick ’em fight for UFC 303

And currently, Garry and Page are sitting on opening betting lines of -105, and -115 respectively ahead of UFC 303 – with some of the best casinos who offer free respins already offering odds on the bout. Fans and punters alike can use the Gambler Guide slot review to find a comprehensive book of oz review, with ‘Sin City’ playing host to the huge UFC 303 card in Las Vegas next month. 

030324 HERO michael venom page scream

Improving to 14-0 as a professional back in February of this year, Dublin striker, Ian Garry turned in a close split decision win over Texan striker, Geoff Neal – remaining unbeaten in the Octagon since his landing three years ago.

As for London Shootfighters staple, Page, the former Bellator MMA title challenger finally made good on his long-anticipated move to the UFC back in March in Miami, landing in the Octagon with aplomb – courtesy of a one-sided decision win over Kevin Holland.

And himself hoping to secure a showdown with incumbent welterweight challenger, Leon Edwards in the future with another couple of high-profile victories, Page expressed a candid interest in a fight with Portmarnock striker, Ian Garry following his debut win at UFC 299.

ian garry

“I don’t actually care when the fight is, I can do it next week,” Michael Page explained. “I can do it the week after. I don’t mind. I’m just saying it made more sense for the U.K. He’s Irish, I’m English, on the U.K. card. It’s going to be a big card, it would be a great fight. I think he likes to just hang on the back of people’s coattails. So he sees Conor McGregor and gets excited.”

“I’d fight him next week,” Page continued. “If I have a lose ‘X’ amount of weight for that fight, I’ll do it next week. It’s not a problem. I think he misunderstood what’s actually going on. I think he understands I’m dangerous. I’ve never actually met him. I never like to judge too much from a distance, but he inspires me to get in shape because he just has an annoying air about him. If there was any motivation needed, it’s just him talking.” 

Garry’s addition to UFC 303 alongside Page adds to a stacked card in Nevada – which is headlined by a huge welterweight fight between former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler.

Who wins at UFC 303 next month: Ian Garry or MIchael Venom Page?

Kamaru Usman turns down fight with UFC rival Jan Blachowicz amid call out: ‘It does nothing for me’

Kamaru Usman turns down fight with UFC rival Jan Blachowicz it does nothing for meDespite major links to a stunning light heavyweight move to take on former champion, Jan Blachowicz two years ago,…

Kamaru Usman turns down fight with UFC rival Jan Blachowicz it does nothing for me

Despite major links to a stunning light heavyweight move to take on former champion, Jan Blachowicz two years ago, former welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman has rejected the opportunity to settle their differences in an eventual fight, claiming the bout does “nothing” for him now.

Usman, a former undisputed welterweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, has been sidelined since he made a short notice middleweight divisional leap at UFC 294 back in October, suffering a close decision defeat against the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev.

Kamaru Usman branded best welterweight of all time by UFC boss you cannot deny that
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

As for Blachowicz, the Pole has been out of action through injury since his July title-eliminator with current light heavyweight titleholder, Alex Pereira, dropping a close split decision loss to the Brazilian knockout artist.

And voicing his opinion on how a bout with Blahcowicz would have went back in 2022 following their infamous face off, Usman pointed to his size then, and claimed that stylistically, he would have matched up well with the former KSW kingpin.

Kamaru Usman

“I wouldn’t have called for 205 (pounds) if I didn’t think at that point that the style favored me and I could do it,” Kamaru Usman explained. “Everybody’s got power when the fight starts, but you grab their leg and you drag him down, the fight completely changes. And that’s exactly what I was gonna do. Glover Teixeira did the exact same thing to him.”

Taking issue with Usman’s claims, Blachowicz – who himself wants to take on the above-mentioned, Pereira in an immediate title re-run in his return, offered to welcome the Nigerian to 205lbs once more.

Jan Blachowicz

“If you still feel the same about it @USMAN84kg, let’s do,” Jan Blachowicz posted on his official X account. “I will be ready.” 

However, according to Usman, a fight with Blachowicz does very little to nothing for him right now, declining the opportunity to reignite their feud beyond words.

Kamaru Usman declines fight with Jan Blachowicz

“When he (Jan Blachowicz) was champion, I liked the matchup, because we were fighting for something,” Kamaru Usman said on his podcast. “Listen, I respect each and every UFC fighter that steps in that Octagon. And even with Jan Blachowicz, I respect him – the original ‘Polish Power’.

“…I’m not longer the champion, he is no longer the champion so that fight makes absolutely no sense” Kamaru Usman explained. “It does nothing for me. If I go up there and bear Jan Blachowicz, what does that do for me? Jan, big respect, you big, strong, tough guy. I will happily decline.” 

Who would win in a potential clash: Kamaru Usman or Jan Blachowicz?

Islam Makhachev warns Dustin Poirier of ‘Easy’ fight win for him at UFC 302: ‘He doesn’t believe he can beat me’

Islam Makhachev predicts easy win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 he doesn't believe he can beat meJust days out from their undisputed lightweight title fight this weekend at UFC 302, incumbent kingpin, Islam Makhachev has…

Islam Makhachev predicts easy win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 he doesn't believe he can beat me

Just days out from their undisputed lightweight title fight this weekend at UFC 302, incumbent kingpin, Islam Makhachev has reminded challenger, Dustin Poirier that he has the ability to make their clash look “easy” in New Jersey.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and pound-for-pound number one under the promotion’s banner, returns for the first time since last October, as he takes on Poirier in this weekend’s headliner at UFC 302.

Islam Makhachev issues ultimatum to UFC I'll be ready to smash in March or see you after Ramadan
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Attempting to rack up his third successful defense of his 155lbs throne, Makhachev has so-far lodged both decision and stoppage wins over Alexander Volkanovski, respectively, during his reign in the division.

Islam Makhachev plays down Khabib Nurmagomedov comparions pre UFC 302 he had his time now it's mine
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Lafayette native, Poirier, the former interim gold holder will hope to make it third time lucky in his quest for an undisputed title, as he takes on Makhachev in Newark this weekend.

Earning his shot at spoils as recently as March, Poirier – who has weighed up the possibility of retirement regardless of result at UFC 302, turned in a blistering second round knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis.

And following the immediate booking of their clash at the Prudential Center, Makhachev claimed he had the tools to turn in an “easy” triumph against Poirier.

Dustin Poirier vows to knock out Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 the ref's gonna be pulling me off of him
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev claims Dustin Poirier has no belief ahead of UFC 302

And ahead of Saturday, Makhachev – who confirmed he would be backed by Poirier’s former-foe, Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner for UFC 302, echoed that sentiments, pointing to an apparent mistake the Louisianan seems to always make against similar foes.

“Honestly, he’s (Dustin Poirier) the same [fighter that faced Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019],” Islam Makhachev said during his media availability ahead of UFC 302. “Maybe [he’s older]. He doesn’t believe he can beat me. His coach doesn’t believe he can beat me. I know I can make this fight easy. 

“I will finish him,” Islam Makhachev explained. “Because I am on a different level. I am the best fighter in the world right now. …I can strike with him, but I told you guys, if I want to make this fight easy, I know the way and everybody [else] know the way. Always when his opponent pressure him, take him down, he has the same problems always.”

Who wins at UFC 302 this weekend: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs amid fighter pay issue ahead of UFC 302: ‘They don’t do the right things’

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs over fighter pay ahead of UFC 302 they don't do the right thingsDespite the recent settling of an anti-trust lawsuit brought against the UFC, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland has echoed…

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs over fighter pay ahead of UFC 302 they don't do the right things

Despite the recent settling of an anti-trust lawsuit brought against the UFC, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland has echoed displeasure with fighter pay within the promotion, claiming the promotion – whom he described as “leeches” do not do the “right thing” with the majority of fighters on their roster.

Strickland, a former undisputed middleweight champion, makes his return this weekend in the co-main event of UFC 302, fighting for the first time since he lost the title to Dricus du Plessis back in January of this year in a close decision defeat in Canada.

Sean Strickland's coach claims live betting may have affected corner advice in UFC 297 title loss
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Returning in search of a potential route back to a championship charge, outspoken contender, Strickland takes on former title challenger, Paulo Costa – with the pair sharing a distinct rivalry atop the middleweight pile.

Paulo Costa claims he's not signed contract to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 298 I don't know what happened
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sean Strickland rips UFC over fighter pay issue

And first voicing his dissatisfaction with the new design of fight gloves which will be donned for the first time this weekend at UFC 302 in New Jersey, Strickland has now hit out at promotional brass and executives in the organization for “leeching” and not putting fighters livelihoods first.

Sean Strickland is not a fan of the new gloves debuting at UFC 302: 'Yeah, they absolutely suck'

“Sometimes you gotta get ready to f*cking throw away your entire career if you don’t get your sh*t, you know,” Sean Strickland told Daniel Cormier during an interview. “It’s just doing the f*cking right things, man. Like, the UFC doesn’t do the right things. It doesn’t f*cking do the right things. It doesn’t do the right things with most of their roster.”

“Like, if you go look at what these guys that run [the UFC], you see what they’re making to what [fighters] are get paid, it’s f*cking sh*t, dude,” Sean Strickland explained. “The UFC does not do the f*cking right things. And unless you hold them at f*cking gunpoint, they ain’t gonna f*cking do it.” 

What are your thoughts on Sean Strickland’s comments on the UFC?

Report – Nick Diaz targeted UFC 300 comeback fight, Georges St-Pierre rematch before landing Vicente Luque clash

Nick Diaz targeted UFC 300 comeback fight with Georges St-Pierre before booking Vicente Luque clashBooking a rather surprising comeback to the Octagon later this summer following nearly three-years of inactivity, former welterweight title…

Nick Diaz targeted UFC 300 comeback fight with Georges St-Pierre before booking Vicente Luque clash

Booking a rather surprising comeback to the Octagon later this summer following nearly three-years of inactivity, former welterweight title challenger, Nick Diaz reportedly had targeted a slew of opponents to share the stage with, before signing to fight Vicente Luque at UFC Abu Dhabi in August. 

Diaz, a former undisputed and interim welterweight title challenger under the banner of the promotion, is slated to co-headline UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi at the beginning of August in a welterweight return against the above-mentioned, Luque, over the course of five rounds.

Nick Diaz
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sidelined since making a 2021 comeback, Diaz’s most recent outing came in the form of an impromptu middleweight clash against former welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler, dropping a third round TKO defeat to the veteran in their rematch.

Nick Diaz
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Diaz targeted Georges St-Pierre comeback fight

And booking his comeback alongside former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson yesterday at UFC Abu Dhabi in August, Diaz – according to reporter, Ariel Helwani, had pushed for a slew of other fights first, including a rematch with Georges St-Pierre, and a specific UFC 300 return against Colby Covington.

Nick Diaz
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

“This has been in the works for quite some time,” Helwani said on The MMA Hour. “I’ve been told, Nick (Diaz) has been pushing for a GSP fight, didn’t come to fruition., He was then pushing for a Colby Covington fight at UFC 300, didn’t come to fruition. He then – after ‘MVP’s debut and win at [UFC] 299, pushed for that fight no the June 29th, Conor McGregor card, UFC 303 – didn’t come to fruition.”

“He then pushed for Keinv Holland on the June 29th. Card, and thought that was going to be the one,” Helwani continued. “But as you know, it didn’t come to fruition… They said, ‘What about Vicente Luque in Abu Dhabi?’, initially he didn’t want to go overseas. I’m told the people in Abu Dhabi want Nick Diaz.”

Are you happy to see Nick Diaz land UFC Abu Dhabi comeback?