WATCH: Leon Edwards lunges at Belal Muhammad, who doesn’t flinch on ‘Rocky’ faceoff

Before they meet in the octagon, reigning welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards had an initial staredown and a go at Belal Muhammad. No. 2-ranked title contender Belal Muhammad came face-to-face with the champ at the end of Thursday’s UFC 304 Official pre-fight conference. The two clash in a rematch this weekend at the Co-Op Live.

The venue also hosted Thursday’s press conference, where fighters convened for initial staredowns. Leon Edwards and Muhammad immediately started edging and exchanged words. Nerves of steel mediator and head honcho Dana White separated the duo. Before it ended, though, a cocky ‘Rocky’ took a pounce at the opponent after Belal did the ‘headshot’ action. Mind games much? Muhammad didn’t even flinch!

Eight fighters from four main-card bouts took center stage. The Birmingham fighter defending his 170-pound title marks their rematch from March 2021. Edwards had accidentally poked him in the eye just 18 seconds into R2; the bout was ruled a no-contest. The Palestinian-American has been eager for a rematch. He even took a swipe for Edwards, touting his struggles but not recognizing his hunger to rematch him.

Despite a ten-fight unbeaten streak, Edwards even gibed him down for not making the cut at UFC 300. The rivalry remains with awkward tension as seen from the elevator rides. It makes sense Muhammad would not flinch; it’s either that or the tumultuous poke has full-proofed him to sudden movements. Either way, ‘Rocky’ does not understand the hate towards him.

RELATED

Team Belal Muhammad compares boxing skills to Canelo Alvarez; gets a reality check from Leon Edwards and Conor McGregor

UFC champ Leon Edwards does not get Belal Muhammad’s hate

Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) defends his undisputed gold against Belal Muhammad in Saturday’s UFC 304 feature main event. It will be his third title defense. Accordingly, they have had quite the to-ad-fro going on for the same.

One of Muhammad’s main issues is that his opponent would not recognize him as an adversary. That, mixed with the poke, Muhammad said he hates Edwards for personal reasons. The Team Renegade BJJ & MMA champ, however, does not get the hate.

I don’t get it... I don’t know where it’s coming from. I haven’t said much really apart from banter. For me it’s all banter. For him, he starts taking it deadly serious.

Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards during Wednesday’s UFC 304 Media Day conference interviews

Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards has never hidden that he did not prefer him as a prime choice. But he says it’s part of the build-up, as usual, and not some personal vendetta. While Muhammad has been dead set in his role as a title challenger. Edwards asks if, as a champion, he should have gone easy. Would that even suit their title grudge match setting? It’s anyone’s guess who comes out on top this weekend.

In case you missed it:

• “I literally thought I was blind,” Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad explain two sides of ugly eye poke incident 
• WATCH: “Pack of pu**es!” Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards’ altercation almost gets ugly before UFC 304

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW