Belal Muhammad Claims UFC Welterweight Title in Manchester After Defeating Leon Edwards by Unanimous Decision

Leon Edwards, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, was unexpectedly dethroned by Belal Muhammad in a thrilling fight held in Manchester.

This marked the end of Edwards’ impressive title reign, which was cut short on his third defense of the welterweight belt.

The judges’ scorecards revealed a close contest, with the final tallies reading 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, all favoring Muhammad.

Despite a last-minute surge from Edwards, who landed a flurry of strikes in the final round, Muhammad emerged victorious.

His commanding performance extended his winning streak to ten fights.

Emotional Victory for Muhammad

The bout, which took place at the Co-op Live Arena early on Sunday morning, was a rematch of their 2021 fight that ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.

Muhammad, visibly emotional, broke down in tears upon being declared the new champion. He dedicated the win to his family and his heritage, expressing gratitude and pride in his team and their relentless preparation.

Muhammad’s Dominant Performance

From the outset, Muhammad showcased his dominance, taking Edwards down multiple times in the first round and landing heavy blows in the second.

Although Edwards managed a sharp takedown at the end of the second round and inflicted damage in the final moments, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

The new welterweight champion controlled most of the fight and had nearly 100 more strikes landed.

Edwards Reflects on the Fight

Edwards acknowledged his exhaustion from the first round and credited Muhammad for his victory.

Despite the defeat, Edwards remains determined and optimistic about reclaiming the title in the future.