UFC 304 pre-event facts: Why Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 is an ultra-rare matchup in history

The UFC returns to Manchester, England for the first time since October 2016 on Saturday with UFC 304, which goes down at Co-op Live with a main card on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

A doubleheader of championship fights sits at the top of the bill – and both of them feature British titleholders attempting to defend their belts in rematches.

In the main event, Leon Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) attempts to make a third consecutive welterweight title defense when he runs it back with Belal Muhammad (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC), who he fought to a no contest due an accidental eye poke at UFC Fight Night 187 in March 2021.

The co-headliner, meanwhile, sees interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) attempt to avenge his lone octagon defeat against Curtis Blaydes(18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC), who got a win by injury TKO just 15 seconds into their initial meeting at UFC Fight Night 208 in July 2022.

For more on the numbers behind both matchups, as well as the rest of the card, check below for MMA Junkie’s pre-event facts about UFC 305.

* * * *

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad