After the successful completion of UFC 303, the fans are now excited about the upcoming UFC 304 event. The card is filled with some outstanding fighters, one of them being Leon Edwards. The current welterweight champion will defend his title against Belal Muhammad. The 36-year-old has gradually worked his way towards the top and can now win the title at UFC 304.
Most fans, and even experts, are super excited about the fight and have started making their predictions. Amidst all the predictions, Edwards has now received special advice from the former welterweight champion before his clash.
Kamaru Usman wants to see a new Leon Edwards at UFC 304
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Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards have had one of the most intense rivalries in the welterweight division. Usman lost his title to ‘Rocky’ at UFC 278 and then failed to win it back again at UFC 286. However, it now seems that ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has moved on from the rivalry, as he shared some advice for Edwards. ‘Rocky’ will be defending his title at UFC 304 and Usman feels he is confident walking into the fight. Speaking on ESPN MMA, Usman reckoned, “I think it’s a good fight. I like the confidence with which Leon is carrying now you know.”
According to Usman, the champion has grown over the years as a fighter and prepares very well for his fights. However, the 37-year-old wants him to show everyone why he is the best. Usman said, “I think he understands that you know the responsibility of being a champion. How you kind of have to train the mentality that you kind of have to have and he showed that in the fight. But it’s just a little things I would like to see from him is that killer come out. Because if you know you are at the top dog. You know you got to prove it to each and every contender who wants your spot.”
Edwards is walking into the fight in prime shape, as revealed by his posts on his social media. The champion has also pointed out that he is confident about winning the fight. However, it seems that he already has an opponent in his mind for his next clash.
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Leon Edwards unfazed by the challenge of Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has time and again shown his willingness to make a move to the welterweight division. The Dagestani fighter is now eyeing a second belt in the UFC and is hoping to face Edwards in the future. Makhachev is currently on a dream run and seems pretty much unbeatable at the moment. However, Edwards doesn’t quite feel the same and wants to challenge him next. ‘Rocky’ will be taking on Muhammad for the second time in his career after the first fight was a no-contest.
The champion is confident of defending his title for the third time and would then like to take on Makhachev. Kweku Afari recently interviewed him on talkSPORT MMA and asked him about the challenge of Makhachev. Edwards was quick to reply and said, “I feel like Islam just fought the first actual lightweight. He fought Volk, but this is the first actual lightweight for within the division, you know. He’s on a three-defense streak. After I beat Belal, I’d be at my third as well.”
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“So, both on a similar paths. So I can see that happen in the future. Also, I’d like to move up and challenge for middleweight, you know,” the champion concluded. Edwards is currently focused on his next fight and will hope to keep his winning run going. However, things can line up in the future if he can defend his title against Muhammad.
Who do you think will win the fight at UFC 304? Let us know your prediction in the comments below.