MMA
Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2: Keys to victory for both fighters at UFC 304
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On Saturday, July 27, UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards will look to defend his title against No. 2 ranked Belal Muhammad. The fight is a rematch of their March 2021 meeting which ended in an accidental eye poke to Muhammad and declared a no contest.
This is a battle of two fighters on impressive win streaks. Edwards hasn't lost in 13 appearances and Muhammad hasn't lost in 10 straight.
Here's what each fighter needs to do in the hope of getting their hand raised on Saturday night.
Leon Edwards' keys to victory
Go for the finish
Both fighters have several decision wins on their records but it will be imperative for Edwards to look for the finish. Muhammad has no problem winning on points and even predicted that as the outcome of the fight months ago. He can't let Muhammad play his game. Edwards must look for a knockout.
Stay on his feet
Muhammad will be looking to take Edwards to the canvas and dominate there. Edwards needs to avoid the takedowns and take him into deep waters on his feet. That's where he'll find the finish and that's where he'll beat Muhammad.
Feel the crowd
Edwards will be defending his title in his home country and will undoubtedly be the favourite. He needs to feel the energy from the crowd and when he's in trouble, take their energy and use it towards Muhammad. An energetic crowd should not be underestimated.
Belal Muhammad's keys to victory
Takedowns, takedowns, takedowns
Edwards is a hard man to take down and even harder to keep on the ground but that's exactly where Muhammad has to take things. If he can take Edwards down and keep him there, he could win by points and become the new champion.
Ignore the crowd
This kind of lay-and-pray game plan will not be fan-friendly, especially in enemy territory. He cannot let the booing from the crowd affect his game plan. He must stick with his less exciting route to victory if he wants to be the next champion.
Never give up
If Muhammad's game plan isn't working and it seems he's down on the cards, he can't resign to failure. He must remember that Edwards won the title in the final moments of his fight with Kamaru Usman and he must believe he can do it too. He must believe in himself.
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