vs
-270 +220
UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad · Mar 13, 2021 · Welterweight · Completed
UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad Next Fight
Age 34
Height 6' 2"
Reach 74.0"
Weight 170 lbs.
Stance Southpaw
Age 37
Height 5' 11"
Reach 72.0"
Weight 170 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Career Averages - Leon Edwards
2.6 SLpM
54.0% Str. Acc.
2.44 SApM
52.0% Str. Def.
1.25 TD Avg
37.0% TD Acc.
63.0% TD Def.
0.4 Sub. Avg
Career Averages - Belal Muhammad
4.43 SLpM
43.0% Str. Acc.
3.82 SApM
55.0% Str. Def.
2.14 TD Avg
36.0% TD Acc.
90.0% TD Def.
0.1 Sub. Avg
Leon Edwards
Moneyline
FanDuel -270
KO/TKO
BetWay +275
Submission
BetWay +1000
Decision
BetWay +110
Belal Muhammad
Moneyline
FanDuel +220
KO/TKO
BetWay +900
Submission
BetWay +1200
Decision
BetWay +350
Leon Edwards - Fight History
LOSS vs Carlos Prates
KO R2 1:28 · UFC 322 · Nov 15, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 12 of 17 70% 25 of 30 2 of 3 66% 0 0 3:00
Carlos Prates 1 21 of 32 65% 24 of 35 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 7 of 10 70% 20 of 23 2 of 3 66% 0 0 3:00
Carlos Prates 0 9 of 17 52% 12 of 20 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Leon Edwards 0 5 of 7 71% 5 of 7 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Carlos Prates 1 12 of 15 80% 12 of 15 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 12 of 17 70% 4 of 8 0 of 0 8 of 9 11 of 16 1 of 1 0 of 0
Carlos Prates 21 of 32 65% 8 of 16 2 of 3 11 of 13 19 of 30 1 of 1 1 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 7 of 10 70% 2 of 4 0 of 0 5 of 6 6 of 9 1 of 1 0 of 0
Carlos Prates 9 of 17 52% 2 of 8 1 of 2 6 of 7 8 of 16 1 of 1 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 5 of 7 71% 2 of 4 0 of 0 3 of 3 5 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0
Carlos Prates 12 of 15 80% 6 of 8 1 of 1 5 of 6 11 of 14 0 of 0 1 of 1
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prates (-198), Edwards (+164)

Round 1
Keith Peterson is the referee. They start in matching southpaw stances and trade low kicks. They both land more leg kicks and then Prates moves foreward with a jab. Prates defends a takedown from Edwards. Prates lands a knee on the inside. Both welterweights continue to land low kicks. Edwards shoots and shoves Prates into the fence. Prates defends and stays upright. Edwards brings a knee. Prates is talking to Edwards as they remain in the clinch. Peterson has seen enough and they separate. Back at range, Prates steps in with a knee. Edwards times a level change nicely and takes Prates down. Edwards looks to take the back and makes Prates carry him like a backpack as the Brazilian stands. Prates fights off the hands to prevent a choke. A few short shots to the side of the head for Edwards. Edwards jumps off the back and takes Prates down. Edwards threatens with a rear-naked choke late in the round but Prates survives.

Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 2
Edwards fires off a front kick. Prates with a low kick. Edwards counters a low kick with a left hand. Prates sticks a crisp jab. A leg kick spins Edwards around. The welterweights trade lefts as Prates keeps talking to his foe. The Brazilian pumps his jab while chattering away. A nice counter lands for Edwards following a Prates knee during an exchange. Moments later, Prates lands a long left hand through Edwards’ guard, taking the Englishman clean off his feet. “Rocky” crashes to the canvas and his eyes roll back in his head. Prates dives in and adds one follow-up missile for good measure. “The Nightmare” is the first man to knock out Leon Edwards in his professional MMA career.

The Official Result
Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards via KO (Punches) R2 1:28
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Nov 9, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Angelo picks Carlos Prates, noting that Leon Edwards' recent losses were to wrestlers, while Prates is a dangerous striker. He believes Edwards has shown lack of heart recently and Prates' power and accuracy will be too much. He is excited for the fight and confident in Prates.

"I think Carlos is going to win here. I'm very excited for this fight. I'm going to pick Carlos Protest."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Nov 12, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Big Brady picks Carlos Prates, believing he is getting Leon Edwards at the right time. He criticizes Edwards for having boring fights and not facing dangerous knockout artists, noting Edwards has never been knocked out but hasn't fought many power punchers. Brady thinks Prates has the 'death touch' and will knock out Edwards if he lets his hands go, predicting a second-round knockout. He acknowledges the risk of a slow start but expects Prates to show urgency.

second round knockout
"I'm gonna take Prochess to win this fight by second round knockout."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Hesitant picked Nov 12, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Cody also picks Prates but calls it a trap line due to recency bias. He notes that Leon has been taken down frequently but that Prates won't wrestle, which could make Leon more comfortable. However, Cody believes Prates is younger, more aggressive, and will land bigger shots. He is concerned about Leon's past performances but ultimately sides with Prates.

"I still feel like he's just at a point of his career where he's going to be a little more aggressive, a little more active, and that's all it's going to take."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Hesitant picked Nov 13, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Connor picks Prates hesitantly, citing Edwards' recent decline in motivation and tendency to fade in fights. He notes that Prates is a dangerous striker who can capitalize on Edwards' lapses, especially if Edwards backs to the fence. However, he acknowledges Prates' wrestling is unproven and Edwards could out-grapple him.

Odds: Edwards opened -160, now +160; Prates opened +140, now -185. Line has flipped.
"I will take, I will pick the guy I want to see win this fight, Carlos projects, but in three rounds... I have a lot of doubts."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Nov 13, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Daniel believes Prates is catching Edwards at the right time, as Edwards has looked uninspired and has been rocked multiple times. He praises Prates' knockout power and variety of strikes, and notes that Edwards' measured pace plays into Prates' style of downloading data and finding openings. He predicts a knockout win for Prates.

by KO
"I'm going to go with Carlos Bratis to come out here and knock out Leon Edwards."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked Nov 9, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Lucrative James picks Carlos Prates to win by KO. He highlights Prates' diverse striking arsenal, especially his devastating knee strikes, and believes Edwards will struggle to stay safe on the feet. He notes Edwards has been hurt by lesser strikers and doubts his ability to grapple effectively against Prates. He predicts Prates will land a knockout in round two or three, continuing his streak of walk-off KOs in the UFC.

by KO
"Carlos Prates, in my opinion, is going to go out there and get a KO over Leon Edwards."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Hesitant picked Nov 13, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Prates stops Edwards' takedowns and boxes him up on the feet, landing better shots to win on the scorecards. However, the odds are a little wide for my liking, indicating some hesitation.

odds are a little wide for my liking
"I do like some prochess here as I think that he can stop the takedowns that Edwards will inevitably be looking for here and then box him up on the feet landing better shots and then win this fight on …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Nov 12, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Paul picks Prates, citing that Leon Edwards is on the decline and has shown low volume and a tendency to quit. He notes that Prates is on the rise and has power, and that Leon's wrestling won't be a factor since Prates doesn't rely on takedowns. Paul thinks Prates will land bigger shots and either finish or win a decision.

"Aprates is a guy who's, you know, obviously exposed by Gary to a degree, but is, you know, still kind of on the rise, whereas I think we've seen the best of uh of Leon Edwards, too."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Nov 12, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

The Guru picks Carlos Prates to KO Leon Edwards in round one or two. He cites Edwards' suspect chin, having been wobbled by Nate Diaz and Belal Muhammad, and believes Prates' power and timing will be too much. He notes that Edwards' movement and range management may not be enough to avoid Prates' left hand. The Guru expects a dramatic finish.

KO in round 1 or 2
"I'm going to go with Carlos Pratess, man. I think Protes is going to chin him."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Hesitant picked Nov 13, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Carlos Prates

Zane also picks Prates, influenced by Edwards' apparent loss of enjoyment and tendency to become passive. He notes that Prates' pressure and power could catch Edwards, but Edwards' wrestling is a threat. He mentions the closed stance matchup favors Prates' comfort.

Same odds commentary.
"I'm making the same pick. It's definitely informed by Leon, seeming like he will continue to stubbornly continue to do this, but doesn't really enjoy it anymore."
LOSS vs Sean Brady
Submission R4 1:39 · UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady · Mar 22, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 23 of 35 65% 23 of 35 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:15
Sean Brady 0 57 of 93 61% 221 of 295 5 of 7 71% 1 0 11:10
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 20 of 29 68% 20 of 29 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:15
Sean Brady 0 19 of 39 48% 47 of 69 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:54
2 Leon Edwards 0 0 of 0 --- 0 of 0 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 19 of 22 86% 76 of 95 2 of 2 100% 0 0 4:57
3 Leon Edwards 0 3 of 4 75% 3 of 4 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 14 of 21 66% 86 of 113 1 of 2 50% 0 0 4:09
4 Leon Edwards 0 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 5 of 11 45% 12 of 18 1 of 2 50% 1 0 1:10
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 23 of 35 65% 10 of 21 11 of 12 2 of 2 11 of 23 12 of 12 0 of 0
Sean Brady 57 of 93 61% 44 of 76 8 of 9 5 of 8 19 of 53 7 of 7 31 of 33
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 20 of 29 68% 8 of 16 11 of 12 1 of 1 8 of 17 12 of 12 0 of 0
Sean Brady 19 of 39 48% 10 of 27 6 of 6 3 of 6 13 of 33 6 of 6 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 0 of 0 --- 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sean Brady 19 of 22 86% 18 of 21 1 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 19 of 21
3 Leon Edwards 3 of 4 75% 2 of 3 0 of 0 1 of 1 3 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sean Brady 14 of 21 66% 13 of 19 1 of 2 0 of 0 1 of 8 1 of 1 12 of 12
4 Leon Edwards 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sean Brady 5 of 11 45% 3 of 9 0 of 0 2 of 2 5 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-162), Edwards (+136)

Round 1
Jason Herzog gets the nod for the evening’s main event. Brady comes out swinging. Edwards with a swif left hand. Brady lands a right hand. Edwards tests the rear high kick. Brady forces the clinch in the middle of the cage. They break and Brady lands a low kick. They crash into the clinch again. Brady can’t do anything with it, but he lands a nice combination at range. Brady lands a left and forces another tie-up. Edwards punches the body in close. They’re back at range and Edwards counters a kick with a right hook. Edwards with a knee in close as Brady clinches. They separate and Brady wades back in with punches. Brady tries a high kick and then closes distance, pushing Edwards into the fence. The fans don’t love it. Brady knees the thighs. Edwards turns Brady into the fence and digs a short shot to the body. They stay in the clinch, with both men landing short shots. Late in the round, Brady is able to dump Edwards on the mat, and he ends the period in half guard.

Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 2
Edwards is warned before the round regarding eye pokes. Brady explodes out of his corner for a double leg. He was in deep, but Edwards is able to get to his feet. Brady drags him down from the back, then sweeps into top position. Brady takes the back as Edwards tries to initiate a scramble. Brady has both hooks in, and he peppers Edwards with lefts to the head. Brady continues to stay busy landing left hands. He switches to the body triangle. Edwards does a good job protecting his neck, but Brady is finding openings to land offense. Brady mixes in an elbow with his punches. Brady wants to scramble into mount, but Edwards gets half guard. Brady is hunting for a kimura now as he elbows his opponent’s thigh. Edwards is able to free his arm but Brady goes from full mount to back control. Brady continues to maintain dominant positions while Edwards tries to initiate scrambles. It’s complete one-way traffic that round for Brady.

Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Brady
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Brady

Round 3
Brady with a kick to the body to open the frame. Brady pressures and lands an uppercut. Edwards catches Brady with a nice counter elbow. Brady is able to initiate the clinch moments later. Edwards frees himself and shoots for a takedown of his own. Brady sprawls and snaps Edwards down with a front headlock. Brady thinks about a guillotine but lets it go. He steps into full mount at the 3:30 mark. Edwards is doing his best to hold the American close. Edwards looks to scramble, but Brady unloads some heavy shots. Edwards gets to all fours and then stands. Brady powers him back down and moves into half guard. Brady is heavy on top and he might be trying to set up an arm triangle. Edwards is still moving, but he can’t shake Brady. Edwards crawls toward the fence and Brady jumps on his back. Brady has the hooks in and he peppers Edwards with short shots. Edwards is having a miserable time here, but these strikes likely won’t finish the fight. Brady pulls Edwards back, but the Brit is able to control the hands of his opponent until time expires.

Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 4
Brady moves forward behind a couple low kicks, then pressures with power punches. Edwards is on his heels, and Brady changes levels against the fence. He gets the former champ down with relative ease, and this is with more than four minutes to go in the frame. Brady is working from half guard, applying heavy pressure from top position. Brady is hunting a guillotine.
He has it locked in this time, and the squeeze tightens. Edwards has no choice but to tap
and the crowd at the O2 Arena is stunned. It’s a major feather in the cap for Brady, and he did it in dominant fashion.

The Official Result
Sean Brady def. Leon Edwards via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R4 1:39
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Mar 16, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Sean Brady

Angelo picks Sean Brady, reasoning that Leon Edwards often fights passively and freezes when threatened with takedowns. He believes if Brady fights like Belal Muhammad—moving forward, throwing strikes, and shooting takedowns—he will win. He acknowledges Leon is the better fighter skill-wise but doubts he will pull the trigger. He is not betting the fight because Leon is too good to bet against.

"Johan Brady is going to be the pick for that reason I'm not betting on this fight"
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Mar 18, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Brady is torn but picks Edwards, citing that Brady is not Belal Muhammad and lacks his cardio and wrestling. He thinks Edwards is the better striker and may get hometown cooking in a close fight. He predicts a very close decision win for Edwards, but says he won't bet it.

Edwards by decision; not betting
"I'll go with Leon Edwards here to win the fight in a very very very close fight"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Hesitant picked Mar 20, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Sean Brady

Connor picks Brady, emphasizing that if Brady sticks to the Belal Muhammad blueprint—constant pressure and wrestling—he can neutralize Edwards. He acknowledges Edwards' danger but believes Brady's physicality and simple game plan can overcome Edwards' tendency to fade. However, he worries Brady might get psyched out and crumble.

Edwards opened at +125, currently +132; Brady opened at -163, currently -167. Connor notes the odds and seems to find value in Brady.
"I'm still going to pick sean brady ... he has been improving ... if he watches that balal muhammad fight and he if that is all he watches ... then he can win."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 20, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The host believes Edwards has shown good takedown defense in the past and, given Brady's wrestling style compared to Belal Muhammad, Edwards should survive the early takedown onslaught. He expects Edwards to start stopping takedowns in the later rounds and showcase his striking advantage, leading to a late knockout or decision win.

late knockout or decision
"I think Edwards should be able to survive the early onslaught of the takedowns from Brady and stop start stopping them in the second, third, and fourth rounds."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 19, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The Guru confidently picks Leon Edwards, questioning why he is an underdog. He believes Edwards is a better striker and will control the distance, while Brady's takedowns will be stuffed or reversed. He notes that Brady struggled against Belal Muhammad and Michael Chiesa, and that Edwards has good reversals and butterfly guard. He expects a dull 49-46 or 48-47 decision win for Edwards.

decision 49-46 or 48-47
"I'm going to go Leon Edward here I think he's a better Striker than Shawn Brady"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Hesitant picked Mar 20, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Zane picks Edwards despite acknowledging Brady's path to victory via pressure and wrestling. He believes Edwards' psychological resilience and ability to find moments of danger will be decisive, while Brady tends to crumble when his game plan fails. Zane notes Edwards' fatal flaws but trusts his championship experience over Brady's tendency to implode.

Edwards opened at +125, currently +132; Brady opened at -163, currently -167. Zane expected Edwards to be the favorite.
"I think sean brady ... I don't think i'm gonna pick sean brady ... I think he will [find it in himself] frankly."
LOSS vs Belal Muhammad
Decision (unanimous) (48–47, 48–47, 49–46) R5 5:00 · UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 · Jul 27, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 47 of 71 66% 89 of 114 2 of 2 100% 0 2 7:11
Leon Edwards 0 68 of 121 56% 192 of 281 9 of 13 69% 0 0 12:02
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 15 of 21 71% 25 of 31 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:50
Leon Edwards 0 17 of 34 50% 51 of 75 2 of 2 100% 0 0 1:45
2 Belal Muhammad 0 11 of 16 68% 17 of 22 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:49
Leon Edwards 0 13 of 22 59% 27 of 39 4 of 5 80% 0 0 3:25
3 Belal Muhammad 0 2 of 4 50% 19 of 22 1 of 1 100% 0 0 4:18
Leon Edwards 0 4 of 9 44% 9 of 15 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:15
4 Belal Muhammad 0 6 of 10 60% 10 of 14 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:30
Leon Edwards 0 21 of 30 70% 62 of 82 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:17
5 Belal Muhammad 0 13 of 20 65% 18 of 25 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:44
Leon Edwards 0 13 of 26 50% 43 of 70 1 of 3 33% 0 0 3:20
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 47 of 71 66% 32 of 53 12 of 15 3 of 3 35 of 58 6 of 7 6 of 6
Leon Edwards 68 of 121 56% 59 of 110 9 of 11 0 of 0 62 of 111 0 of 4 6 of 6
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 15 of 21 71% 7 of 12 7 of 8 1 of 1 10 of 16 5 of 5 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 17 of 34 50% 14 of 31 3 of 3 0 of 0 16 of 30 0 of 3 1 of 1
2 Belal Muhammad 11 of 16 68% 8 of 12 2 of 3 1 of 1 10 of 14 1 of 2 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 13 of 22 59% 13 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0 10 of 18 0 of 1 3 of 3
3 Belal Muhammad 2 of 4 50% 1 of 3 0 of 0 1 of 1 2 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 4 of 9 44% 3 of 7 1 of 2 0 of 0 4 of 9 0 of 0 0 of 0
4 Belal Muhammad 6 of 10 60% 5 of 9 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 21 of 30 70% 18 of 26 3 of 4 0 of 0 19 of 28 0 of 0 2 of 2
5 Belal Muhammad 13 of 20 65% 11 of 17 2 of 3 0 of 0 7 of 14 0 of 0 6 of 6
Leon Edwards 13 of 26 50% 11 of 24 2 of 2 0 of 0 13 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jul 21, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Angelo picks Leon Edwards to win, citing Edwards' sharper striking and takedown defense. He notes that Belal Muhammad's wrestling pressure could be a factor, but expects Edwards to defend takedowns and frustrate Belal as the fight goes on. Angelo admits he will be rooting for Belal but believes Edwards is the more proven champion. He also mentions that Belal has been training with the Dagestani wrestlers and could maul Edwards, but still leans Edwards.

"I think Leon Edwards is going to be sharper on the feet defend a few takedowns I think balam Muhammad as the fight goes on is going to get more and more frustrated and I think Leon Edwards wins this …"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Cody believes Belal Muhammad is a talented generalist who can adapt his game plan to any opponent. He points out that Belal has shown different wrinkles, such as out-striking Gilbert Burns and Shawn Brady, and that his wrestling and pressure will be key. Cody notes that Leon Edwards has a history of dropping later rounds, as seen against Colby Covington and Rafael dos Anjos, and that Belal's volume and pace could overwhelm Leon in the championship rounds. He also mentions that Belal is at his best now, while Leon's previous opponents were past their prime.

Belal Muhammad by decision
"I think he can just crash the pocket and constantly come forward and constantly pressure try to use the volume game... second third fourth and fifth he needs just to make this absolute grind."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel argues that the first fight was not a domination, citing no knockdowns, no 10-8 round, and a close strike count. He believes Belal's relentless pace, high output, and ability to pressure will overwhelm Leon, who has shown fatigue in later rounds. He also notes that Belal is undervalued by the market and has consistently been a profitable underdog. He acknowledges Leon's kicking threat but thinks Belal can close distance and make it a dirty fight.

"I'm going an new balal Muhammad um and I'm riding this uh train till the to till the wheels fall off"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 25, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel argues that Belal Muhammad has improved significantly since the first fight, citing dominant wins over Shawn Brady and Gilbert Burns. He believes Leon Edwards has not looked better since winning the title, coasting against Colby Covington and a diminished Kamaru Usman. He emphasizes Belal's newfound wrestling focus and improved striking reads, predicting he will overwhelm Edwards. He also advises waiting on Belal's line as it may drift further due to public sentiment against Belal's trash talk.

Wait on Belal Muhammad line; expects line to move further in his favor
"I'm going B Muhammad because since their last fight I don't know that that Leon Edwards has looked better"
JE
Jeff Fox Expert Confident picked Jul 25, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Jeff picks Leon Edwards, noting he looked good in the brief first fight and has been improving since winning the belt. He acknowledges Edwards' recent opponents (Covington, Usman, Diaz) are not elite, but still trusts the champion's development. He believes Edwards' reads and feints were working before the eye poke and expects him to handle Belal's pressure.

"going with the champ he looked good in their first fight even how brief it was he was you know getting his work done getting his reads in getting his faints in"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Paul favors Leon Edwards, citing his speed, slickness, and striking advantage. He argues that Leon was winning the first fight before the eye poke and has improved his takedown defense, as seen against Colby Covington. Paul believes Belal's power doesn't scare him and that Leon will win most exchanges on the feet. He also notes that Belal's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Leon has made strides in those areas.

"I think Leon at you know it's minus 230 minus 250 it's kind of moved to in some spots like I think he's a rightful favorite here."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 22, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The MMA Guru picks Leon Edwards by TKO in round two. He believes Edwards is a level above Belal Muhammad, as shown in their first fight where Edwards had success before the head kick. The Guru notes Edwards' reach advantage, distance management, and improved takedown defense from training with wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. He thinks Muhammad will be hesitant and that Edwards will land a punch for the finish. He also mentions Muhammad's PED use as a concern but still favors Edwards.

TKO in round 2
"I'm going to go with Leon Edwards getting this one done he's got a bit of reach advantage to work with here and we know if Edwards has reach over an opponent even if he doesn't against usan he still …"
Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 49–46) R5 5:00 · UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington · Dec 16, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 57 of 108 52% 65 of 116 2 of 3 66% 2 1 1:27
Colby Covington 0 44 of 126 34% 109 of 194 2 of 10 20% 0 0 5:04
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 13 of 31 41% 13 of 31 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Colby Covington 0 10 of 28 35% 10 of 28 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Leon Edwards 0 18 of 27 66% 18 of 27 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Colby Covington 0 13 of 36 36% 13 of 36 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Leon Edwards 0 12 of 23 52% 13 of 24 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:18
Colby Covington 0 7 of 32 21% 13 of 38 1 of 3 33% 0 0 0:34
4 Leon Edwards 0 11 of 22 50% 11 of 22 0 of 0 --- 1 1 0:11
Colby Covington 0 13 of 26 50% 19 of 32 0 of 5 0% 0 0 1:27
5 Leon Edwards 0 3 of 5 60% 10 of 12 1 of 1 100% 1 0 0:58
Colby Covington 0 1 of 4 25% 54 of 60 1 of 1 100% 0 0 3:03
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 57 of 108 52% 21 of 62 14 of 21 22 of 25 56 of 107 0 of 0 1 of 1
Colby Covington 44 of 126 34% 20 of 86 7 of 12 17 of 28 44 of 125 0 of 1 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 13 of 31 41% 5 of 20 3 of 5 5 of 6 13 of 31 0 of 0 0 of 0
Colby Covington 10 of 28 35% 5 of 20 2 of 2 3 of 6 10 of 28 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 18 of 27 66% 7 of 13 4 of 7 7 of 7 18 of 27 0 of 0 0 of 0
Colby Covington 13 of 36 36% 4 of 22 2 of 4 7 of 10 13 of 36 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Leon Edwards 12 of 23 52% 3 of 12 2 of 4 7 of 7 12 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 0
Colby Covington 7 of 32 21% 1 of 21 2 of 4 4 of 7 7 of 31 0 of 1 0 of 0
4 Leon Edwards 11 of 22 50% 3 of 12 5 of 5 3 of 5 11 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0
Colby Covington 13 of 26 50% 10 of 22 0 of 1 3 of 3 13 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
5 Leon Edwards 3 of 5 60% 3 of 5 0 of 0 0 of 0 2 of 4 0 of 0 1 of 1
Colby Covington 1 of 4 25% 0 of 1 1 of 1 0 of 2 1 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked Dec 10, 2023 (6 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Angelo leans Leon Edwards due to his striking and mental fortitude, noting Leon's ability to come back from being dominated against Usman. He acknowledges Colby's wrestling pressure but is concerned about Colby's ring rust and the brain damage claim. He ultimately picks Leon but does not bet, preferring to watch without pressure.

No bet; ring rust concern; brain damage claim mentioned
"I'm going to lean Leon here but if Kobe shows up without any ring rust... the pick is going to be Leon absolutely no bet here"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Dec 13, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Colby Covington

Big Brady picks Colby Covington as an underdog, citing Covington's high volume striking (4.10 significant strikes per minute vs Edwards' 2.8) and relentless wrestling pressure. He notes Covington's takedown ability (4 per 15 minutes) and believes he can take Edwards down consistently, unlike Kamaru Usman who stuffed 11 takedowns. Brady acknowledges concerns about Covington's chin (dropped 5 times in last 3 fights) and layoff, but thinks his style gives Edwards problems. He predicts a competitive decision win for Covington.

"I got to go with the dog here and Colby Covington I think he has a a clear path to victory in this one so give me Colby Covington for the win I'll take him to win this fight by …"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Cody picks Leon Edwards, arguing that Edwards is entering his prime while Covington is on a long layoff and has health issues. He highlights Edwards' improved takedown defense and get-up game against Kamaru Usman in their trilogy, where he gave up only 5 minutes of control time. Cody also notes Covington's last win is over a retired Jorge Masvidal and that Edwards is trending upward with better cardio and striking volume.

"I gotta go with Leon Edwards"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Daniel Vreeland picks Leon Edwards, citing Edwards' superior timing and counter-striking. He notes that Colby Covington's long layoff will affect his timing, and that Edwards hits harder than Kamaru Usman, who has already stunned Covington. Vreeland believes Covington's wrestling-heavy approach won't win rounds if he gets cracked on the feet, as judges are not rewarding takedowns without damage. He also mentions that Edwards could put Covington away early.

"I'm gonna go Leon Edwards here"
JE
Jeff Fox Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Jeff Fox picks Leon Edwards, reasoning that Covington is inactive and past his peak, while Edwards is improving. He notes that Covington's pressure and volume could be countered by Edwards' dangerous striking. Fox also points out that Covington's wrestling may not be enough to win rounds if he gets hit. He expects Edwards to retain the title.

"give me the champion Edwards here"
LU
Lucrative James Expert picked Dec 12, 2023 (4 days before fight)

Lucrative James does not have a strong read on this fight. He notes that two respected colleagues are heavy on Leon Edwards, which gives him pause, but he is not confident in either side. He considers Colby Covington at underdog odds if the line moves to +170 or so, but he is not passionate about the fight. He sees it as a dog-or-pass spot and will not lay the money on Edwards at current lines.

If line moves to +170 on Colby, may bet him; otherwise pass.
"I don't really have a strong read on this one... it's a dog or pass in my opinion."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Dec 12, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Colby Covington

The host believes Covington's volume-based approach, activity level, cardio, and consistent movement will frustrate Edwards. He notes that Edwards has let rounds slip away in the past and that Covington doesn't need takedowns to win—he can outwork Edwards on the feet. The host also mentions that Covington has been out for over a year but has stayed in shape, and that this is a good stylistic matchup for him. He predicts Covington wins by decision.

Covington by decision
"getting Covington at a underdog line is a no-brainer shot especially with how these guys match up with one another so I'm GNA Take Kobe cson here I'm going to take him to pull off the upset"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Dec 14, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Colby Covington

Paul acknowledges Leon Edwards is a deserved favorite but sees value in Colby Covington's decision prop at +250. He notes Covington's relentless pace and ability to land 200+ significant strikes over 25 minutes, which makes his moneyline essentially a decision prop. However, he admits it's a close fight and only took a small poke on Covington by decision, not fully confident.

Colby Covington by decision +250
"I took a small little little poke at Colby Covington plus 250 by decision"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Dec 12, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The Guru picks Leon Edwards over Colby Covington, citing Edwards' superior striking, especially low kicks and body knees in the clinch. He notes Covington's inactivity (last fought March 2022), age (nearly 36), and tendency to not push pace against strong wrestlers. He believes Edwards' takedown defense and underhooks will lead to damaging knees, and that Covington's scar tissue will be targeted by elbows. He predicts a second-round TKO for Edwards.

Edwards by TKO in round 2
"I'm going with Leon Edwards over Colby Covington... I think he drops Covington with like a check hook... Edwards drops him again... I'm going to go Leon Edwards by a second round TKO"
WIN vs Kamaru Usman
Decision (majority) (48–46, 48–46, 47–47) R5 5:00 · UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3 · Mar 18, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 120 of 161 74% 123 of 164 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 87 of 205 42% 113 of 232 4 of 15 26% 0 0 5:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 20 of 26 76% 20 of 26 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 12 of 42 28% 13 of 43 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:19
2 Leon Edwards 0 23 of 26 88% 23 of 26 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 24 of 50 48% 32 of 58 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:45
3 Leon Edwards 0 24 of 32 75% 25 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 17 of 32 53% 22 of 37 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:06
4 Leon Edwards 0 25 of 41 60% 26 of 42 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 14 of 37 37% 15 of 38 1 of 4 25% 0 0 0:51
5 Leon Edwards 0 28 of 36 77% 29 of 37 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Kamaru Usman 0 20 of 44 45% 31 of 56 1 of 6 16% 0 0 2:02
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 120 of 161 74% 34 of 69 36 of 39 50 of 53 111 of 150 9 of 11 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 87 of 205 42% 57 of 163 24 of 34 6 of 8 65 of 177 21 of 27 1 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 20 of 26 76% 5 of 11 6 of 6 9 of 9 20 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 12 of 42 28% 5 of 32 6 of 8 1 of 2 12 of 42 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 23 of 26 88% 9 of 11 6 of 6 8 of 9 22 of 25 1 of 1 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 24 of 50 48% 19 of 42 4 of 7 1 of 1 12 of 34 11 of 15 1 of 1
3 Leon Edwards 24 of 32 75% 2 of 9 8 of 8 14 of 15 24 of 31 0 of 1 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 17 of 32 53% 9 of 21 4 of 7 4 of 4 14 of 28 3 of 4 0 of 0
4 Leon Edwards 25 of 41 60% 9 of 22 4 of 6 12 of 13 25 of 40 0 of 1 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 14 of 37 37% 7 of 28 7 of 8 0 of 1 14 of 37 0 of 0 0 of 0
5 Leon Edwards 28 of 36 77% 9 of 16 12 of 13 7 of 7 20 of 28 8 of 8 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 20 of 44 45% 17 of 40 3 of 4 0 of 0 13 of 36 7 of 8 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Mar 15, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Angelo picks Usman because he dominated the vast majority of the previous fight and has not lost since 2013. He thinks the first round was a fluke and Usman will wrestle and control the fight. He is not betting because of the knockout loss but believes Usman wins.

"I think Kamara Usman wins this fight minus 250 seems like a fair price for a guy that hasn't lost since 2013."
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Mar 14, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Big Brady picks Usman but with hesitation, noting he was clearly winning the second fight before the head kick. He lists concerns: Usman's age (35), injuries, travel to London, and the knockout loss. He thinks Edwards' path is a finish, while Usman can win rounds via wrestling and pressure. He predicts a decision win but will not bet this fight due to a bad feeling.

will not bet this fight
"I gotta go Usman by decision"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Mar 15, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Cody picks Usman based on the belief that Usman was the better fighter in the first two fights and can make corrections after the knockout loss. He compares it to GSP after the Serra loss and Cain after the JDS loss, arguing that great champions bounce back. He notes Edwards is dangerous but thinks Usman will wrestle heavily and win by decision, as he doesn't see a finish. He acknowledges the moneyline is unappealing and prefers Usman by decision prop.

Usman by decision
"I think you got to go with Kamara Usman on the basis of... it seems like Kamara Usman was the better fighter... I just believe that he's one of those great Champions that should be able to make the corrections …"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Apr 30, 2023 (fight day)
Kamaru Usman

Connor believes Usman's pressure is the key to winning. He notes that Edwards is pathologically pressureable and retreats in straight lines, putting himself against the cage. While Usman has become less aggressive under Whitman, Connor thinks he can revert to pressuring Edwards, who has never shown the ability to hold the center of the cage consistently. Connor also points out that Edwards' evasive footwork is poor and his clinch game is neutralized by Usman's strength. He concludes that if Usman commits to pressure, Edwards has no escape.

Usman opened at -350, currently -246; Edwards opened +285, currently +199
"If Usman comes in and just commits to pressuring, I don't see how Edwards escapes that fight."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Confident picked Mar 15, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Jacob is extremely confident in Edwards, having placed a $1,000 bet on him at +205. He believes Edwards was hampered by altitude in the first fight and still found the knockout. He thinks Usman's confidence is shattered after being knocked out cold and that Edwards will dominate in front of the home crowd.

$1,000 bet at +205
"I have a thousand dollar bet only on Edwards I got him plus 205 and I feel absolutely good about it."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 13, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Usman is a former champion with elite wrestling and cardio, and he was winning the second fight before getting caught. Edwards is a great striker but has defensive grappling issues. Usman should lean on his wrestling and avoid striking exchanges, grinding out a decision. The line is seen as a gift given Usman's proven ability.

Usman by decision
"I think that's going to be look like a gift of a line once this fight is all said and done"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Mar 15, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Paul picks Edwards, citing the UK home advantage and potential hometown scoring. He notes Edwards had success in round one of the last fight (takedown, mount, back control) and is four years younger. He thinks this could be the end of Usman's elite run. He likes the plus money value and says he hasn't bet it yet but is a buyer at north of +200.

"I'm gonna go the opposite side I'm gonna pick Leon Edwards... the fights in the UK we've seen really really shabby scoring... at north of plus 200 I'm gonna be a buyer on Leon Rocky Edwards to retain his title"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 13, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The MMA Guru picks Leon Edwards to win by decision, despite a history of picking main events wrong. He argues that altitude affected Edwards in the first fight, while Usman trains at elevation. Edwards dominated round one when both were fresh, and Usman's glove grab saved him from a choke. Usman is coming off a brutal KO loss, is older, and had a short camp with a hand injury. Edwards is entering his prime and has confidence. He predicts a 48-47 decision for Edwards.

Edwards wins by decision 48-47
"I'm going with Leon Edwards decision 48-47"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Apr 30, 2023 (fight day)
Kamaru Usman

Zane agrees with Connor that Usman should pressure Edwards. He notes that Edwards has never broken 100 significant strikes in a five-round fight and tends to fight down to his competition. Zane highlights that Usman has a history of high output even with wrestling, while Edwards fights in bursts. He thinks the psychological adjustment for Edwards to stand his ground is huge and possibly impossible. Zane also mentions that Usman's wrestling and clinch work will be decisive, as Edwards cannot match him there.

Usman opened at -350, currently -246; Edwards opened +285, currently +199
"I just cannot trust Leon Edwards to hold on to an initiative at all."
WIN vs Kamaru Usman
KO (head kick) R5 4:04 · UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 · Aug 20, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 83 of 135 61% 189 of 247 5 of 12 41% 0 0 10:36
Kamaru Usman 1 55 of 75 73% 64 of 85 1 of 5 20% 1 0 2:56
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 6 of 7 85% 36 of 39 1 of 4 25% 0 0 1:21
Kamaru Usman 0 13 of 13 100% 17 of 17 1 of 2 50% 1 0 2:01
2 Leon Edwards 0 36 of 65 55% 47 of 76 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:42
Kamaru Usman 0 20 of 28 71% 21 of 29 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
3 Leon Edwards 0 10 of 17 58% 38 of 49 2 of 3 66% 0 0 3:23
Kamaru Usman 0 7 of 10 70% 7 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
4 Leon Edwards 0 22 of 30 73% 54 of 62 1 of 2 50% 0 0 2:51
Kamaru Usman 0 6 of 10 60% 9 of 13 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:54
5 Leon Edwards 0 9 of 16 56% 14 of 21 0 of 2 0% 0 0 1:19
Kamaru Usman 1 9 of 14 64% 10 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:01
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 83 of 135 61% 61 of 109 17 of 21 5 of 5 46 of 85 15 of 22 22 of 28
Kamaru Usman 55 of 75 73% 20 of 38 22 of 24 13 of 13 42 of 62 7 of 7 6 of 6
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 6 of 7 85% 5 of 6 0 of 0 1 of 1 2 of 3 0 of 0 4 of 4
Kamaru Usman 13 of 13 100% 6 of 6 4 of 4 3 of 3 5 of 5 2 of 2 6 of 6
2 Leon Edwards 36 of 65 55% 25 of 52 8 of 10 3 of 3 27 of 49 3 of 6 6 of 10
Kamaru Usman 20 of 28 71% 7 of 15 9 of 9 4 of 4 17 of 25 3 of 3 0 of 0
3 Leon Edwards 10 of 17 58% 9 of 16 1 of 1 0 of 0 3 of 6 4 of 6 3 of 5
Kamaru Usman 7 of 10 70% 3 of 5 3 of 4 1 of 1 5 of 8 2 of 2 0 of 0
4 Leon Edwards 22 of 30 73% 18 of 25 3 of 4 1 of 1 5 of 12 8 of 9 9 of 9
Kamaru Usman 6 of 10 60% 2 of 5 2 of 3 2 of 2 6 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
5 Leon Edwards 9 of 16 56% 4 of 10 5 of 6 0 of 0 9 of 15 0 of 1 0 of 0
Kamaru Usman 9 of 14 64% 2 of 7 4 of 4 3 of 3 9 of 14 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Aug 14, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Angelo picks Kamaru Usman to defeat Leon Edwards in their rematch. He notes that Usman is on track to become the greatest welterweight of all time, with technical striking and power, as seen in his knockout over Masvidal. Angelo points out that Usman already beat Edwards in 2015 with six takedowns and 11 minutes of control time, and believes Usman can win anywhere. He also mentions that Edwards struggled against Nate Diaz, getting outstruck and needing takedowns to secure the win. Angelo placed a moneyline bet on Usman at -335 and expects the line to move further.

Placed moneyline bet on Kamaru Usman at -335, expects line to move past -500.
"camaro is the very clear pick for me and again premium members get access to our bets early and you will see that i placed a bet on camaro usman moneyline at minus 335"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Aug 15, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Big Brady picks Kamaru Usman. He acknowledges that Leon Edwards is the better striker at range, but Usman has improved his striking with power and a great jab. Usman is a smart fighter who will use his wrestling and pressure, taking Edwards down and grinding on him for 25 minutes. Brady expects Usman to win by decision, though he notes a finish is possible given Usman's recent power. He respects Edwards but believes Usman's game plan and skills will prevail.

Usman by decision
"i do like kamara usman here i do like him to win by decision"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Aug 17, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Cody picks Usman, emphasizing his stand-up improvement under Trevor Whitman, his wrestling, and the pressure he brings. He questions Edwards' resume and his ability to handle pressure, noting that Edwards has struggled in later rounds against lesser competition. He thinks Usman could knock him out but expects a decision.

"i got to go with uzman i don't know if i'd take it by tko or by decision simple fact is i think he could knock him out but you know logic would dictate he's probably going to grind him …"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Aug 17, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Daniel Levi picks Kamaru Usman to win the rematch. He emphasizes Usman's superior pace and output, noting that Usman's output is almost double Edwards'. He believes Usman's top control will allow him to bank rounds by holding Edwards down. Levi acknowledges Edwards' paths to victory—slowing the pace and sniping Usman as he closes distance—but ultimately thinks this is a bad time to bet against Usman. He mentions that long-reigning champions sometimes lose when least expected, but he still favors Usman.

Mentions that the first fight was a decision but notes that no two fights are equal; Usman has been scoring knockdowns in recent fights (2,4,6,7 knockdowns in last 5 fights).
"my pick is Camaro here um I just simply think that right now I don't really see him like slowing down too much"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 18, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Usman's wrestling, cardio, and improving striking should overwhelm Edwards, who was nearly finished by Nate Diaz. The host expects Usman to grapple heavily and possibly finish late. He likes Usman round 4-5 or decision at -155 as a better bet than the moneyline. He includes Usman in a four-leg parlay.

Usman round 4-5 or decision (-155) is the preferred bet. Included in a four-leg parlay with Maverick, Albazi, and under 1.5 in Pedro/Hunsucker.
"I think gusman goes out there and does work i think that will see him go to his grappling more than he has over his last couple fights."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Aug 17, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Kamaru Usman

Paul picks Usman to win, citing his cardio advantage from training in Denver, his pressure and wrestling, and the ability to slow down Edwards. He notes the -400 line is too steep but still sees Usman as the winner. He mentions he might look for underdog value elsewhere but officially picks Usman.

"i think guzman you know puts the pace on them probably a lot of like at least in the early rounds like holding him up the cage foot stomps slowing down the mobility of leon edwards kind of grinding him …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 20, 2022 (fight day)
Leon Edwards

The Guru predicts Leon Edwards wins via 49-46 unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 49-46 and one judge giving it 48-47 to Usman. He envisions Edwards landing effective leg kicks, body kicks, and jabs, cutting Usman with an elbow in round one. He sees Edwards rocking Usman with a head kick in round two and an uppercut-left hook combo in round three. However, he acknowledges Edwards slows down in rounds four and five, with Usman taking him down and landing punches, but believes Edwards clearly won rounds one, two, and three.

Edwards wins by unanimous decision 49-46; one judge gives it 48-47 Usman
"leon edwards via 4946 unanimous decision victory against kamaru usman one judge will give it 48 47 usman two judges will give it i said i guess split decision two judges will give it 49-46 edwards"
WIN vs Nate Diaz
Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 49–46) R5 5:00 · UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori 2 · Jun 12, 2021
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 77 of 132 58% 83 of 139 4 of 5 80% 0 0 4:59
Nate Diaz 0 76 of 162 46% 130 of 223 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:53
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 13 of 19 68% 14 of 20 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:32
Nate Diaz 0 10 of 23 43% 19 of 35 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
2 Leon Edwards 0 17 of 30 56% 18 of 32 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:09
Nate Diaz 0 13 of 30 43% 29 of 49 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:16
3 Leon Edwards 0 13 of 15 86% 17 of 19 2 of 2 100% 0 0 2:18
Nate Diaz 0 3 of 12 25% 20 of 29 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:26
4 Leon Edwards 0 18 of 36 50% 18 of 36 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Nate Diaz 0 19 of 45 42% 20 of 46 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:14
5 Leon Edwards 0 16 of 32 50% 16 of 32 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Nate Diaz 0 31 of 52 59% 42 of 64 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:54
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 77 of 132 58% 48 of 97 6 of 12 23 of 23 68 of 118 4 of 6 5 of 8
Nate Diaz 76 of 162 46% 52 of 129 16 of 21 8 of 12 66 of 152 10 of 10 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 13 of 19 68% 8 of 13 0 of 1 5 of 5 11 of 15 0 of 0 2 of 4
Nate Diaz 10 of 23 43% 4 of 15 4 of 4 2 of 4 9 of 22 1 of 1 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 17 of 30 56% 10 of 21 1 of 3 6 of 6 16 of 28 1 of 1 0 of 1
Nate Diaz 13 of 30 43% 6 of 20 5 of 7 2 of 3 12 of 29 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Leon Edwards 13 of 15 86% 9 of 11 1 of 1 3 of 3 8 of 9 2 of 3 3 of 3
Nate Diaz 3 of 12 25% 1 of 10 2 of 2 0 of 0 2 of 11 1 of 1 0 of 0
4 Leon Edwards 18 of 36 50% 10 of 26 2 of 4 6 of 6 17 of 34 1 of 2 0 of 0
Nate Diaz 19 of 45 42% 13 of 36 2 of 5 4 of 4 18 of 44 1 of 1 0 of 0
5 Leon Edwards 16 of 32 50% 11 of 26 2 of 3 3 of 3 16 of 32 0 of 0 0 of 0
Nate Diaz 31 of 52 59% 28 of 48 3 of 3 0 of 1 25 of 46 6 of 6 0 of 0
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 8, 2021 (4 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Big Brady picks Leon Edwards to win by TKO or cut stoppage, citing Edwards' youth, striking advantage, and well-rounded game. He notes Diaz is past his prime and has taken significant damage. He expects Edwards to mix in takedowns and potentially finish Diaz, possibly due to a cut.

Edwards inside the distance, TKO/cut stoppage
"i'll take leon edwards i'm actually taking the win by by some type of finish whether it's a cut stoppage or something like that"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jun 9, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Cody is confident Edwards wins, likely by decision, as he is a decision machine and Diaz is durable. He likes the decision prop at +135 and notes Edwards' clinch work and ring IQ. He also mentions the possibility of a cut stoppage but thinks Edwards will systematically pick Diaz apart.

Leon Edwards by decision (+135)
"leon edwards wins this fight by decision correct"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Jun 10, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Daniel Levi picks Leon Edwards to win by decision, possibly via cut stoppage. He notes Edwards' technical striking and takedowns, and Diaz's tendency to cut easily. He warns that Edwards must not get into a brawl and should manage his cardio. He respects Diaz's toughness but thinks Edwards is too well-rounded.

by decision or cut stoppage
"i'm gonna go with leon to just kind of win a decision here"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 12, 2021 (fight day)
Leon Edwards

Edwards is superior everywhere: striking, wrestling, and clinch work. He can take Diaz down and control him, or outstrike him at range. Diaz's only path is cumulative damage in later rounds, but Edwards' cardio is solid. Edwards likely wins a decision, as Diaz is durable and hard to finish. The line is wide for a reason.

Edwards by decision
"I think Leon Edwards is just on another level right now... I'll go with Leon Edwards and I'll take him to win this fight via decision."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jun 9, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Paul is also confident in Edwards, calling him the anchor of parlays. He thinks Edwards wins by decision and likes the decision prop. He notes Edwards' excellent clinch work and high ring IQ, and believes he will systematically pick apart Diaz.

Leon Edwards by decision (+135)
"leon edwards is the anchor of the parlays this week"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Lock picked Jun 4, 2021 (8 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The MMA Guru is extremely confident in Leon Edwards, calling it the fight he'd pick with his life on the line. He cites Edwards' superior striking, cardio, and grappling, and notes Diaz's lack of power at 170 and decline in cardio since going vegan. He predicts a third-round TKO via body kick, as Edwards will want a finish to secure a title shot.

TKO in the third round via body kick
"i've never been more confident about something in my life"
LOSS vs Belal Muhammad
No Contest (accidental eye poke) R2 0:18 · UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad · Mar 13, 2021
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Leon Edwards 0 19 of 39 48% 20 of 40 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:19
Belal Muhammad 0 8 of 26 30% 14 of 32 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:33
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Leon Edwards 0 17 of 35 48% 18 of 36 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:19
Belal Muhammad 0 8 of 24 33% 14 of 30 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:33
2 Leon Edwards 0 2 of 4 50% 2 of 4 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Belal Muhammad 0 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Leon Edwards 19 of 39 48% 10 of 29 5 of 6 4 of 4 19 of 38 0 of 1 0 of 0
Belal Muhammad 8 of 26 30% 7 of 23 1 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 23 2 of 3 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Leon Edwards 17 of 35 48% 9 of 26 4 of 5 4 of 4 17 of 34 0 of 1 0 of 0
Belal Muhammad 8 of 24 33% 7 of 21 1 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 21 2 of 3 0 of 0
2 Leon Edwards 2 of 4 50% 1 of 3 1 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Belal Muhammad 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
UFC Welterweight Title Fight: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Edwards (-205), Muhammad (+170)

Round 1
After a very long night of combat, the main event is here. Running back a fight from UFC Fight Night 187, when Edwards (22-3, 1 NC; 14-2, 1 NC UFC) poked Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC; 14-3, 1 NC UFC) in the eye to force a no contest, the two will now vie for the undisputed welterweight crown. The unbeaten streaks of these two men are gargantuan, with “Rocky” not having lost in his last 13 appearances while the challenger has not tasted defeat in 10 straight encounters on his own ledger. Something’s gotta give, and referee Mike Beltran will be sure to keep things as clean as they can be. The two are not fans of one another, and there is no touch of gloves. Beltran clocks in the main attraction, and away we go. Muhammad moves right to the center of the cage, and Edwards prods out a few jabs while Muhammad pressures forward. Muhammad shoots in for a double, lifting the champion in the air and slamming him down with relative ease. Edwards keeps an open guard when he hits his back, staying tight to Muhammad to prevent him from doing much. Muhammad opens up with a number of short left hands, landing without much impact. Edwards fights his way back to his feet, and Muhammad jams him against the wall and knees him once before getting spin around. Muhammad drives a few knees to the solar plexus, and Edwards drops to his knees for a takedown before abandoning it. Edwards scores an elbow on the break, and Muhammad tosses out a body kick on the way out. Muhammad adjusts and lands a body kick in response, and although he reaches his opponent, Edwards slams his knee in the breadbasket so hard he lifts Muhammad off the ground. They both trade shots, and Edwards catches the challenger with a solid uppercut and a body kick. Muhammad gives him a right hand back to think about, and he presses forward reaching a left over the guard. Edwards rifles a left down the middle and lands a knee, and Edwards slides to the side and eats a heavy left hand that stings him. Edwards tries to get away, and Muhammad attacks a double and dumps the champion on the ground. “Remember the Name” makes Edwards remember his ground-and-pound, punctuating the round with one crisp elbow.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2
Muhammad immediately puts the pressure on the champ when the round begins, walking Edwards down and landing a few punches. Edwards retaliates with a body kick, and Muhammad beats him to the punch with a short swarm of punches. Muhammad scores a pair of jabs to back Edwards up, and Edwards gives him a single one back. Edwards gets an uppercut in, but Muhammad punches his way into a takedown effort. Muhammad fails to secure a takedown, even when clasping his hands together around the waist, as Edwards keeps his balance. Muhammad doggedly pursues the takedown, tripping Edwards up by the knee and dropping him down to his knees. Muhammad jumps on his back, hanging on without hooks in and imposing his weight and will. Edwards is warned for a fence grab, and Muhammad scoops him up and dumps him on his head. Edwards appears no worse for wear, and Muhammad takes his back and gets hooks in. Edwards fights the hands and legs, managing to turn out and get back to his feet, but not before eating a heavy knee on the chin. Muhammad wrenches the champ back to a knee, and Edwards powers back upright only to get chucked on his face. Muhammad ragdolls the betting favorite, clinging to his back and making his life miserable. When Edwards stands, Muhammad drags him down, and he completely shuts down any offense from the champ. Edwards manages to get upright and turn Muhammad towards the fencing, and he knees Muhammad in the gut and drags him to the mat in a surprising turn of events. Muhammad works his way to his seat against the fencing, and he knees Muhammad in the chest from this advantageous position. Edwards hangs on from behind until the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 3
Muhammad walks out of his corner to start the fight even before Beltran says go, and he pushes the pace like before. Edwards swats at him with punches, and Muhammad catches him with a right hand and a head kick from up close. Muhammad lifts Edwards in the air and deposits him ever-so-gingerly to the canvas, but Edwards scrambles quickly to take Muhammad’s back and get a hook in as they lean against the cage. Edwards rips Muhammad’s feet out from beneath him, and both hooks are in as he squeezes his left arm around the mouth. Muhammad hand-fights to defend any submission from getting anywhere close, but Edwards is firmly in control while he sets up the body triangle. Edwards adjusts the body lock to his other leg when Muhammad twists, and Muhammad protests about glove grabs. Edwards slips an arm around the jaw again, but there is no second arm to lock it down. Muhammad grabs the fence to try to turn, and Beltran admonishes him for it. As Muhammad sits up, Edwards follows him and smothers his mouth before briefly gripping a face crank. Muhammad breaks the grip but is otherwise totally nullified, wide-eyed and perhaps surprised that Edwards has bullied the bully this round. Edwards loops a punch or two around the guard, and Muhammad no-look elbows back at him until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 4
The championship rounds have arrived, and Muhammad is almost to the middle of the cage as Beltran claps in the round. The pressure from Muhammad is constant, and Edwards jabs him back and sneaks a head kick up that crashes into the shoulder. Muhammad throws a few punches back, and he eats a big left hand that wobbles him for a second. Muhammad slips a left over the top, and he jabs behind it. Edwards keeps his guard up to block jabs, and Muhammad sees this and delivers an uppercut to fluster him. Muhammad reaches his man with a one-two, and a few right hands find their home shortly thereafter. Muhammad sells out for a double, and Edwards gets ripped to a knee while Muhammad slips around to take his back with one hook in. Edwards stays on both knees, and as Muhammad gets the other hook around the back, he elbows the champ on the side of the head. Muhammad hacks down with an elbow or two until Edwards leans and lowers himself to his back, and now Muhammad has the body triangle in place. Muhammad softens Edwards up with short, irritating punches on the side of the head while maintaining complete control, and no matter how hard Edwards fights, Muhammad has him on lock. Edwards sits up and breaks the triangle around his waist, but Muhammad drags him back down and resets the leg grip. Beltran tells Muhammad to work as the two lay there in this position, and Muhammad stays busy enough to land punches to the side of the head. With 30 seconds left, Edwards bursts into action and spins Muhammad over. As Muhammad, Edwards follows him to a knee, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 5
Muhammad does not alter his game plan, and Edwards does as the round begins. Edwards starts throwing heavy punches, and Muhammad answers him right back and quickly blocks a high kick. Edwards loads up on his shots, and he stuffs a takedown and pushes Muhammad to the side. As Muhammad stands, he greets Edwards with a few stern punches, and he jabs Edwards back to the fencing. Muhammad lines a right hand down Broadway before chasing a takedown, and Edwards leans himself against the cage and stops the attempt from completing. Edwards grabs the fence to stop the takedown from succeeding, and Beltran yells at him. Muhammad does what he did in the previous round, getting back control and dragging Edwards down while completing the body triangle. The crowd is cooked, booing the challenger heartily and even leaving the building, expecting the champ will lose his crown. Muhammad tries to get hold of a neck crank, and Edwards fights it out but it is a moral victory as he is still down on the scorecards with little way of coming back. Time is the worst enemy of “Rocky,” and Muhammad has successfully embraced the grind for coming up on 20 minutes. It might not be the most thrilling performance, as the fans in the building are borderline silent, but it is effective. With 45 seconds to spare, Edwards does everything he can to spin around and attack. Edwards lashes out with two blistering elbows, slashing Muhammad all the way open on the nose as blood sprays on the canvas. Edwards lands one more vicious elbow, and blood pools on Muhammad’s cheek. Edwards unleashes one final flurry of elbows, but it is likely too little, too late. The audience does not like it, but Muhammad did it, putting a performance on Edwards that few others have done. Vengeance is sweet for “Remember the Name,” and he ignores the jeers of the disappointed crowd because he has successfully climbed the mountain. The welterweight title now goes through Muhammad. If the UFC decides to run that one back, if Muhammad faces a hungry challenger like Shavkat Rakhmonov or something else happens, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)

The Official Result
Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Mar 11, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Big Brady picks Leon Edwards, citing his superior striking defense and takedown defense. He notes that Edwards is extremely hard to hit (absorbs 2.05 significant strikes per minute) and has a phenomenal get-up game. He expects Edwards to win a decision, possibly with a late stoppage. He acknowledges Muhammad's durability but believes Edwards' style will be too much. He is slightly concerned about cage rust but expects Edwards to continue his win streak.

"I'm gonna take Leon Edwards to win by decision."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Mar 12, 2021 (1 day before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel Levi picks Belal Muhammad for the upset, citing his pace, cardio, and pressure. He believes Leon Edwards' two-year layoff and ring rust will be a factor, and that Muhammad's style of getting in his face and clinching will be difficult for Edwards. He notes Edwards has been taken down and dropped before, and thinks Muhammad's output and takedown attempts can win three rounds. He acknowledges the risk of Edwards' reach and straight punches but thinks Muhammad's durability and cardio will carry him.

"I think he actually controls enough of this fight to win three rounds i think he can come out here get a decision and get the biggest win of his career"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 2, 2021 (11 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Lock likes Leon Edwards here, citing his crisp striking and takedown defense as key advantages. He compares the matchup to Belal's fight with Jeff Neal, where Belal's pressure was nullified by a sharper striker. Lock believes Edwards' layoff won't be a major issue and that Belal's short-notice turnaround and calf kick damage from his last fight are concerns. He expects Edwards to be too technical and sharp on the feet, and thinks Belal will struggle to get takedowns. Lock acknowledges Belal's activity but sees Edwards as a step up in competition.

Belal took fight on short notice, calf kicks from last fight, Edwards' layoff since July 2019
"I like leon edwards there i feel like it could play out similar to jeff neal... i think leon edwards's takedown defense is good enough"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 7, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The Guru initially leans towards Muhammad but settles on Leon Edwards. He believes Edwards' improved clinch work and elbows will be key against Muhammad's pressure. He notes Edwards' reach advantage and ability to stuff takedowns, referencing Edwards' performance against Kamaru Usman. He also highlights Muhammad's compromised calf from his previous fight, which Edwards can target with leg kicks. He predicts Edwards will lose the first round due to ring rust but win the next four, resulting in a 4-1 decision.

4-1 on rounds to Edwards
"i think edwards might lose the first round but he'll start securing it as the rounds go on and i'll see a 4-1 on rounds to leon edwards"
Belal Muhammad - Fight History
SCHED vs Gabriel Bonfim
13
138 MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

The host picks Belal Muhammad, citing his pace and cardio over five rounds as the deciding factor. He acknowledges that Bonfim is more technical and skilled, but believes Muhammad's relentless forward pressure and grappling will wear Bonfim down, especially in the later rounds. He notes that Bonfim's lone loss came to a pace-pusher in a three-round fight, and now he faces five rounds of Muhammad.

"I'm going to take Belal to get this done."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 1, 2026 (5 days before fight)
Gabriel Bonfim

AJ picks Bonfim to win, citing his youth, precise striking, leg kicks, and jiu-jitsu. He believes Bonfim's footwork and accuracy will trouble Muhammad, and that Muhammad's wrestling edge is negated by Bonfim's grappling. AJ expects Bonfim to do damage on the feet and possibly win by decision or late finish.

over 3.5 rounds minus 175; Bonfim by decision or KO
"I'm going with Gabriel Bonef to beat the side of Balor Muhammad... I think Bonef is going to be bit too quick for Bal Muhammad."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

AJ believes Belal Muhammad will bounce back from recent losses to top competition, using his wrestling and control time to neutralize Gabriel Bonfim. He notes Bonfim's height advantage and striking volume but questions his takedown defense (76%) compared to Muhammad's (90%). AJ acknowledges the risk of Muhammad's age and recent striking deficits but expects a rebound win, possibly by decision.

fight might go to decision
"I think Bal Muhammad bounces back in a big way. Uh, you know, it might go to a decision though."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Hesitant picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Gabriel Bonfim

AJ picks Gabriel Bonfim but acknowledges the risk due to Bonfim's cardio concerns. He believes Bonfim is the better striker with dangerous weapons and could hurt Belal Muhammad early, but Muhammad could overwhelm him if the fight goes long. AJ sees pathways for Bonfim to win but calls it a close fight.

Gabriel Bonfim plus 100 underdog line mentioned, Bonfim finish chance early (implied), Belal Muhammad win over 2.5 rounds (implied)
"I am picking Bonef. I really like his striking."
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked May 31, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad, believing he will slow the pace and use his wrestling to grind out a win. He notes Muhammad's toughness, cardio, and ability to outwork opponents. He thinks Muhammad needs to make the fight boring and avoid giving Bonfim room to strike. He has never seen Muhammad break, while Bonfim has been broken before.

"Balam Muhammad needs to avoid giving Gabriel the room to breathe, the room to throw. We have seen Gabriel Brafen be broken. I have never seen Bal Muhammad break."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Big Brady picks Belal Muhammad to win by decision. He highlights Muhammad's elite durability and takedown defense, and thinks the five-round fight favors Muhammad's cardio. He doubts Bonfim can take Muhammad down or knock him out, and expects Muhammad to take over as the fight goes on. He also notes that Bonfim's recent wins are questionable.

by decision
"Balam Muhammad by by decision for me."
BU
Bum MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad has heart and a great gas tank, and he will push the pace to win a close decision. Gabriel Bonfim is overrated, with a controversial win over Stephen Thompson and a loss to Nicolas Dalby. Bonfim tends to not push the gas pedal, while Muhammad will outwork him.

decision win; odds: Belal -140 favorite
"I think Bal is just going to push more and win a 3-2 decision."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Cody picks Belal Muhammad, emphasizing that the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Muhammad due to Bonfim's poor cardio and lack of durability. He notes Bonfim is explosive early but fades, and Muhammad has proven five-round cardio and durability. He suggests live betting Muhammad after the first two rounds for better value.

Live betting after first two rounds for better value
"I'm taking blah Muhammad, but you're going to get a much better number after the first two rounds."
FI
Fight Night Picks Expert Confident picked May 31, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad is picked due to his superior cardio and pressure, which will break Gabriel Bonfim over five rounds. The host notes Bonfim's only loss was to Nicolas Dalby, who maintained a high pace, and Belal's boxing and wrestling are better. He sees Belal winning by unanimous decision or late stoppage, as Bonfim's submission skills are from top position and Belal is good at avoiding danger. The host is not sold on Bonfim as a prospect and believes Belal's championship experience is key.

Belal Muhammad wins by unanimous decision or later stage stoppage; likes him at -140
"I think Bal Muhammad is still a championship caliber uh type of fighter. I've always been on the opposite end of the Gabrielle Bonfam hype train."
GR
Greedo Plays MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Muhammad's wrestling and cardio are elite, and Bonfim has never faced a wrestler of his caliber. Bonfim's takedown defense is questionable, as he was taken down by lesser fighters. Muhammad should control the fight for 25 minutes and win a unanimous decision.

unanimous decision
"I'm going to go with Bal remember the name Muhammad to beat Gabrielle Bonfam in the Apex this Saturday by unanimous decision."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Lucrative James picks Belal Muhammad despite the 10-year age disadvantage, citing Belal's superior experience, gas tank, and wrestling. He believes Bonfim is a 'finish or bust' fighter who will fade after the first couple of rounds, and that Belal's durability and veteran savvy will allow him to survive early submission threats and take over in later rounds. He predicts a round 4 or 5 knockout via ground and pound.

Belal Muhammad via KO in round 4 or 5
"I will be picking as you can guess Bal Muhammad at 37 years old against the up and coming hungry 28-year-old. I'm going to pick him to win the fight."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 1, 2026 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Muhammad's high pace, durability, and cardio should overwhelm Bonfim, who has cardio issues. Bonfim's best chance is an early stoppage, but if it reaches the third round, Muhammad will take over and likely get a TKO in round 4.

Muhammad by TKO in round 4
"I think if this reaches the third round, that means that Bal is able to survive the power of Bombfi and has been successful in terms of implementing his pace."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Hesitant picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Paul picks Belal Muhammad but is hesitant, noting Bonfim could land something early. He prefers to watch live and has placed prop bets on Muhammad winning in rounds 4 and 5 at high odds, expecting Muhammad's cardio to prevail in later rounds.

Round 4 prop at +2400, Round 5 prop at +3400
"I don't really have any inclination to get hyperinvested in below Muhammad at minus 120 pre flop, but definitely a fight like you that I'll be paying attention to very much live."
Decision R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker · Nov 22, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 56 of 139 40% 97 of 197 0 of 7 0% 0 0 3:35
Ian Machado Garry 0 72 of 141 51% 96 of 167 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:39
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 24 of 57 42% 30 of 69 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:40
Ian Machado Garry 0 27 of 53 50% 31 of 57 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Belal Muhammad 0 11 of 33 33% 28 of 58 0 of 3 0% 0 0 1:49
Ian Machado Garry 0 20 of 39 51% 35 of 56 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:06
3 Belal Muhammad 0 21 of 49 42% 39 of 70 0 of 3 0% 0 0 1:06
Ian Machado Garry 0 25 of 49 51% 30 of 54 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:33
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 56 of 139 40% 45 of 126 8 of 9 3 of 4 52 of 131 4 of 8 0 of 0
Ian Machado Garry 72 of 141 51% 35 of 98 10 of 15 27 of 28 66 of 134 6 of 7 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 24 of 57 42% 17 of 49 5 of 5 2 of 3 23 of 55 1 of 2 0 of 0
Ian Machado Garry 27 of 53 50% 14 of 36 2 of 5 11 of 12 27 of 53 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Belal Muhammad 11 of 33 33% 9 of 30 2 of 3 0 of 0 10 of 30 1 of 3 0 of 0
Ian Machado Garry 20 of 39 51% 9 of 27 3 of 4 8 of 8 19 of 38 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Belal Muhammad 21 of 49 42% 19 of 47 1 of 1 1 of 1 19 of 46 2 of 3 0 of 0
Ian Machado Garry 25 of 49 51% 12 of 35 5 of 6 8 of 8 20 of 43 5 of 6 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Ian Garry vs. Belal Muhammad
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-240); Muhammad (+190)

Round 1
Many have complained that this welterweight co-main attraction is not receiving five-round attention given its high stakes and that both men prefer a prolonged engagement. Nonetheless, Muhammad (24-4, 1 NC; 15-4, 1 NC UFC) and Garry (16-1, 9-1 UFC) will have three rounds to work today, meaning that every minute will count that much more. Fully aware that this one could reach the 15-minute mark, referee Rich Mitchell is in it for the long haul. The fighters do not touch gloves, opting to get right down to business.
Muhammad punches his way in, and Garry backs him off with a low kick and one high. Garry gets away with a slight eye scrape, and after a combination, he pushes off and jams his finger into Muhammad’s right eye socket. The few punches he landed have opened a cut beneath Muhammad’s left eye, which is not the one poked. Mitchell calls time and brings in the doctor but does not have a towel or cloth to wipe out the former champ’s eye. Mitchell admonishes the doctor for not bringing in the towel, who then comes in and bizarrely (and improperly) tends to the cut instead of the eye. The fighter cleans his eye out and is ready to go after about 100 seconds. Garry is quick to get right back behind his jab, intercepting Muhammad as he looks to change levels. Garry pushes out a front kick and checks a kick, and Garry’s low kick response is far heavier. Garry fires off a high kick from a safe distance, stay away from Muhammad getting his hands on him. Muhammad tries to cream him with a huge overhand right, missing it by a matter of millimeters. He tries again with the same swinging strike, and it is much more distant this time around. Garry’s jab flusters Muhammad, but he slips and has to scramble to get away. Garry stomps at Muhammad’s knee on the reset.
Muhammad paws out with his own left hand, faking level changes to draw reactions out of his opponent and marking up Garry’s cheek. Muhammad launches a head kick to target that wound, and he crashes forward when that is blocked to tie the Irishman up. Garry escapes, but Muhammad follows him and clips him with his hard right hand. Garry times a left hand that gets Muhammad’s attention, and he manages to lean back to evade the looping strike aimed at his face. Garry pounds the front leg with a kick, and Muhammad counters him with a solid left. Muhammad shoots for a single, spinning Garry around several times but not grounding him. The taller Garry keeps himself upright and puts the wall behind him so that he can rebound and break free, and he looks for spinning strikes as the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 2
Garry starts the round off with kicks to the lead knee, his oblique kicks hyperextending the limb when it lands flush. His jabs open a little cut on the bridge of the nose as well, and he catches Muhammad in the midst of an exchange but is nailed with the counter. Garry snaps the head back with a jab, and he leans to not get caught on the way out. Garry doubles up on his jab to plunk Muhammad with a right hand, and he spins with a back kick to the torso to punctuate the combination. Garry lands a hard leg kick, and Muhammad blitzes him with a body lock to take the fight horizontal. Garry splits off before getting dragged down, and Muhammad is warned for his outstretched fingers. Muhammad crashes the pocket again for a takedown, and the two clack heads when up close.
Muhammad puts his hand on the top of the fence illegally and is fussed at a few times before taking it back down, and the clinch continues. Muhammad embraces the grind by pressing as much of his body weight on the Irishman as he can, but Garry breaks free and trades hands with him on the way out. Muhammad shoots for a single, and Garry stifles him and bullies him on the way out. Muhammad bounces off the fence to reset, and he drives a one-two down the pipe. Garry pushes out with both hands, fingers outstretched, and he pokes Muhammad in the eye with at least his left. Mitchell calls time again and demands the doctor come back into the cage with another cloth to let him wipe it out, and Muhammad is irritated about the fouls landing on him again. Rules mean nothing, because Garry is only told to be careful with his fingers after landing multiple eye pokes and already being warned for this as well. Muhammad is good to go after about 75 seconds, and he proceeds to chase down the Irishman letting his hands go. Muhammad drops to a knee to go after a takedown, and he pushes Garry to the fence. Garry shrugs to signal he is just being held in place, so Muhammad knees him in the thigh a few times for good measure. Garry breaks out of the clinch with an elbow right at the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 3
Muhammad takes a few seconds to charge his battery, and then proceeds to angrily race after Garry with his fists swinging. Garry bounces off the cage wall to get to his preferred range, and he nails Muhammad with a one-two. He follows the effective strike with a front kick that bashes “Remember the Name” in the face. Muhammad can only reply with a single entry, and Garry stops it, ducking away when Muhammad tries for something on the break. Muhammad walks him down and belts him with a vicious right hand, and Garry’s chin is granite after absorbing the blow. Muhammad bullies Garry to the wire when pursuing a takedown, and Garry’s defense holds up while Muhammad gloms onto him. Garry turns him about and has his guard ready to defend the high kick he anticipates.
Garry hurts Muhammad’s front leg with a number of push kicks to the knee, again hyperextending it and torqueing the tendons like overtuned guitar strings about to snap. They spin one another around when finding themselves in a clinch, and Garry is tripped up and bounces back to his feet as if there were springs in his heels. The Irishman walks through a pair of punches to fire back with a vengeance, clipping Muhammad with a right hand and shifting to be just out of range of anticipated counters. Muhammad settles for a clinch try, and Garry splits before long but has his hands down waiting for Muhammad to approach him. This allows Muhammad to pop him in the chops with several fast punches, only to get met with a slashing elbow that would make Jason Voorhees blush. Muhammad holds serve as he tries to give Garry everything he has left, and the two men proceed to go wild with head kicks, spinning stuff, looping punches and anything else they can muster until time expires. This one was very close and scores may vary, but a title shot may not be looming for the victor given the other recent spectacular performances at welterweight for names like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garry (29-28 Garry)

The Official Result
Ian Garry def. Belal Muhammad via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Nov 16, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Angelo picks Ian Garry over Belal Muhammad. He argues that if Garry can defend takedowns, he wins easily due to superior striking, length, speed, and power. Muhammad's only path is wrestling, but he has no Plan B. Garry showed adjustments in his loss to Shavkat, while Muhammad is one-dimensional. Angelo acknowledges the fight is competitive but favors Garry.

"I have to go Ian here."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Nov 19, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Big Brady picks Ian Machado Garry by decision, criticizing Belal Muhammad's fight IQ and game plan. He believes Muhammad will try to strike instead of wrestle, leading to a clear decision loss. He notes Muhammad's tools but doubts his execution.

decision
"I'm going to take Gary. I'm going to take Gary to win this fight by decision."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Nov 19, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Cody picks Ian Garry confidently, noting that Belal Muhammad's wins are aging poorly and that Garry is younger, bigger, and has better takedown defense. He believes Garry can outpoint Muhammad and stuff takedowns, similar to how Michael Morales beat Brady. Cody warns against falling into the trap of hating on Belal, but ultimately sees Garry's advantages.

"I got to go Gary as well, but if you got it at minus 180 - 190 the more you start to fall to this minus 220 - 230 more"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Nov 20, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Connor picks Garry, citing his size, reach, and athleticism as key advantages over Muhammad. He notes that Muhammad's wins have come against smaller opponents and that Garry's improved striking and clinch work from the Prochazka fight give him confidence. Connor acknowledges Muhammad's tactical skill but doubts his physicality at the elite level.

Garry by decision; fight could be similar to Shavkat vs Garry
"I think I'm going to pick Gary. I think he's big enough and the ball is not physical enough that I trust the ball because I mean, that's the other thing with Gary in that Shopkop fight is I think …"
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked Nov 16, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Lucrative James picks Ian Garry, citing his superior striking, youth (27 vs 37), and recent grappling improvements shown against Shavkat Rakhmonov. He believes Belal's only path is wrestling, but Garry's takedown defense and scrambling have improved. He notes the 10-year age gap and Garry's momentum. He predicts a decision win for Garry.

"I'm going to go with Ian Gary in this fight, right?"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Nov 18, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Garry is a slick striker with high fight IQ and takedown defense. Muhammad relies on grappling pressure but may struggle to get takedowns. Garry should out-strike him and win a decision, possibly with a late finish.

Garry by decision; wait for better line
"I'm going to go Gary here. I'm going to go Gary by decision."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Nov 19, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Paul picks Ian Garry, having added him to parlays early. He believes Garry's length, footwork, and takedown defense will be too much for Belal, who is at the end of his career. Paul notes that Belal's wins are aging poorly and that Garry's striking and ring IQ are superior.

"I think Gary's length, footwork, probably even takedown defense is going to be too much for Bal."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Nov 19, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

The MMA Guru picks Ian Garry over Belal Muhammad, believing Garry's striking and takedown defense will be too much. He notes Garry's performances against Shavkat and MVP. He predicts a third-round TKO, with Garry calling out Makhachev afterward.

Ian Garry to fight for more than 2.5 total rounds (from earlier prizepicks segment); third round TKO
"I'm going to go with Ian Garry. I think he finishes Belal. I think he's going to get a TKO over Belal Muhammad."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Nov 20, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Ian Machado Garry

Zane also picks Garry, emphasizing his faith in Garry's improved game plan and coaching from the Prochazka fight. He notes that Garry's reach and ability to control range will trouble Muhammad, who lacks the athleticism to pressure effectively. Zane sees Muhammad's path to victory as narrow, requiring a perfect game plan.

Garry by decision; Muhammad could win if Garry regresses
"I'm taking Gary as well, but it's a very compelling matchup. I really like it."
Decision R5 5:00 · UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena · May 10, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 132 of 318 41% 155 of 349 3 of 9 33% 0 0 3:21
Jack Della Maddalena 0 178 of 342 52% 200 of 364 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:40
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 21 of 49 42% 21 of 49 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:04
Jack Della Maddalena 0 28 of 61 45% 28 of 61 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Belal Muhammad 0 21 of 63 33% 21 of 63 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:07
Jack Della Maddalena 0 30 of 63 47% 30 of 63 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Belal Muhammad 0 32 of 79 40% 32 of 79 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:19
Jack Della Maddalena 0 34 of 76 44% 35 of 77 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:04
4 Belal Muhammad 0 31 of 65 47% 35 of 70 1 of 3 33% 0 0 1:19
Jack Della Maddalena 0 33 of 59 55% 51 of 77 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:27
5 Belal Muhammad 0 27 of 62 43% 46 of 88 2 of 2 100% 0 0 1:32
Jack Della Maddalena 0 53 of 83 63% 56 of 86 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:09
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 132 of 318 41% 119 of 297 11 of 18 2 of 3 116 of 295 14 of 21 2 of 2
Jack Della Maddalena 178 of 342 52% 113 of 254 47 of 65 18 of 23 167 of 326 11 of 16 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 21 of 49 42% 15 of 40 5 of 8 1 of 1 18 of 46 3 of 3 0 of 0
Jack Della Maddalena 28 of 61 45% 14 of 39 7 of 11 7 of 11 27 of 58 1 of 3 0 of 0
2 Belal Muhammad 21 of 63 33% 19 of 58 1 of 3 1 of 2 19 of 61 2 of 2 0 of 0
Jack Della Maddalena 30 of 63 47% 16 of 45 10 of 14 4 of 4 29 of 62 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Belal Muhammad 32 of 79 40% 29 of 74 3 of 5 0 of 0 29 of 76 3 of 3 0 of 0
Jack Della Maddalena 34 of 76 44% 20 of 58 10 of 14 4 of 4 34 of 75 0 of 1 0 of 0
4 Belal Muhammad 31 of 65 47% 30 of 64 1 of 1 0 of 0 25 of 54 5 of 10 1 of 1
Jack Della Maddalena 33 of 59 55% 27 of 48 4 of 8 2 of 3 32 of 57 1 of 2 0 of 0
5 Belal Muhammad 27 of 62 43% 26 of 61 1 of 1 0 of 0 25 of 58 1 of 3 1 of 1
Jack Della Maddalena 53 of 83 63% 36 of 64 16 of 18 1 of 1 45 of 74 8 of 9 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
UFC Welterweight Title Fight: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Muhammad (-192), Della Maddalena (+160)

Round 1
Sometimes, a champion does not defend their throne against the top contender, but rather the top contender that is available at the time. This welterweight headliner will see Muhammad (24-3, 1 NC; 15-3, 1 NC UFC) put his belt on the line for the first time, and he meets Della Maddalena (17-2, 7-0 UFC) for all the marbles in a prototypical striker vs. grappler matchup at the highest level. Referee Jason Herzog will be the third man in the Octagon for a match that could very well go 25 hard minutes, and he brings them to the center of the cage to issue final instructions and touch gloves. It’s on with the show. Della Maddalena immediately takes to the center of the cage, where he jabs his way forward. Muhammad responds with a body shot, and Della Maddalena jabs him up. Della Maddalena kicks and punches his way forward, beating the champ to the punch. Muhammad responds with his own jab and a high kick that makes Della Maddalena spin around, from momentum and not damage. They flick jabs at one another, with Della Maddalena the more active of the two. Della Maddalena picks and pokes, and Della Maddalena responds with a power right hand. He lands a second, getting the challenger’s attention. The Aussie keeps his guard up to block a trio of punches coming his way, and kicks the champ upside the head and lances him with a left hand. A right hand from Della Maddalena stings Muhammad with a right hand up top, and he gets jabbed back and eats a right hand that follows. Della Maddalena’s leg kick lands a few times here and there when not landing up top, and he chains a low kick into one high. Della Maddalena sneaks in a left hand, and he nails the front leg with another kick. Muhammad lunges and cannot reach his man, but he sells out and shoots for something. He bails on it to drill Della Maddalena with a punch flurry, and his head kick at the end gets in. Muhammad dodges a knee and pushes out his own jab, and he rips a left to the body and kicks the same spot. They crash together, letting loose elbows that hurt the other, and then back off. One missed hook kick from the champ concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena

Round 2
Della Maddalena begins the second stanza aggressively with kicks aimed at all targets, and he pulls back when Muhammad starts to put a jab together. Muhammad rifles off a right hand, and when Della Maddalena ducks, the champ punts him in the head. Della Maddalena’s crooked nose stays crooked as a result, and he reaches out a right hand in response. The toes of the challenger stab into his foe’s midsection, who sits in the pocket and looks for hooks from up close. Della Maddalena drives home a one-two that sends a gob of spit flying from Muhammad’s mouth, and Muhammad takes it flush and does not waver. Instead, Muhammad evades a front kick and lashes out with punches. They take turns attacking one another, until Muhammad breaks up the back-and-forth striking with a takedown shot. Della Maddalena shrugs it off, and he blocks a high kick that he knows is coming. Muhammad loops a few left hands out while trying to wrap them around the jab, and he kicks the challenger in the side that is already showing some welting. Muhammad punches his way into a takedown, and when it fails, he lands a few punches but gets caught on the way out. Muhammad catches Della Maddalena with a left hand when circling away, and he parries a front kick and comes up short by a matter of inches with his hooks. Della Maddalena jabs to the body, and Muhammad whacks him upside the head with a hard right hand. Della Maddalena responds with a combination that busts Muhammad’s nose open, and blood is quick to flow. Muhammad tries a spinning back fist, and Della Maddalena mocks him with one of his own before attempting an earnest wheel kick that brushes past the beard. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena

Round 3
The third round opens up as both men launch punches at one another, with Muhammad landing the better in the early exchange. Della Maddalena bites down on his mouthpiece to let his fists fly, and the third and fourth in a combination knock the champ’s head around. Della Maddalena dodges and sways when Muhammad returns fire, exaggerating his movement as he is feeling himself in there. Della Maddalena jabs the body with his foot, and kicks the lead shoulder. Muhammad responds in kind, and he laughs off a faked takedown effort from the Aussie. Muhammad punches his way forward, but he backs off before landing anything of merit. Instead, it is Della Maddalena who connects, with a right hand. Muhammad walks him down and connects a few times, but his nose gets further bloodied up by the speedy hands of the challenger. Della Maddalena chips at the calf, and he leans back as a right hand buzzes his temple. Della Maddalena jabs a few times, and Muhammad steels himself and launches a big right. Della Maddalena takes it flush and keeps on rolling, jabbing to the head and body as he keeps things mixed up. He rings the champ’s bell with a right hand, who then gives him back a left hook to think about. Muhammad pushes out a knee that bounces off the guard, and he chambers and fires a huge right hand that does not fluster his foe in the least. Muhammad runs forward, ignoring the jabs to let bigger punches go. This succeeds to a degree, until the boxer tags him with a right hand. Della Maddalena then scores a left as he backs away, in his element, strafing and swaying as he glides around. Muhammad walks him down and busts him in the face, and Della Maddalena laughs them off and throws back hammers. Muhammad shoots for a takedown, and he leans against his foe when he does not get it. Della Maddalena defends it and tries for his own, and Muhammad elbows him in the side and back of the head. Muhammad is warned for the strikes as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena

Round 4
Shockingly, the champion might need a finish as they enter the fourth frame, and given Muhammad’s 25% stoppage rate, it might be an uphill battle. Nevertheless, he tries hard right out of the gate, practically sprinting at the challenger and landing heavy punches. Della Maddalena lets him do this and backs away to the wall to rebound off of it, but his jabs are not deterring Muhammad any longer. Muhammad marks up the bridge of Della Maddalena’s nose, swinging with big uppercuts and getting caught on the way in. The champ shoots for a takedown, and he lets it go to unload with a massive combination of uppercuts. Della Maddalena pays him back with his own power shots, spraying the blood from Muhammad’s face all around the cage floor. Muhammad uses his pressure to push on Della Maddalena and try to take him down, and he aims a knee to the dome that is legal while Della Maddalena is leaned over. Della Maddalena succeeds in defending the takedown and spins his man around, and Muhammad breaks and lets loose a short stream of uppercuts. Della Maddalena walks him down, walks through an uppercut and ignores a jab so that he can measure his own shots. Muhammad swings wildly with a right hand and back fist after it, and Maddalena jabs and dodges. Muhammad shoots for a double, and Della Maddalena shuts him down and turns Muhammad to the wire. Muhammad spins him around and looks for a head kick up close, but he cannot keep Della Maddalena on the fence. A left hand from Muhammad blows open Della Maddalena’s cauliflower ear, and Della Maddalena responds with a right hand. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 5
Muhammad plods forward to commence the final frame, taking a deep breath and jabbing Della Maddalena around the cage. Muhammad rips a kick to the body, and he swings punches that bang into his foe’s forehead. Muhammad keeps heavy pressure, dodging a one-two and coming out swinging with a pair of right hooks. Della Maddalena staggers him with three left hands, and he skips to the side and intercepts Muhammad with a vicious knee that shreds a cut open on the corner of Muhammad’s eye. Rather than think about it, he blasts Della Maddalena with a counter, and he shoots for a takedown and finally lands it. Positioning himself in half guard, Muhammad smothers with his shoulder pressing the Aussie down. The champ hammers down with ground-and-pound, his blood covering Della Maddalena’s chest, which allows him to slip around and explode back to his feet. Della Maddalena’s eye swells up quickly from the damage inflicted, and Muhammad runs at him with his fists flying. Della Maddalena backs him off for a second with a front kick, and they proceed to hack at one another with elbows. Della Maddalena clubs the champion with a left, a right and a few more punches as he has “Remember the Name” rocked. Della Maddalena clinches up for a second before letting loose with body shots, and he tries a takedown and gets thrown to the ground. Muhammad scrambles to push Della Maddalena to his back, where he frantically lashes out with punches and elbows. Della Maddalena protects himself by putting his head between Muhammad’s legs, and he bursts back to his feet. Muhammad leans him against the cage and tries to get him down, but Della Maddalena pushes him away and kicks him in the head. The Aussie drills Muhammad with a punch combo that staggers him badly, but he peels back rather than trying to finish the job. He re-engages, and Muhammad is ready for him throwing hammers. Della Maddalena does the same right to the final bell, and the two welterweights go the distance in a thriller that few expected would turn out this way. There may be a new champion crowned, but either way, Muhammad shed part of his reputation of being boring with that 25-minute banger.
The scores are read, and just like that, the Muhammad era is over before he could defend it once. Australia has a new champion in the form of hard-nosed brawler Della Maddalena, who stepped up to the plate and exceeded all expectations with that performance. The Contender Series has another champion from its ranks, with Della Maddalena pushing his phenomenal win streak to 18 thanks to his likely bonus-winning battle. Because of this result, lightweight king Islam Makhachev is going to move up and be the first to challenge Della Maddalena soon, while Ilia Topuria takes on Charles Oliveira—possibly for an interim title—on International Fight Week. The confident new champion declares that he will "get one back for Volk" against Makhachev. We will be here for those terrific matchups, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (49-46 Della Maddalena)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (48-47 Della Maddalena)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (49-46 Della Maddalena)

The Official Result
Jack Della Maddalena def. Belal Muhammad via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked May 4, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad to defend his belt, trusting his wrestling and control. He notes Jack Della Maddalena was taken down seven times by Gilbert Burns and survived by a lucky knee. He hopes Belal fights like he did against Wonderboy (wrestle-heavy) rather than standing. He mentions the line is tightening and suggests waiting to bet. He also notes that if Belal wins, it sets up Ilia vs Islam at International Fight Week.

"I'm going to trust the process here. I do think Bal wins. Not only is he a smart guy who understands the dangers of striking, but he also carries the wrestling reputation with him."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked May 6, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Big Brady is confident in Belal Muhammad, citing his wrestling and fight IQ. He notes Jack Della Maddalena was taken down eight times by an aging Gilbert Burns and struggled with Basil Hafez. He believes Muhammad will wrestle despite claiming otherwise, and predicts a decision win. He thinks the only way Muhammad loses is if he fights a horrible game plan.

"Give me Blow. Give me Balao. Give me Blow to win this fight by decision."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Hesitant picked May 8, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Connor picks Belal Muhammad but with hesitation, expressing concern that Belal lacks the athletic escape ropes to get out of trouble against JDM. He notes that JDM has a habit of violently winning fights he is losing, and that Belal's wrestling may not be a reliable get-out-of-jail card. However, he ultimately believes Belal's game planning and durability will allow him to win a narrow decision.

"I'm definitely gonna pick Balala Muhammad here. I don't see how I couldn't but I do have a sneaking feeling..."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked May 7, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

The host views this as a favorable matchup for Muhammad after Rakhmonov's injury. He believes Muhammad's grappling, high pressure, and pace will be too much for Della Maddalena, keeping him on the defensive. He expects Muhammad to set up his grappling and grind out a decision victory.

"I think Muhammad's grappling style and high pressure, high pace will be too much for the striker in Matelena to keep up with."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked May 6, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Jack Della Maddalena

The MMA Guru picks JDM, citing his finishing potential, ability to separate and scramble, and work with Craig Jones. He believes JDM's forward pressure and body shots will trouble Belal, who he thinks is overrated after the Leon Edwards win. He predicts a second-round TKO, noting JDM's 17-fight win streak and Belal's inactivity.

second round TKO
"I'm going with JDM. I'm going with JDM. That's what I'm doing. The boys are taking this one. JDM's getting it done."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked May 8, 2025 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Zane picks Belal Muhammad, arguing that Belal is a great game planner who can work around Jack Della Maddalena's limited game. He notes that Belal has successfully game-planned against many different styles, and while JDM is a dangerous puncher, Belal's durability and ability to rebuild after adversity will carry him. Zane acknowledges that Belal may only need one takedown per round to win rounds and retain his title.

"I'm definitely gonna pick Balala Muhammad here. I don't see how I couldn't but I do have a sneaking feeling..."
WIN vs Leon Edwards
Decision (unanimous) (48–47, 48–47, 49–46) R5 5:00 · UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 · Jul 27, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 47 of 71 66% 89 of 114 2 of 2 100% 0 2 7:11
Leon Edwards 0 68 of 121 56% 192 of 281 9 of 13 69% 0 0 12:02
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 15 of 21 71% 25 of 31 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:50
Leon Edwards 0 17 of 34 50% 51 of 75 2 of 2 100% 0 0 1:45
2 Belal Muhammad 0 11 of 16 68% 17 of 22 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:49
Leon Edwards 0 13 of 22 59% 27 of 39 4 of 5 80% 0 0 3:25
3 Belal Muhammad 0 2 of 4 50% 19 of 22 1 of 1 100% 0 0 4:18
Leon Edwards 0 4 of 9 44% 9 of 15 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:15
4 Belal Muhammad 0 6 of 10 60% 10 of 14 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:30
Leon Edwards 0 21 of 30 70% 62 of 82 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:17
5 Belal Muhammad 0 13 of 20 65% 18 of 25 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:44
Leon Edwards 0 13 of 26 50% 43 of 70 1 of 3 33% 0 0 3:20
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 47 of 71 66% 32 of 53 12 of 15 3 of 3 35 of 58 6 of 7 6 of 6
Leon Edwards 68 of 121 56% 59 of 110 9 of 11 0 of 0 62 of 111 0 of 4 6 of 6
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 15 of 21 71% 7 of 12 7 of 8 1 of 1 10 of 16 5 of 5 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 17 of 34 50% 14 of 31 3 of 3 0 of 0 16 of 30 0 of 3 1 of 1
2 Belal Muhammad 11 of 16 68% 8 of 12 2 of 3 1 of 1 10 of 14 1 of 2 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 13 of 22 59% 13 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0 10 of 18 0 of 1 3 of 3
3 Belal Muhammad 2 of 4 50% 1 of 3 0 of 0 1 of 1 2 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 4 of 9 44% 3 of 7 1 of 2 0 of 0 4 of 9 0 of 0 0 of 0
4 Belal Muhammad 6 of 10 60% 5 of 9 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Leon Edwards 21 of 30 70% 18 of 26 3 of 4 0 of 0 19 of 28 0 of 0 2 of 2
5 Belal Muhammad 13 of 20 65% 11 of 17 2 of 3 0 of 0 7 of 14 0 of 0 6 of 6
Leon Edwards 13 of 26 50% 11 of 24 2 of 2 0 of 0 13 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jul 21, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Angelo picks Leon Edwards to win, citing Edwards' sharper striking and takedown defense. He notes that Belal Muhammad's wrestling pressure could be a factor, but expects Edwards to defend takedowns and frustrate Belal as the fight goes on. Angelo admits he will be rooting for Belal but believes Edwards is the more proven champion. He also mentions that Belal has been training with the Dagestani wrestlers and could maul Edwards, but still leans Edwards.

"I think Leon Edwards is going to be sharper on the feet defend a few takedowns I think balam Muhammad as the fight goes on is going to get more and more frustrated and I think Leon Edwards wins this …"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Cody believes Belal Muhammad is a talented generalist who can adapt his game plan to any opponent. He points out that Belal has shown different wrinkles, such as out-striking Gilbert Burns and Shawn Brady, and that his wrestling and pressure will be key. Cody notes that Leon Edwards has a history of dropping later rounds, as seen against Colby Covington and Rafael dos Anjos, and that Belal's volume and pace could overwhelm Leon in the championship rounds. He also mentions that Belal is at his best now, while Leon's previous opponents were past their prime.

Belal Muhammad by decision
"I think he can just crash the pocket and constantly come forward and constantly pressure try to use the volume game... second third fourth and fifth he needs just to make this absolute grind."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 25, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel argues that Belal Muhammad has improved significantly since the first fight, citing dominant wins over Shawn Brady and Gilbert Burns. He believes Leon Edwards has not looked better since winning the title, coasting against Colby Covington and a diminished Kamaru Usman. He emphasizes Belal's newfound wrestling focus and improved striking reads, predicting he will overwhelm Edwards. He also advises waiting on Belal's line as it may drift further due to public sentiment against Belal's trash talk.

Wait on Belal Muhammad line; expects line to move further in his favor
"I'm going B Muhammad because since their last fight I don't know that that Leon Edwards has looked better"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel argues that the first fight was not a domination, citing no knockdowns, no 10-8 round, and a close strike count. He believes Belal's relentless pace, high output, and ability to pressure will overwhelm Leon, who has shown fatigue in later rounds. He also notes that Belal is undervalued by the market and has consistently been a profitable underdog. He acknowledges Leon's kicking threat but thinks Belal can close distance and make it a dirty fight.

"I'm going an new balal Muhammad um and I'm riding this uh train till the to till the wheels fall off"
JE
Jeff Fox Expert Confident picked Jul 25, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Jeff picks Leon Edwards, noting he looked good in the brief first fight and has been improving since winning the belt. He acknowledges Edwards' recent opponents (Covington, Usman, Diaz) are not elite, but still trusts the champion's development. He believes Edwards' reads and feints were working before the eye poke and expects him to handle Belal's pressure.

"going with the champ he looked good in their first fight even how brief it was he was you know getting his work done getting his reads in getting his faints in"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jul 24, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Paul favors Leon Edwards, citing his speed, slickness, and striking advantage. He argues that Leon was winning the first fight before the eye poke and has improved his takedown defense, as seen against Colby Covington. Paul believes Belal's power doesn't scare him and that Leon will win most exchanges on the feet. He also notes that Belal's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Leon has made strides in those areas.

"I think Leon at you know it's minus 230 minus 250 it's kind of moved to in some spots like I think he's a rightful favorite here."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 22, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The MMA Guru picks Leon Edwards by TKO in round two. He believes Edwards is a level above Belal Muhammad, as shown in their first fight where Edwards had success before the head kick. The Guru notes Edwards' reach advantage, distance management, and improved takedown defense from training with wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. He thinks Muhammad will be hesitant and that Edwards will land a punch for the finish. He also mentions Muhammad's PED use as a concern but still favors Edwards.

TKO in round 2
"I'm going to go with Leon Edwards getting this one done he's got a bit of reach advantage to work with here and we know if Edwards has reach over an opponent even if he doesn't against usan he still …"
WIN vs Gilbert Burns
Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 49–46, 49–46) R5 5:00 · UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo · May 06, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 132 of 283 46% 132 of 283 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 81 of 147 55% 81 of 147 0 of 4 0% 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 19 of 39 48% 19 of 39 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 15 of 31 48% 15 of 31 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Belal Muhammad 0 18 of 51 35% 18 of 51 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 15 of 28 53% 15 of 28 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Belal Muhammad 0 25 of 59 42% 25 of 59 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 14 of 22 63% 14 of 22 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
4 Belal Muhammad 0 28 of 54 51% 28 of 54 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 16 of 23 69% 16 of 23 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
5 Belal Muhammad 0 42 of 80 52% 42 of 80 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gilbert Burns 0 21 of 43 48% 21 of 43 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 132 of 283 46% 92 of 241 39 of 41 1 of 1 132 of 283 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 81 of 147 55% 35 of 96 13 of 16 33 of 35 81 of 147 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 19 of 39 48% 9 of 29 9 of 9 1 of 1 19 of 39 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 15 of 31 48% 7 of 22 3 of 4 5 of 5 15 of 31 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Belal Muhammad 18 of 51 35% 11 of 44 7 of 7 0 of 0 18 of 51 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 15 of 28 53% 6 of 18 0 of 0 9 of 10 15 of 28 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Belal Muhammad 25 of 59 42% 20 of 53 5 of 6 0 of 0 25 of 59 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 14 of 22 63% 7 of 14 3 of 4 4 of 4 14 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0
4 Belal Muhammad 28 of 54 51% 18 of 44 10 of 10 0 of 0 28 of 54 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 16 of 23 69% 6 of 12 4 of 4 6 of 7 16 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 0
5 Belal Muhammad 42 of 80 52% 34 of 71 8 of 9 0 of 0 42 of 80 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gilbert Burns 21 of 43 48% 9 of 30 3 of 4 9 of 9 21 of 43 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Five-Round Co-Feature: Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Burns (-125), Muhammad (+105)

Round 1
A rarity in the promotion the last several years, the UFC is offering up an official “title eliminator” status for a fight. This comes at 170 pounds, between two excelling talents who are stringing win streaks together at the right time. While many believe Muhammad (22-3, 1 NC; 13-3, 1 NC UFC) should have gotten a title shot already, he will look to push his unbeaten streak to 10 when he collides with brick-fisted grappler Burns (22-5, 15-5 UFC). The two will have five rounds to work, even with no championship or main event status available. This short-notice tilt will receive oversight from referee Keith Peterson, and there is no nonsense or touching of gloves to start things off. Chants for “Let’s go, Burns” rain down immediately in the building, and Burns is spurred into action with a charging right hand. Muhammad absorbs a low kick and looks to find angles and get to Burns with his footwork. Muhammad ricochets a kick off his opponent’s raised guard, and he sneaks a left hand through it. Burns loads up on his power right hand, and Muhammad darts away and aims out a jab. Another solid right from the Brazilian connects square on the chin, and Muhammad backs off and eats a leg kick to follow. Burns flicks a kick up high off the raised guard, and he sneaks a right hand through. Muhammad retaliates with a shin to the ribs, and Burns intercepts a subsequent kick to tackle his man to the mat. Muhammad climbs right back up and strikes a few more kicks to the liver, and he dodges a swatting left hook. Muhammad stays composed and utilizes his jab effectively, mixing in kicks occasionally to stay busier. Burns comes up short on a winging hook, and he kicks the body. Muhammad counters with a straight left hand that staggers Burns, and Burns grits his teeth and slams his right fist into Muhammad’s jaw twice to make “Remember the Name” remember his power. Burns has a kick caught, and he scrambles out of the way before getting dumped to the floor. Burns goes up high with a kick, and Burns stumbles back right as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2
The second frame kicks off as the two welterweights meet in the middle, and Burns strikes first with a stomping kick to the kneecap. Muhammad strafes to his right, and Burns follows him with a kick to the inside of the knee. Burns comes up short with a right hook, allowing Muhammad to sink in another liver kick. Burns chambers and fires a low kick and a massive right hand, and Muhammad’s beard absorbs it without much issue. Muhammad whips a high kick up, and he aims one to the body as Burns retaliates low to the inner calf. Burns paws away a one-two, and he gathers his thoughts to blast Muhammad in the face with a power right. Muhammad replies with a blocked head kick, and Burns hops around to shake it out. Muhammad is far less active, as Burns steps in with a right. The jabs from Muhammad are less constant, and Burns stings him with a right hand on the temple. Muhammad flashes his jab a few times, and Burns walks into one and storms forward. Muhammad times a body kick, and Burns gives him one to the calf back. Burns fires off a short right hand when Muhammad bears down on him, and he lets go with an inside low kick. Muhammad rips a kick to the side, and Burns surges into action and has a right hand slide off the shoulder. Burns lets fly a low kick, and he dodges a zipping left hand. Muhammad gives chase, and his fists collide with the guard. The slower round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns

Round 3
The round begins with a body kick from the Brazilian, and Muhammad retaliates with a front kick that grazes the cup. There is no pause, as Burns waves it off, and the crowd grows restless from the otherwise lack of action in the first minute. Muhammad gets off a jab or two, and Burns chambers his right hand and blocks a head kick. Burns gets off a single jab of his own, and he steps back from a looping punch. Burns kicks the lead leg a few times, and he stumbles when walking forward. Muhammad fires off a high kick that smacks into a shoulder, and Burns swings and misses wit ha haymaker. The pace is very deliberate and ineffective on both sides, and Muhammad throws two punches at a time if he can. Burns backs off, and Muhammad follows him with a head kick that bounces off the shoulder and a few straight punches. Burns tags him with a big right hand, and Muhammad shakes it off and sneaks a kick under Burns’ elbow. Burns steps in with a knee to the chest, and he gets kicked in the neck for his effort. The Brazilian appears no worse for wear, and he backs away when Muhammad jabs and front kicks at him. Burns throws a high body kick that smacks into the armpit, and Muhammad chains two kicks together with his left leg. Muhammad jabs quickly when Burns races forward, and he stays active with kicks. Muhammad gets into his groove of head kicks and jabs, stifling Burns. “Durinho” swings and misses with his right, and Muhammad makes him pay with a body shot. The tepid round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 4
Between rounds, Burns appears to be struggling with his left arm, and he complains to his corner that he cannot use it. Despite this, the championship rounds are upon them, and Burns’ body language and face show he is not having a good time in the cage. Muhammad compounds this by starting off Round 4 with a body kick and a few punches, and Burns blinks hard and drills Muhammad with a right hand on the jaw. Muhammad shakes it targets the same spot on the ribs with one more kick. Burns shells up as Muhammad kicks his body, and Burns replies with one of his own. Muhammad narrowly blocks a head kick in time, with Burns surprising him with the sudden strike. Muhammad stutter-steps his way into action, with a one-two off the guard as he leans back from a home run punch soaring at him. Burns drops down to snatch up a single, and he nails Muhammad with a blistering right hand that gives Muhammad a little wobble. Burns celebrates this with a body kick, a knee to the body and a leg kick, and he backs Muhammad away with a feint. Burns considers another single, and he abandons it because he cannot use his arm to secure it. Muhammad kicks high to the hurt arm, and Burns grimaces. Seeing this, Muhammad attacks it again with a kick up high. Muhammad shrugs off a leg kick to the inside of his knee, and he fires off two kicks to the shoulder. Burns blocks the strikes that come at him, and he splits a right hand down the pipe that shakes Muhammad up again. Muhammad weathers it and goes to jab, and the round ends with the crowd booing the welterweights.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 5
A dejected Burns is able to come out of his corner to start the last round, and a corner stoppage would not be out of the question given Burns condition. This sport rarely allows for such a courtesy, and the last round begins. Burns blocks an early head kick and loops two right hands over the top. Burns drops down for a takedown, and he abandons it and absorbs a few kicks to the head and body. Muhammad reaches his foe with a lunging right, and he is out of range when Burns attempts his overhand right. Burns is caught with a right hand coming in, and he wobbles back but gathers his balance. Muhammad punishes the ribs with the umpteenth kick to that same target, and Burns toughs it out. They both clash together with their fists, and Muhammad is the one to land better and backs Burns away. Burns secures a leg kick to buckle Muhammad’s knee for a second, but Muhammad speedily recovers and he takes another. Burns leaps in with a few rights, and Muhammad counters and fearlessly walks Burns down. Muhammad leans back from the obligatory right hook and tags him with a few punches, and he sees the telegraphed bomb and dodges it again. Burns knocks Muhammad back with his right, only for Muhammad to step in front of him and connect with a one-two. Burns swings and misses with two missiles that are right hands, with his left completely out of the picture in this fight other than as a blocking limb. They both trade heavy fire, and Muhammad darts out of harm’s way when Burns looks to reach him. When the 10-second clapper sounds, Muhammad kicks high and then aims one to the body, and the disappointing 25-minute affair comes to a merciful conclusion. The two immediately hug it out after the bell rings, and Muhammad should finally have done enough to earn a crack at the 170-pound throne.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (49-46 Muhammad)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (50-45 Muhammad)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (49-46 Muhammad)

The Official Result
Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Apr 30, 2023 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad, citing his wrestling pressure and improved striking. He notes that Gilbert Burns is coming off a quick turnaround (fought three weeks ago) and that fighters in that situation often lose. Angelo believes Belal's wrestling pace will overwhelm Burns, and he questions Burns' submission threat off his back. He has a quarter unit on Belal at +105, noting the line has tightened from Burns being a big favorite.

quarter unit at +105
"I got a quarter of a unit on below at Plus 105."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Big Brady picks Muhammad in this five-round fight. He believes Burns is the better striker early with more power, but Muhammad's cardio, pressure, and volume will wear Burns down in the later rounds. He notes Burns has questionable cardio and chin, and Muhammad has excellent takedown defense and get-up game. He predicts Muhammad will weather the early storm and finish Burns late, possibly by fourth-round TKO.

Fourth round TKO prediction
"I'm going to take Muhammad here to win this fight I like him to weather the early storm put the pressure on put the pace on and break Burns as this fight goes on"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked May 3, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Cody emphasizes that the five-round format heavily favors Belal Muhammad's proven cardio and durability over Gilbert Burns, who has questionable gas tank. He notes Belal's high ring IQ, ability to adjust game plans (lateral movement vs Luque, forward pressure vs Brady), and that Burns' recent wins are over older or less dangerous opponents. He expects Belal to survive early rounds and take over late, making the underdog line attractive.

Live betting after first round for better price
"pre-fight flop I will take the underdog Muhammad plus 110"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Connor also picks Muhammad, agreeing that Burns is uncomfortable under pressure and that Muhammad's jab will be key. He notes that Muhammad is a smart fighter who sticks to his game plan and that Burns' wrestling may not be a decisive factor. Connor expresses concern about Muhammad's short notice but trusts his conditioning.

"I'm going to pick Balal too, but that is my concern."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

The host picks Belal Muhammad, citing his pace, pressure, and cardio as key advantages over Gilbert Burns. He believes Muhammad's grappling-heavy style, similar to Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, will wear down Burns, who has cardio issues. He expects Muhammad to finish Burns in the fourth or fifth round, and notes that the plus 120 odds look easy.

Belal Muhammad by TKO in round 4 or 5, plus 120 odds
"I think that this is a spot that he can go out there put Gilbert Burns through the grinder and finish him probably in the 4th of fifth round of this matchup give me give me below Muhammad a short …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked May 3, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Paul initially leaned toward Gilbert Burns but changed his mind after realizing the fight is five rounds, which makes the line more reasonable. He notes Burns' quick turnaround and Belal's experience fighting after Ramadan without issue. He says he's 'leaning ever so slightly towards Belal' because of the five rounds, but thinks the market has it right and it's a close fight.

Over 1.5 takedowns for Burns moved from 1.5 to 1; thinks one takedown is accurate
"I'm leaning ever so slightly towards below because of the fact that it's five rounds"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Gilbert Burns

The Guru confidently picks Burns, citing his peak physical condition from fighting frequently and his power advantage on the feet. He believes Burns will set traps and land big shots as Belal comes forward, and that Belal's takedowns won't worry Burns due to his jiu-jitsu. He also questions Belal's mindset and weight cut, noting Belal's complaints and inconsistent weight claims. He predicts a TKO via right hand against the cage.

TKO prediction
"I'm going with Gilbert Burns I like the fact that he called for five rounds knowing that Bilal Muhammad might not be in a peak shape I'm gonna go Gilbert Burns getting this one done by TKO"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Zane picks Muhammad, emphasizing that Burns tends to destruct under pressure and that Muhammad's jab-centric striking is a great weapon against Burns' catch-and-counter style. He notes that Muhammad is adaptable and well-prepared, and that Burns' recent performance against Masvidal was uninspiring. Zane also mentions that the five-round fight favors Muhammad's cardio and pressure.

"I got to pick Balal Muhammad in that kind of fight."
WIN vs Sean Brady
TKO (punches) R2 4:47 · UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev · Oct 22, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 80 of 209 38% 80 of 209 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 58 of 118 49% 58 of 118 0 of 5 0% 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 26 of 80 32% 26 of 80 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 25 of 62 40% 25 of 62 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Belal Muhammad 0 54 of 129 41% 54 of 129 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Sean Brady 0 33 of 56 58% 33 of 56 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 80 of 209 38% 64 of 183 11 of 19 5 of 7 79 of 206 1 of 3 0 of 0
Sean Brady 58 of 118 49% 40 of 98 4 of 6 14 of 14 57 of 117 1 of 1 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 26 of 80 32% 18 of 66 6 of 10 2 of 4 26 of 80 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sean Brady 25 of 62 40% 15 of 51 2 of 3 8 of 8 25 of 62 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Belal Muhammad 54 of 129 41% 46 of 117 5 of 9 3 of 3 53 of 126 1 of 3 0 of 0
Sean Brady 33 of 56 58% 25 of 47 2 of 3 6 of 6 32 of 55 1 of 1 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Sean Brady vs. Belal Muhammad
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-145), Muhammad (+125)

Round 1
Headlining the prelims is a welterweight matchup that could easily and comfortably headliner any UFC Fight Night or ESPN-run event. For a possible shot at the logjammed welterweight throne, Muhammad (21-3, 1 NC; 12-3, 1 NC UFC) and his eight-fight unbeaten streak run up against Brady (15-0, 5-0 UFC), who has never dropped a pro fight. Someone will take a rough loss, barring something unexpected, and referee Lukasz Bosacki will be there for it. The 170ers have a strange bit of bad blood between them and decide not to touch ‘em up, and instead Muhammad comes out aggressively to push the pace on the undefeated fighter. Muhammad scores a left hand down the pipe, and Brady looks to swipe back at him and only lands a calf kick. Muhammad keeps moving forward and clips Brady with a right hand, and he retreats as Brady races forward. Brady works the lead leg with kicks, and he walks into a knee and forces Muhammad to fall over. When Muhammad stands, Brady gives him a shove to put him back to his seat but does not follow him down. Brady allows him to stand so that he can bust him in the chops with a right hand, and he gets a few punches off that get Muhammad’s attention. Muhammad keeps coming forward as he lines up a head kick, and Brady backs him away with a high body kick. Muhammad kicks the leg, and Brady changes levels in pursuit of a takedown but it is nowhere close to materializing. Brady backs off and whips a high kick up fast, and when it is guarded, he follows it with a clean right hand over the top. Muhammad pins a one-two on the chin, and Brady counters him to make him take a step back. Brady gets tagged with a short combination, and he blocks a head kick that follows. Muhammad gets out a left hand and the two start trading, with Brady landing flush and Muhammad giving it right back to him. Muhammad connects with a heavy right hand that draws some swelling under Brady’s right eye, and Brady shoots in from a distance and does not draw out a reaction. Muhammad walks him down and starts throwing hands, and Brady replies with a left hand that opens a cut on the side of Muhammad’s right eye. The horn sounds awkwardly, and the razor-close round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2
The pace from Muhammad does not relent as the second round begins, continuously pressing forward as Brady sits down on counters. The welterweight contenders trade low kicks, and Brady shoots and is stopped in his tracks. Brady gets off a sharp left hook that splits the guard, and he smacks Muhammad in the nose with a front kick. Brady gets off another left hook as Muhammad is walking him down, and he kicks the body to give Muhammad momentary pause. Muhammad sticks out a jab that reddens the nose, and Brady lines up a one-two that shakes Muhammad up. Muhammad keeps his fists in Brady’s face, and the nose starts to leak from the offense. Brady jumps forward, mixing punches with kicks, and Muhammad stands firm in front of him and responds with a blocked head kick. Brady leaps forward with a powerful left hook, and he celebrates his work with a low single that gets stuffed by “Remember the Name.” Muhammad lands two punches as Brady prepares and connects with a counter, and he gets rocked with a short left hand. Muhammad blinks it out and fires back with a venomous right hand, and he uses several jabs to back Brady up. A Brady entry is tossed aside, and they trade jabs as Muhammad begins to unload on his punches. They kick at the same time, and Muhammad falls to the mat and jumps back up. A shovel uppercut from the Philadelphia native gets through, and he tries to get off a combination but has his bell rung by Muhammad. Muhammad pours it on with combinations, and he hurts Brady and puts him on the proverbial ropes. Muhammad continues his bombardment of unanswered punches as he batters Brady on the wall, and Brady is in big trouble and leans over from taking punishment. Muhammad stays right in his face, pounding on him with an assault of fiery fists. Brady tries to keep Muhammad honest with a heavy counter or two, but Muhammad will not relent as he drills Brady in the face again and again. The seemingly unending barrage of blows continues until Movahedi dives in to call it a standing TKO, and Brady immediately protests although he was in a bad, bad way. “Remember the Name” makes the crowd remember his name as he moves his unbeaten streak to nine, while handing Brady his first defeat as a professional. Muhammad declares that he fought down to face Brady, and that it is time to fight up – calling out champion Leon Edwards or Khamzat Chimaev for future opportunities.

The Official Result
Belal Muhammad def. Sean Brady R2 4:47 via TKO (Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Oct 16, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad despite admitting it goes against his gut. He believes Belal's constant pressure and wrestling volume will be the difference, as Sean Brady has cardio issues and tends to slow down. He compares it to the Maximov vs Malkoun fight, where constant shooting won the day.

"I think I'm gonna pick him I think the cardio the shooting is gonna be the difference"
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Oct 17, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Big Brady picks the underdog Belal Muhammad to win by decision. He questions Brady's takedown defense (87% but untested) and notes Brady slowed down in the Chiesa and McGee fights. Muhammad has superior cardio, volume, and takedown defense (91%). He expects Muhammad to have success in the striking as the fight goes on and win a decision.

"I'm gonna leave with the law here I think below is going to have success in the Striking I think in the first round Brady even might even take it but as the fight goes on I like the the …"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Oct 19, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Cody picks Belal as an underdog, citing his relentless pace, excellent cardio, and underrated wrestling. He notes Belal's takedowns against top competition and his solid chin. Cody thinks Brady's striking is better but Belal can grind him down. He also mentions the Abu Dhabi factor and Khabib's help.

"I will actually take another flyer here on Blow Muhammad as the underdog"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Oct 17, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel Levi picks Belal Muhammad to win, calling it 'first L time' for Sean Brady. He praises Belal's fight IQ, cardio, and ability to adapt, noting he stuffed 20 takedowns against Damian Maia and overcame adversity against Vicente Luque. Levi thinks Belal's preparation with Khabib Nurmagomedov will help him deal with Brady's top control. He believes Belal will pull away in the second and third rounds. Levi bet 2 units at +116.

Bet 2 units at +116. Notes that the line should be closer to pick'em and that Belal is plus money.
"I got two units on below and plus 116."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Oct 18, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Sean Brady

Brady is very difficult to take down, with only one takedown allowed in four UFC fights. He transitions well from takedown attempts to back control, as seen against Chiesa. Muhammad's wrestling-heavy style may not work, and Brady's power striking could land. Brady by decision at +150 is a solid play.

Brady by decision at +150
"give me Sean Brady Shawn Brady by decision which currently sits at plus 150"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Oct 19, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Belal's smart game plan and ability to stick to it. He mentions Belal's grappling success against Vicente Luque and that Brady hasn't been tested against top competition. Paul likes the plus money and picks Belal.

"Muhammad is the pick for both of us"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Oct 17, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Sean Brady

The MMA Guru picks Sean Brady over Belal Muhammad, despite Brady being a favorite. He believes Brady's grappling threat will stifle Belal's stand-up, similar to the Damian Maia fight. He notes Brady's improvements, including a grappling match with Craig Jones, and predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision, with Brady winning the first two rounds.

"I'm going Sean Brady and I'm annoyed that he's a favorite"
WIN vs Vicente Luque
Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 48–47) R5 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2 · Apr 16, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 84 of 184 45% 102 of 203 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:33
Vicente Luque 0 60 of 155 38% 136 of 260 5 of 10 50% 0 0 7:29
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 14 of 37 37% 24 of 47 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:15
Vicente Luque 0 9 of 33 27% 35 of 65 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:39
2 Belal Muhammad 0 15 of 35 42% 18 of 38 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Vicente Luque 0 16 of 30 53% 24 of 43 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:16
3 Belal Muhammad 0 24 of 46 52% 27 of 49 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Vicente Luque 0 9 of 21 42% 21 of 39 1 of 3 33% 0 0 1:21
4 Belal Muhammad 0 20 of 41 48% 21 of 42 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Vicente Luque 0 13 of 44 29% 41 of 78 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:33
5 Belal Muhammad 0 11 of 25 44% 12 of 27 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:18
Vicente Luque 0 13 of 27 48% 15 of 35 1 of 4 25% 0 0 1:40
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 84 of 184 45% 54 of 141 6 of 17 24 of 26 80 of 179 2 of 3 2 of 2
Vicente Luque 60 of 155 38% 51 of 141 8 of 13 1 of 1 56 of 149 3 of 5 1 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 14 of 37 37% 8 of 26 1 of 5 5 of 6 13 of 36 0 of 0 1 of 1
Vicente Luque 9 of 33 27% 5 of 28 3 of 4 1 of 1 9 of 33 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Belal Muhammad 15 of 35 42% 5 of 23 2 of 3 8 of 9 15 of 35 0 of 0 0 of 0
Vicente Luque 16 of 30 53% 14 of 27 2 of 3 0 of 0 15 of 29 0 of 0 1 of 1
3 Belal Muhammad 24 of 46 52% 19 of 39 3 of 5 2 of 2 21 of 42 2 of 3 1 of 1
Vicente Luque 9 of 21 42% 9 of 20 0 of 1 0 of 0 8 of 18 1 of 3 0 of 0
4 Belal Muhammad 20 of 41 48% 15 of 34 0 of 2 5 of 5 20 of 41 0 of 0 0 of 0
Vicente Luque 13 of 44 29% 10 of 41 3 of 3 0 of 0 13 of 44 0 of 0 0 of 0
5 Belal Muhammad 11 of 25 44% 7 of 19 0 of 2 4 of 4 11 of 25 0 of 0 0 of 0
Vicente Luque 13 of 27 48% 13 of 25 0 of 2 0 of 0 11 of 25 2 of 2 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Apr 10, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad as an underdog, citing Belal's wrestling and fight IQ. He notes that Vicente Luque is dangerous on the feet and has submissions, but Belal can take him down and control the fight. He references Luque's fight with Kiesa where Kiesa had success taking Luque down but got too aggressive. Angelo believes Belal will stick to a wrestling game plan and win a decision.

"i like below muhammad in the underdog spot for the main event and i imagine he's gonna grapple a lot"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Apr 12, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Vicente Luque

Big Brady picks Vicente Luque to win, likely by finish. He notes that Luque is dangerous everywhere—on the feet and on the mat—and that Belal Muhammad's wrestling, while improved against Stephen Thompson, may not be enough to control Luque. He points out that Muhammad struggled to take down Diego Lima (1 for 10) and that Luque has solid takedown defense and submission threats. Brady expects Luque to hurt Muhammad and finish him in the second or third round.

finish inside the distance (KO or submission), round 2-3
"i think luke is going to finish muhammad at some point in this fight whether it is like a club and sub whether it is a knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Hesitant picked Apr 12, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Vicente Luque

Cody picks Luque but with hesitation, noting Belal's impressive wrestling against Wonderboy. He worries about Luque's cardio in a five-round fight and his takedown defense. However, he believes Luque's hand speed and striking will be key, and that Belal's record is deceiving. He sees danger if Belal extends the fight into later rounds.

"honestly i gotta go with vincente at the end of the day the line's not terrible minus 175 i believe in favor of uh luke"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel Levi picks Belal Muhammad as a +155 underdog, emphasizing Belal's ability to adapt game plans, as seen against Stephen Thompson (wrestling) and Demian Maia (striking). He notes Belal's improved lateral movement, feints, and cardio, which should allow him to survive early danger and take over in championship rounds. Levi acknowledges Vicente Luque's elite finishing ability (second most finishes in welterweight history) and the danger of his calf kicks, left hook, and d'arce choke, but believes Belal's discipline, chain wrestling, and refusal to rush submissions will be key. He is concerned about Belal fighting during Ramadan but notes he has done so before and sounded sharp in interviews. Levi states he is biased due to his friendship with Belal but insists his analysis is objective.

Belal Muhammad +155 underdog; mentions Belal by decision or late finish possible; says 'if he don't get finished, I think there's a very good chance you win this fight'
"I'm gonna take the underdog shot, I'm below here it's like blah just please don't get knocked out and there's a good chance that you win this fight."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Apr 12, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Vicente Luque

Paul favors Vicente Luque, citing his power, finishing ability, and danger in guard if taken down. He notes Luque trains with many wrestlers and believes his striking is superior. He acknowledges Belal's wrestling but thinks Luque's path to victory is clearer, especially with a potential finish.

"i'm still leaning towards not even leaning i like vicente luke to get the job done here"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Apr 11, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

The MMA Guru picks Belal Muhammad despite being a big Vicente Luque fan. He believes Muhammad's volume and grappling will disrupt Luque's timing, and that Luque hates volume. He expects Muhammad to wear Luque down and submit him in the fourth or fifth round via rear-naked choke. He also accuses Muhammad of using steroids, citing his physique change.

fourth or fifth round submission (rear-naked choke)
"i've got a real feeling below wins this one and i'm going to pick him by fourth round renaked choke or fifth round real naked choke"
Decision (unanimous) (30–25, 30–26, 30–26) R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus · Dec 18, 2021
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Belal Muhammad 0 19 of 32 59% 51 of 67 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:52
Stephen Thompson 0 58 of 95 61% 171 of 271 7 of 9 77% 1 0 11:57
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Belal Muhammad 0 10 of 16 62% 28 of 36 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:45
Stephen Thompson 0 44 of 72 61% 64 of 111 3 of 4 75% 0 0 3:07
2 Belal Muhammad 0 7 of 11 63% 12 of 16 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Stephen Thompson 0 10 of 16 62% 42 of 64 2 of 2 100% 1 0 4:11
3 Belal Muhammad 0 2 of 5 40% 11 of 15 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:07
Stephen Thompson 0 4 of 7 57% 65 of 96 2 of 3 66% 0 0 4:39
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Belal Muhammad 19 of 32 59% 14 of 27 5 of 5 0 of 0 17 of 29 1 of 1 1 of 2
Stephen Thompson 58 of 95 61% 56 of 92 1 of 1 1 of 2 2 of 10 1 of 1 55 of 84
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Belal Muhammad 10 of 16 62% 8 of 14 2 of 2 0 of 0 8 of 13 1 of 1 1 of 2
Stephen Thompson 44 of 72 61% 42 of 69 1 of 1 1 of 2 2 of 7 1 of 1 41 of 64
2 Belal Muhammad 7 of 11 63% 5 of 9 2 of 2 0 of 0 7 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0
Stephen Thompson 10 of 16 62% 10 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 3 0 of 0 10 of 13
3 Belal Muhammad 2 of 5 40% 1 of 4 1 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 5 0 of 0 0 of 0
Stephen Thompson 4 of 7 57% 4 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 4 of 7
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Belal Muhammad vs. Stephen Thompson

Round 1
In this pivotal co-main event, renowned karateka “Wonderboy” Thompson (16-5-1, 11-5-1 UFC) will try to keep his place in the top echelon of the welterweight division. Against him will be Muhammad (19-3, 1 NC; 10-3, 1 NC UFC), who will aim to find the secret of his power. Herb Dean will be the referee for this interesting stylistic clash, and the fighters are happy to touch gloves in a good show of sportsmanship. Thompson is quick to get to his signature style, staying out of range and backing off with kicks to the body and up high. Muhammad eats a hook kick in the face, and he shrugs it off so that he can shoot in for a double. “Wonderboy” stops it from succeeding and stings Muhammad with a left hand, and Muhammad is suddenly in trouble. Thompson spins with a kick that clatters off Muhammad’s dome, and he wears it well and blocks a few strikes that come at him. Thompson jumps forward with a strike, and Muhammad manages to power through and go for a takedown. Grabbing Thompson by his waist as they are both on their seats, they begin to slug it out from close range like a seated version of Frye vs. Takayama. After they continue to trade punches, Thompson walks his way back up using the fence, and he shucks off a standing guillotine try from Muhammad. Tight in the clinch, Thompson rips a few knees up high until Muhammad snags hold of a single to put Thompson down. “Wonderboy” manages to land on a knee so he is not flat down, and he grabs the fence to stand back up. Muhammad grapples him from behind, before turning things around to elevate Thompson and put him down. Muhammad lands on Thompson’s back, and he hunts for a rear-naked choke before flattening Thompson out with strikes. “Remember the Name” rains down punches from this advantageous position, pounding on the side of Thompson’s head while Thompson turtles up. Thompson protects himself from the brunt of the strikes that should not merit a stoppage, and he turns to his side as Muhammad continues to work him over from above. A few punches land to the back of the head, and Muhammad bludgeons Thompson relentlessly until the horn.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2
The welterweights touch gloves to start off the second round, and Thompson is the immediate aggressor with side kicks to the face. Thompson slings a high kick with his rear leg, and the kick is blocked but still knocks Muhammad back a step. “Wonderboy” springs in with a strike and dances out of the way, and he lands cleanly to ring Muhammad’s bell. Thompson tees off on Muhammad until Muhammad has had enough of the striking, and he closes in to latch on to Thompson and wrench him down to the mat. Thompson works his way back up, only for Muhammad to lift him up and hold his ankle to put Thompson back down flat on the canvas. The Chicago native gets into half guard, where he isolates Thompson’s right arm to set up a kimura. When that does not succeed, Muhammad begins to batter Thompson’s thigh with elbows. Thompson pulls his arm free, only for Muhammad to continue elbowing the same spot. Thompson edges his way to the wall, and he posts on his knee to stand up as Muhammad torques on his arm for a straight armlock or kimura. Thompson appears to pay it no mind, but he is still trapped on the floor with no way up as precious seconds tick off the clock. Muhammad abandons the grip so that he can turn around and get off ground-and-pound, introducing his elbow to Thompson’s face repeatedly. Thompson eats several of these shots but blocks others, and Muhammad hacks at him with elbows until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 3
Muhammad instantly starts the round with a takedown try, and “Wonderboy” cannot stave him off with a few strikes as Muhammad advances relentlessly. Muhammad lifts Thompson’s leg all the way up in the air before putting Thompson down on the ground, and he ties Thompson’s legs up to keep him trapped. With his arm around Thompson’s back, he is able to smack Thompson in the face with short left hands. The former title challenger bursts back upright, and he fights off a subsequent takedown try with a choke attempt from above. Muhammad doggedly pursues another takedown, and he secures it in the center of the mat to put Thompson down at the midpoint of the final round. Muhammad claims half guard, and he calmly controls his opponent with light but effective ground-and-pound that keeps Dean away from standing them up. “Remember the Name” remembers that he can embrace the grind like the best of them, and he does exactly that, passing to side control and working Thompson over with elbows and hammerfists. Muhammad looks to pass to mount, but “Wonderboy” is able to at least keep that moral victory in his pocket as he is getting thoroughly outworked on the ground. Muhammad slashes Thompson with multiple elbows until the final horn ends this grueling match.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (30-27 Muhammad)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (30-27 Muhammad)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad (30-27 Muhammad)

The Official Result
Belal Muhammad def. Stephen Thompson via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Dec 15, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad with a full unit at +200. He cites recency bias from Gilbert Burns taking Thompson down at will, and believes Muhammad, a wrestling beast, will employ a grapple-heavy game plan. He thinks Muhammad will win a unanimous decision by taking Thompson down repeatedly. Angelo admits it hurts because he loves Wonderboy, but he sees a clear path for Muhammad.

1 unit on moneyline at +200
"i threw a full unit on bilal muhammad almost immediately"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Dec 15, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Stephen Thompson

Big Brady picks Stephen Thompson by decision, citing his striking advantage and reach. He believes Muhammad's takedown accuracy (28%) is not enough to threaten Thompson's takedown defense and get-up game. He acknowledges the smaller cage favors Muhammad but expects Thompson to stuff takedowns and win a convincing decision.

decision
"give me a uh decision win for stephen thompson I don't like below muhammad in this spot"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Dec 16, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Stephen Thompson

Cody is confident in Thompson, citing his superior striking and distance management. He notes that Muhammad is a generalist without elite skills, and his wins are against lower-level competition. Cody points to the Leon Edwards fight where Muhammad struggled with a fast, lateral-moving striker. He believes Thompson's takedown defense is good enough to keep the fight standing and that he will win by decision, though he acknowledges Muhammad's durability and the possibility of a KO.

"I think thompson's going to do a lot of the same thing even though he himself is getting a little bit older he still moves as good as anybody his striking is as good as anyone's"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Dec 16, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel Levi picks Belal Muhammad as a +200 underdog. He argues that Stephen Thompson has never won a fight in which he was taken down, citing losses to Woodley, Brown, and Burns. Levi notes that in Thompson's wins over Neal and Luque, those opponents attempted zero takedowns combined. He believes Muhammad's relentless wrestling and pressure will be the key, and that Thompson's age (almost 40) is a factor. Levi expects a gritty, ugly fight where Muhammad grinds out a decision or late stoppage.

Muhammad by decision or late stoppage; under on Thompson's significant strikes
"I'm going with Belal Muhammad to get the biggest win of his career... plus 200 on a guy who I know is gonna fight for my money."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Confident picked Dec 15, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Stephen Thompson

Jacob picks Stephen Thompson, expecting a boring decision win. He believes Thompson's footwork and karate style will allow him to bounce in and out, point-fight, and avoid takedowns. Jacob thinks if Thompson is taken down, he will get right back up. He cites Thompson's fight with Darren Till where only 71 strikes were landed combined, expecting a similar low-volume striking match.

"i think this is a boring boring boring decision win for stephen thompson"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Dec 17, 2021 (1 day before fight)
Stephen Thompson

The host picks Thompson by decision, believing his striking and movement will keep Muhammad at bay. He notes that Muhammad is athletically capped and will struggle to get inside. He leans towards the decision prop around even money.

"I am gonna lean more so with the decision around even money than the knockout here"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Dec 16, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Stephen Thompson

Paul likes Thompson as the rightful favorite, emphasizing that nobody outstrikes Thompson on the feet. He notes Muhammad's wrestling is not elite and Thompson's takedown defense has improved. Paul expects Thompson to win by decision, as Muhammad has shown durability but can be wobbled, as seen in the Edwards fight.

"I like thompson here I think thompson is the rightful favorite um nobody really outstrikes thompson on the feets"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Dec 13, 2021 (5 days before fight)
Stephen Thompson

The MMA Guru picks Stephen Thompson to win by 30-27 decision. He thinks Thompson's striking and takedown defense will be too much for Muhammad. He notes Muhammad struggles to get takedowns against top-level opponents and Thompson stuffed Burns' takedowns. He expects Thompson to out-strike Muhammad easily, though he jokes Thompson is too nice to finish.

"gotta go with stephen thompson here"
Expert Picks (4)
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Mar 11, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Big Brady picks Leon Edwards, citing his superior striking defense and takedown defense. He notes that Edwards is extremely hard to hit (absorbs 2.05 significant strikes per minute) and has a phenomenal get-up game. He expects Edwards to win a decision, possibly with a late stoppage. He acknowledges Muhammad's durability but believes Edwards' style will be too much. He is slightly concerned about cage rust but expects Edwards to continue his win streak.

"I'm gonna take Leon Edwards to win by decision."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Mar 12, 2021 (1 day before fight)
Belal Muhammad

Daniel Levi picks Belal Muhammad for the upset, citing his pace, cardio, and pressure. He believes Leon Edwards' two-year layoff and ring rust will be a factor, and that Muhammad's style of getting in his face and clinching will be difficult for Edwards. He notes Edwards has been taken down and dropped before, and thinks Muhammad's output and takedown attempts can win three rounds. He acknowledges the risk of Edwards' reach and straight punches but thinks Muhammad's durability and cardio will carry him.

"I think he actually controls enough of this fight to win three rounds i think he can come out here get a decision and get the biggest win of his career"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 2, 2021 (11 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

Lock likes Leon Edwards here, citing his crisp striking and takedown defense as key advantages. He compares the matchup to Belal's fight with Jeff Neal, where Belal's pressure was nullified by a sharper striker. Lock believes Edwards' layoff won't be a major issue and that Belal's short-notice turnaround and calf kick damage from his last fight are concerns. He expects Edwards to be too technical and sharp on the feet, and thinks Belal will struggle to get takedowns. Lock acknowledges Belal's activity but sees Edwards as a step up in competition.

Belal took fight on short notice, calf kicks from last fight, Edwards' layoff since July 2019
"I like leon edwards there i feel like it could play out similar to jeff neal... i think leon edwards's takedown defense is good enough"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 7, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Leon Edwards

The Guru initially leans towards Muhammad but settles on Leon Edwards. He believes Edwards' improved clinch work and elbows will be key against Muhammad's pressure. He notes Edwards' reach advantage and ability to stuff takedowns, referencing Edwards' performance against Kamaru Usman. He also highlights Muhammad's compromised calf from his previous fight, which Edwards can target with leg kicks. He predicts Edwards will lose the first round due to ring rust but win the next four, resulting in a 4-1 decision.

4-1 on rounds to Edwards
"i think edwards might lose the first round but he'll start securing it as the rounds go on and i'll see a 4-1 on rounds to leon edwards"