Jump directly to the content

LEON EDWARDS is looking forward to putting the Belal Muhammad chapter of his career behind him and continuing his journey to become MMA's greatest-ever welterweight.

The Brummie will make the third defence of his 170lbs title in the main event of UFC 304 in Manchester early tomorrow morning.

Leon Edwards rematches Belal Muhammad at UFC 304
7
Leon Edwards rematches Belal Muhammad at UFC 304Credit: GETTY
The pair's first meeting three years ago ended prematurely due to an accidental eye poke
7
The pair's first meeting three years ago ended prematurely due to an accidental eye pokeCredit: Getty
Muhammad has been relentless in his pursuit of a rematch with Edwards, who he branded a "coward"
7
Muhammad has been relentless in his pursuit of a rematch with Edwards, who he branded a "coward"Credit: Getty
Edwards plans to close the book on his rivalry with Muhammad in emphatic fashion
7
Edwards plans to close the book on his rivalry with Muhammad in emphatic fashionCredit: GETTY

Edwards, 32, rematches the Palestinian-born American a little over three years after their first meeting in Las Vegas ended in a No-Contest due to an accidental eye poke.

'Rocky' came close to ending the fight moments before he inadvertently gouged Muhammad's right eye and plans to finish the job he started in Sin City in devastating fashion.

Edwards said: "He's the one that messed up my win streak.

"I feel like going out there on Saturday night and finally shutting him up and moving on with my career."

READ MORE ON UFC 304

He added: "I believe I'm better than him anywhere the fight goes, with my mentality and the way I understand the game.

"My IQ in mixed martial arts is miles ahead of him and it will show on fight night.

"This guy has been saying my name for a long time, so it's extra motivation to go out there and whip him.

"Come fight night in Manchester, he's going to have a lot to answer for.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Leon Edwards has two defences of the welterweight title to his name
7
Leon Edwards has two defences of the welterweight title to his nameCredit: Getty

"I'm going to go out there and finish him."

Edwards is chasing George St-Pierre's record of nine title defence and sees Muhammad and the rest of the up-and-comers in the division as stepping stones on his path to greatness.

Fans all say same thing after seeing Leon Edwards' altercation with Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 fighter hotel

He said: "All these fights are important for my legacy. 

"Belal will count as much as beating the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry.

"Because when it's all said and done and I'm looking back at my career and I'm on a ten-fight defence streak, he's going to be part of the ten.

"You have to take him seriously and I am."

Muhammad, 36, enters his first title fight in the form of his career thanks to five wins on the bounce but is still a huge underdog.

But 'Remember The Name' is relishing that status and silencing what will be a raucous crowd at the brand-spanking-new Co-op Live Arena.

Leon Edwards is chasing Georges St-Pierre's record of nine welterweight title defences
7
Leon Edwards is chasing Georges St-Pierre's record of nine welterweight title defencesCredit: Getty - Contributor

He told SunSport: "I'm looking forward to coming to enemy territory and taking the belt.

"With my journey, the way I've fought and the people I've had to fight, it was meant to be like this.

"It was meant for me to go out there on enemy territory with the world thinking there is no chance it's going to happen.

"This is my 'Rocky' story.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

"It's going to be,' And new.' There is going to be a new champion.

"I'm going to go out there and the world is going to be surprised how easy I make it look."

Belal Muhammad insists he'll make his rematch with Leon Edwards look easy
7
Belal Muhammad insists he'll make his rematch with Leon Edwards look easyCredit: GETTY
Topics