UFC 304 is set to take place in Manchester, England, featuring a main event rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad for the UFC welterweight title. This event will mark the promotion’s return to the United Kingdom since July 2023, with Tom Aspinall defending his UFC interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event. The entire card will be available for viewing on ESPN+ PPV with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET, including other exciting matchups like King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett and Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze.
In the co-main event, Tom Aspinall will have the opportunity to avenge his loss to Curtis Blaydes from July 2022 due to a severe knee injury just 15 seconds into the fight. Aspinall has since rebounded with wins against Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich, securing the interim heavyweight title. Despite his previous desire to face Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title, Aspinall is now focused on redeeming himself against Blaydes and proving his status in the division. Blaydes, a longtime heavyweight contender, is coming off a TKO win over Jailton Almeida and will be looking to capture his first UFC gold with a victory over Aspinall in the rematch.
The main event will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, following their first encounter in March 2021 that ended prematurely due to an eye poke by Edwards. Since then, Edwards has gone on to win and defend the welterweight title multiple times, while Muhammad has secured victories over top contenders in the division. Muhammad’s wrestling skills will be put to the test against Edwards’ striking abilities, as both fighters look to establish their dominance in the division. Edwards has his sights set on bigger challenges, potentially even moving up in weight class, making this rematch a crucial step in his career.
The undercard of UFC 304 will also showcase exciting matchups including Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda, Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil, and Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio in the prelims. Fans can expect a night of thrilling fights and potential upsets as these talented athletes compete on the biggest stage in MMA. The early prelims will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, leading up to the main card at 10 p.m. ET, providing a full evening of high-level mixed martial arts action for viewers around the world.
As the anticipation builds for UFC 304, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the rematches and the potential for new champions to be crowned. With the welterweight and interim heavyweight titles on the line, fighters like Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall, and Curtis Blaydes will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the big stage in Manchester. Whether it’s redemption for past losses or a chance to solidify their positions in the division, these fighters will leave it all in the Octagon for a night of unforgettable moments and thrilling competition.