The UFC is set to return to the United Kingdom following a two-year wait this July. The promotion boasts of two current champions from the nation which has turned out to be the motivation for an event held in Manchester.
Several British stars will enter the Octagon on the 27th of July and titles will be on the line in the North West of England. Here we will preview the biggest fights on the main card, featuring the likely winners and the narratives that may present themselves.
Edwards is expected to finally beat Muhammad
Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad will make up the main event at UFC 304 in a long-awaited rematch after their initial meeting was deemed a no-contest.
The fight will represent Edwards' third welterweight title defence and he is a significant favourite across the featured bookmakers online at Freebets, who offer various UFC betting bonuses this year. For example, bet365 offers him at 4/9 to finally get one over Muhammad and they offer £30 in free bets in return for a £10 stake.
Edwards is incredibly dominant in his division and is seen as one of the leading pound-for-pound fighters as a result, however, Muhammad could provide his biggest test yet. His upcoming opponent is ranked as the second-strongest fighter in the welterweight division, which suggests that right now there is no tougher fight available.
The Rocky Era continues. UK Stand Up!!! pic.twitter.com/brVRh41csG
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) May 16, 2024
Edwards is well on the way to establishing himself as one of the greatest fighters ever and it would be incredibly fitting if on home soil he could secure victory against arguably the most formidable opposition of his career.
Muhammad possesses some of the strongest takedown defence in the UFC and has a level of endurance that could frustrate any of the powerful strikers that have graced the division, past and present.
The contrasting styles of aggressive striking compared to patience and reliance on defence should make for an excellent matchup in the standout fight in Manchester. It will be a
question of whether Edwards' raw power will shape the fight, or Muhammed will be able to reduce the encounter to his tempo.
Aspinall is backed to make amends against Blaydes
Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes met in the Octagon on the last occasion that the UFC stopped in the UK. In London in 2022, Aspinall suffered the first and only loss of his career to date against the American. Aspinall suffered a devastating defeat due to injury in round one which has arguably shaped his journey towards the top of the heavyweight division since. He will now head into the Blaydes rematch with the backing of his home fans in the arena, and the knowledge that a victory will surely set up a heavyweight title shot.
RUN IT BACK FOR THE GOLD THIS SUMMER! #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/UO0elf68SB
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 10, 2024
The Salford-born mixed martial artist is a 2/5 favourite to make amends for the only loss of his career and it would be a huge shock if his upward momentum was to come to a premature halt. He arguably deserved a title shot against Jon Jones heading into 2024 and it would be a shame if taking an extra fight damages his chances.
Green will provide Pimblett's toughest career test
Paddy Pimblett has been a sensation ever since entering the UFC, his charisma and confidence have seen him garner fans from all over and they have seen him put up a 100% record so far.
However, now his biggest challenge awaits and it could make or break his career. Bobby Green is certainly past his best although he is still an incredibly strong fighter.
Green is a 10/17 favourite to secure an impressive 33rd career win, although he will be up against a crowd that will be in strong support of his opponent. Pimblett took down a veteran in his last fight against Tony Ferguson, although dissimilarly Green is far from finished in the leading MMA promotion and will be thoroughly expected to dominate the occasion.
An underdog victory for the fighter from Liverpool could mark the start of a huge upturn in his career and reputation. He could prove he is not just a respectable fighter with a loud personality, but one that could truly shake up the lightweight division in the coming years.
There will be other fights on the night although these three should demand the most attention due to the fans that the individuals involved possess and the titles and reputations that will be at risk. The UFC's long-demanded return to the UK is set to bring an incredibly exciting night of top-level MMA.
