Belal Muhammad Mocks British Fans, Dismisses Rematch Request
Palestinian-American Belal Muhammad emerged victorious at UFC 304 in Manchester, snatching the UFC welterweight title from Birmingham’s Leon Edwards. Muhammad’s points victory, with judges scoring 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in his favor, sparked mixed reactions from the crowd.
Post-Fight Taunts
Following his win, Muhammad couldn’t resist taunting British fans in attendance. “It sounds like all the people booing right now got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes,” Muhammad said. “I see you guys with watery eyes right now. This is for my family, for my people in Palestine.”
Immediate Rematch Dismissed
Muhammad swiftly dismissed suggestions of an immediate rematch with Edwards. “Yeah, I’ll give him a rematch in three years. Let him work his way back up,” Muhammad stated. “I mean, I thought it was a dominant fight, there’s really no need for a rematch and I don’t think he had that long [enough] reign as the champion where he’s entitled to a rematch.
UFC boss Dana White also hinted at exploring other options for Muhammad’s first title defense. “I know Belal’s been training with Khabib, so the performance was, you know, what you’d expect,” White said. “Yeah, let him [Edwards] rest but we’re talking about other things right now [for welterweight].”
White’s Disappointment and Cuts
White expressed disappointment over the quality of fights at UFC 304, ruling out raising bonuses at future events. “Upping them [bonuses] doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t make anybody fight any harder, it doesn’t change anything,” White said. “I’m not doing this again. Today was the last day I’m doing that.”
In a controversial move, White also cut Muhammad Mokaev from the UFC despite his victory over Manel Kape. “The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons, and not just because [of his fighting style]… there’s a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this in this business,” added White. “He’s not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him.”
