Kamaru Usman recently shared his insights on the upcoming welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, expressing his excitement for the matchup during an episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast. Usman, who has faced Edwards in the past, gave the Englishman the edge in the upcoming bout, citing his belief in Edwards’ skills and confidence as a potential difference-maker.
Usman emphasized the evolving nature of the sport, noting that fighters have become adept at using the cage to their advantage, particularly in terms of getting back to their feet. He expressed doubts about Muhammad’s ability to effectively execute takedowns and maintain control on the ground, suggesting that Edwards’ defensive skills would likely nullify any attempts by Muhammad.
While acknowledging Muhammad’s versatility and ability to switch stances, Usman ultimately leaned towards Edwards as the favorite, attributing his decision to Edwards’ championship experience and sharpness inside the Octagon.
The anticipation for the Edwards vs. Muhammad rematch stems from their initial meeting at UFC Fight Night 187, where Edwards was leading before the bout was halted due to an accidental eye poke by Edwards.
In terms of betting odds for the upcoming clash, Edwards emerges as the favorite with odds of -215, while Muhammad is considered the underdog with odds of +185. This indicates that a $100 bet on Edwards would result in a lower payout compared to Muhammad, reflecting the perceived difference in their chances of winning.
With UFC 304 set to take place at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, the welterweight title fight between Edwards and Muhammad promises to be a highlight of the event, complemented by a co-main event featuring a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes.