The MMA world is heading across the pond for UFC 304, which will occur on Saturday, July 27, at Co-op Live in Manchester.
With a stacked card that features a welterweight title bout between Englishman Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, the event promises high-stakes action and intense battles that could shift the UFC landscape.
Let’s break down the UFC 304 card and pick out some of our best bets for Saturday night’s event.
UFC odds used for these UFC 304 picks are current as of Tuesday, July 23, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
UFC 304 Main Event Odds
To Win: Leon Edwards (-245) • Belal Muhammad (+200)
After successfully retaining his title belt last year in fights against Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, Leon Edwards is around a 70-30 favorite to win this matchup.
However, Belal Muhammad has won five straight fights since entering the ring against Edwards at a UFC Fight Night event in 2021.
That previous bout was declared a No Contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye.
UFC 304 Card & Schedule
Co-op Live in Manchester will host UFC 304, which features 14 fights in all.
The early prelims are scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. ET, the prelims will start at 8 p.m., and the main card kicks off at 10 p.m.
The main card schedule is as follows:
- Welterweight Title Bout: Leon Edwards (c) vs. Belal Muhammad
- Heavyweight Interim Title Bout: Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes
- Lightweight: King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett
- Middleweight: Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues
- Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze
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UFC 304 Main Event: Edwards vs Muhammad
Leon Edwards Defeats Belal Muhammad (Decision)
There isn’t much to separate these two elite strikers.
Edwards boasts a 22-3 record and hasn’t lost a fight since 2015. Muhammad is 23-3 and last lost in 2016. Both fighters have tremendous staying power, with the majority of their fights going the distance.
Another decision seems likely on Saturday night, and I expect Edwards to emerge victorious on his home soil.
UFC 304 Main Event Best Bet
Edwards vs Muhammad: To Go the Distance (-200)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This matchup feels relatively even, and while I expect Edwards to win it, I wouldn’t be shocked if Muhammad pulls off the upset.
Therefore, I feel safer with this main event prop, as the judges have decided eight of the last 10 fights for each fighter, excluding the No Contest in their first meeting.
I’m backing this title bout to go the distance as my best UFC bet today.
UFC 304 Undercard Predictions
Tom Aspinall Defeats Curtis Blaydes (Knockout)
Aspinall hails from nearby Salford, so he should have the Manchester crowd behind him when he steps into the octagon for a rematch against American Curtis Blaydes.
Their first fight in London two years ago lasted just 15 seconds, as Aspinall injured his knee and could not continue after attempting a leg kick.
Since recovering, he has won two fights via knockout in less than 75 seconds. I imagine he’ll be fired up for this one.
Paddy Pimblett Defeats King Green (Decision)
The odds indicate that this fight could go either way, but I’m taking Pimblett to defeat the veteran Green on Saturday night.
The 29-year-old from Merseyside doesn’t have the experience of the 37-year-old American, but his lead-in form is much better.
Pimblett has won his last seven fights, whereas Green is 3-3-1 over the same span.
Christian Leroy Duncan Defeats Gregory Rodrigues (Knockout)
This fight has been moved up from the early prelims, likely to get another Englishman into the main card.
Christian Leroy Duncan, who hails from Gloucester, is a slight favorite against the more experienced Brazilian Gregory Rodrigues.
Duncan has won 10 of 11 fights, eight of which have come by knockout. Look for him to overpower a slightly smaller opponent.
Arnold Allen Defeats Giga Chikadze (Decision)
Allen has lost his two most recent bouts against elite competition in Max Holloway and Movsar Evolev.
Chikadze doesn’t have the same pedigree as those guys, so I will continue rocking with the Englishmen here.
UFC 304 Undercard Best Bets
Aspinall Defeats Blaydes by KO/TKO/DQ (-165)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Aspinall is a knockout specialist. 79% of his wins have come by KO/TKO, so if he gets his revenge on Blaydes, it should be before the final bell.
Pimblett Defeats Green (+105)
This bet represents the best value you’ll get on any Englishman on the main card, so jumping on these plus-money odds feels like a good idea.
