In a prelude to their highly anticipated championship clash at UFC 304, Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad engaged in a heated faceoff, showcasing the intensifying rivalry between the two fighters. The confrontation took place after Thursday's pre-fight press conference at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Edwards, who is defending his welterweight title for the third time, wasted no time getting in his opponent's face. Muhammad, not one to back down, responded by making a hand gesture that resembled mimicking a gun to Edwards' head. This gesture is believed to be a reference to Edwards' memorable "headshot, dead" quote, which he uttered after his spectacular fifth-round head kick knockout against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, a victory that secured his championship status.

Reacting swiftly, Edwards then faked a lunge towards Muhammad, but the challenger remained unfazed, refusing to flinch. The intense standoff was eventually broken up by officials, preventing any further escalation of tensions between the two fighters.

The faceoff between Edwards and Muhammad only adds fuel to the fire of what promises to be an electrifying clash at UFC 304. Both fighters have been training rigorously and have displayed their determination to come out on top in this battle for welterweight supremacy.

In addition to the main event faceoff, the highlight reel also featured other fighters from the main card. Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall shared a respectful handshake with Curtis Blaydes, underscoring the mutual admiration between the two competitors. Meanwhile, lightweights King Green and Paddy Pimblett engaged in a war of words on stage, setting the stage for their upcoming showdown.

As fans eagerly count down the days to UFC 304 on Saturday at Co-op Live, the intensity and animosity displayed during the faceoff between Edwards and Muhammad only heighten the anticipation for what is sure to be a fiercely contested championship fight.