In a disappointing turn of events, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards suffered a defeat at the hands of Belal Muhammad in the UFC 304 main event. Edwards, who had been on an impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak dating back to 2016, was unable to secure a victory against a determined Muhammad.

The match proved to be a tough night at the office for Edwards, as he struggled to defend against Muhammad's relentless takedowns. Throughout the fight, Muhammad successfully executed nine takedowns and spent over 12 minutes with control time, ultimately leading him to claim the title with a unanimous decision win.

Taking to Instagram, Edwards issued an apology to his fans, expressing his regret for not being able to "get the job done this time." However, Edwards remained resilient, stating that he has faced tougher challenges in life and will rise again. He thanked his supporters for their love and promised to reclaim his position with determination.

Edwards' unbeaten streak had showcased his impressive skills, including a stunning fifth-round knockout victory over Kamaru Usman to win the UFC welterweight title. He followed this with two successful title defenses, including a dominant win over Colby Covington in December.

Muhammad, who entered the main event as an underdog, overcame the odds and executed his game plan flawlessly. His constant pressure, combined with well-executed takedowns, proved to be a challenge for Edwards throughout the fight. Although Edwards had a brief moment of success in the third round when he reversed a takedown and took Muhammad's back, he was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

By the fifth round, Muhammad had secured back control on Edwards and continued to wear down the veteran fighter. Ultimately, Muhammad emerged as the new champion, claiming his first UFC title, while Edwards suffered his first defeat in eight years since his initial matchup against Usman.

Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the possibility of an immediate rematch between Edwards and Muhammad. Instead, he announced that Edwards would be given the opportunity to compete at least one more time in 2024, with plans to return in either November or December.

Although Edwards may be disappointed by the outcome, his resilience and determination will undoubtedly see him back in the octagon in the near future. Fans eagerly anticipate his return and expect nothing less than a strong comeback from the former champion.