The UFC made its return to Manchester, England on July 27, 2024, delivering UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 from the Co-op Live arena in what would become one of the most controversial and memorable events of the year. The pay-per-view spectacular featured 14 fights across multiple divisions, including two championship bouts that reshaped their respective weight classes and created seismic shifts in the title picture.
UFC 304 drew 17,907 passionate fans who generated a live gate of $6,720,000, marking the promotion's fifth visit to Manchester and first since UFC 204 in October 2016. However, the scheduling decision to run the event on Pacific Daylight Time (Las Vegas time) rather than local UK time drew massive criticism from fans and fighters alike. Preliminary fights began at 11:00 PM British Summer Time, with the main card starting at 3:00 AM—forcing British fans to stay awake until dawn to watch their homegrown champions compete.
Despite the timing controversy, UFC 304 delivered spectacular action that lived up to the hype. The night featured devastating knockouts, technical submissions, and a new welterweight champion being crowned in enemy territory. The UFC increased performance bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000 for the event, ultimately awarding Performance of the Night honors to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall ($100,000), undefeated heavyweight prospect Mick Parkin ($100,000), and Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett, who took home a massive $200,000 bonus for his spectacular first-round submission. No Fight of the Night bonus was awarded.
The aftermath of UFC 304 created shockwaves throughout the MMA community when UFC President Dana White announced that undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev would not be re-signed despite winning his bout and extending his perfect record to 13-0. The controversial decision, driven by behind-the-scenes issues and matchmaker frustrations rather than performance concerns, dominated post-event headlines and sparked intense debate about fighter conduct and organizational priorities.
Table of Contents
Main Card - UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2
Belal Muhammad vs Leon Edwards - UFC Welterweight Championship
Belal Muhammad (USA) defeated Leon Edwards (Jamaica/England) via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
In one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history, Chicago's Belal "Remember The Name" Muhammad dominated hometown hero Leon Edwards over five grueling rounds to capture the UFC welterweight championship and hand "Rocky" the first loss in his home country since turning professional. The victory at UFC 304 was the culmination of Muhammad's 11-fight unbeaten streak and validated his long-held belief that he belonged at the top of the 170-pound division.
From the opening bell, Muhammad implemented a wrestling-heavy game plan that Edwards simply could not solve. The challenger took center stage and never relinquished control, securing nine takedowns over the course of 25 minutes while neutralizing Edwards' dangerous striking. Muhammad's improved striking created opportunities for his wrestling, as he mixed level changes with sharp boxing combinations that kept the champion guessing.
The first round set the tone for the night. Muhammad pressured immediately, landing the crisper punches in exchanges before shooting in for a takedown. Once on top, he demonstrated improved ground control and submission attempts, threatening with chokes while accumulating control time. Edwards showed excellent defensive jiu-jitsu to prevent any serious submission danger, but the pattern was clear: Muhammad was winning the grappling exchanges decisively.
Round two continued Muhammad's dominance, as he secured another takedown and spent significant portions of the frame in dominant positions. Edwards struggled to create any sustained offense from his back, and when the fight returned to the feet, Muhammad appeared quicker and more dangerous with his hands. The Chicago native was building an insurmountable lead that stunned the pro-Edwards crowd into near silence.
The third round provided Edwards' best moment of the fight. The champion finally found success with his own wrestling, taking Muhammad down and working from top position. It was a crucial round for Edwards, who desperately needed to shift momentum and prove he could implement his own game plan. However, it would be his only clear round of the championship bout.
Muhammad roared back in the fourth round with renewed wrestling aggression, taking Edwards down multiple times and once again controlling large portions of the frame. The challenger entered the fifth and final round with what appeared to be a 3-1 lead on most scorecards, needing only to survive the final five minutes to capture gold.
The final round saw both men dig deep, with Edwards knowing he needed a finish while Muhammad focused on maintaining control. While Edwards had moments of success, including landing clean strikes and briefly threatening with submissions, Muhammad's wrestling continued to be the equalizing factor. When the final horn sounded, the partisan crowd sat in stunned silence, knowing they had witnessed their champion's downfall.
All three judges scored the bout for Muhammad: two at 48-47 and one more decisively at 49-46. The victory crowned Muhammad as the new UFC welterweight champion and extended his unbeaten streak to 11 fights. His performance was particularly impressive considering the hostile environment and the championship pressure.
For Edwards, the loss was devastating. Fighting in front of his adopted hometown crowd at an ungodly hour, the Jamaican-born English champion could not implement his game plan against Muhammad's relentless wrestling. The defeat snapped his winning streak and raised questions about his wrestling defense against elite grapplers. Edwards would not receive an immediate rematch, with Muhammad calling out undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov as his preferred first title defense.
Post-fight, a humble Muhammad dedicated his performance to Palestine and thanked his team for believing in him when others doubted his championship credentials. "Remember The Name" had finally reached the mountain top, silencing critics who questioned whether he belonged among the welterweight elite.
Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes - UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship
Tom Aspinall (England) defeated Curtis Blaydes (USA) via TKO (strikes) at 1:00 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night ($100,000)
In a stunning display of heavyweight violence, Atherton's Tom Aspinall defended his UFC interim heavyweight title by demolishing Curtis Blaydes in exactly 60 seconds, avenging his previous loss to the American wrestler and cementing his status as the most active and dangerous heavyweight in the UFC. The performance earned Aspinall a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and sent a clear message to undisputed champion Jon Jones.
The anticipation for this rematch was palpable, as Aspinall's first meeting with Blaydes had ended in disaster just 15 seconds into the fight when the Englishman suffered a severe knee injury. Two years later, with Aspinall holding interim gold and Blaydes looking to derail the hometown hero's momentum, the stage was set for redemption or devastation.
From the opening seconds, Aspinall demonstrated the explosive athleticism and technical striking that have made him one of the most exciting heavyweights in UFC history. The interim champion bounced on his toes with the movement of a middleweight, circling away from Blaydes' powerful right hand while measuring distance with his jab. Blaydes, known for his wrestling-heavy approach, attempted to close distance and land his power punches.
Approximately 40 seconds into the round, Aspinall uncorked a perfect counter jab that caught Blaydes clean on the chin. The punch didn't appear devastating in real-time, but it clearly hurt the American, whose legs momentarily betrayed him. Sensing the opening, Aspinall pounced with a follow-up combination that sent Blaydes crashing to the canvas.
What followed was a brutal display of ground-and-pound. Aspinall swarmed on the grounded Blaydes, unleashing a barrage of hammerfists and punches that left the American unable to intelligently defend himself. Referee Marc Goddard had seen enough, waving off the contest at exactly 1:00 of round one as Aspinall celebrated wildly in front of the euphoric Manchester crowd.
The victory improved Aspinall's record to 15-3 overall and 8-1 in the UFC, with seven of his eight UFC victories coming via first-round finish—six by knockout. The 31-year-old's resume now includes first-round stoppages of Sergei Pavlovich, Marcin Tybura, and Blaydes, establishing him as arguably the most dangerous finisher in heavyweight history.
Post-fight, an emotional Aspinall called for a title unification bout with Jon Jones, though UFC brass and Jones himself seemed reluctant to make the fight. Instead, Jones continued pursuing a legacy bout with Stipe Miocic, frustrating Aspinall and fans who view the Englishman as the rightful #1 contender and most dangerous threat to Jones' reign.
For Blaydes, the loss was his second consecutive first-round knockout defeat and fourth finish loss in his last five fights. The 33-year-old's championship aspirations appeared to be over, as he had now been stopped in devastating fashion in both opportunities to fight for heavyweight gold.
Paddy Pimblett vs Bobby Green - Lightweight Bout
Paddy Pimblett (England) defeated Bobby Green (USA) via submission (triangle choke) at 3:22 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night ($200,000)
Liverpool's polarizing star Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett secured the biggest victory of his UFC career by submitting veteran Bobby "King" Green with a lightning-fast triangle choke in the first round, earning a massive $200,000 Performance of the Night bonus and likely securing his first UFC ranking. The spectacular finish silenced critics who questioned whether Pimblett's grappling prowess could match his promotional hype.
The fight began with both men feeling each other out on the feet, with Green utilizing his experience and technical striking to land clean jabs and body kicks. Pimblett, known more for his submission skills than his striking, stayed patient and looked for opportunities to close distance. Green appeared comfortable in the early exchanges, landing the cleaner shots and moving well laterally to avoid Pimblett's power.
Approximately two minutes into the round, the fight shifted dramatically. During a scramble, Pimblett secured a body lock and pulled guard, looking to work his Brazilian jiu-jitsu from his back. Green, confident in his top game, postured up to land strikes. However, Pimblett's legs began working immediately, seeking the triangle choke that would end the contest.
In a sequence that happened almost too fast to process, Pimblett locked his legs around Green's neck and arm, securing the triangle position. Green tried desperately to posture up and escape, but Pimblett's squeeze was already too tight. The Liverpool native adjusted the angle perfectly, cutting off blood flow to Green's brain. Within seconds, Green's face turned purple and he was forced to tap at 3:22 of the opening round.
The Co-op Live arena erupted as Pimblett celebrated wildly, climbing the cage and basking in the adoration of the British fans. The victory improved his UFC record to 7-0 and his overall record to 22-3, with five of his seven UFC wins coming via finish. More importantly, the manner of victory—submitting a crafty veteran in spectacular fashion—answered many questions about whether Pimblett belonged among the lightweight elite.
Post-fight, Pimblett called out fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Renato Moicano, setting up a potential ranked opponent bout that would test his credentials against the lightweight top 15. The $200,000 bonus—double the standard Performance of the Night award—reflected the UFC's confidence in Pimblett as a star attraction and future title challenger.
For Green, the submission loss was disappointing but not damaging to his reputation. The 37-year-old veteran remained a valuable gatekeeper and entertaining fighter despite the setback, though he would need to regroup and avoid further consecutive losses.
Gregory Rodrigues vs Christian Leroy Duncan - Middleweight Bout
Gregory Rodrigues (Brazil) defeated Christian Leroy Duncan (England) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Brazilian powerhouse Gregory "Robocop" Rodrigues dominated hometown prospect Christian Leroy "CLD" Duncan over three one-sided rounds, utilizing superior wrestling, diverse striking, and championship-level cardio to earn a shutout decision victory in his first main card appearance on a major pay-per-view. The victory extended Rodrigues' winning streak to three fights and positioned him on the doorstep of the middleweight top 15.
The fight began with both men feeling out range, with the significantly taller Duncan utilizing his reach advantage to land jabs and kicks from distance. However, Rodrigues quickly established that Duncan's height and length would not be enough to keep him at bay. The Brazilian closed distance aggressively and secured an early takedown, immediately negating Duncan's primary advantages.
Throughout the first round, Rodrigues demonstrated why he's considered one of the division's most dangerous fighters outside the rankings. He controlled Duncan on the ground, landing ground strikes and threatening with submissions while accumulating significant control time. When the fight returned to standing, Rodrigues uncorked the heavy power shots that have earned him 10 career knockouts, backing Duncan up with brutal combinations.
The second and third rounds followed a similar pattern. Rodrigues mixed his attacks beautifully, wrestling when he wanted to control the fight and striking when he wanted to hurt Duncan. In the third round particularly, Rodrigues offered "a little bit of everything," frustrating the young Englishman in the clinch, on the canvas, and during striking exchanges. Duncan showed heart and toughness but could never establish any sustained offense against the Brazilian's overwhelming pressure.
When the judges' scorecards were read, all three officials had scored every round for Rodrigues, returning identical 30-27 scores. The dominant victory improved Rodrigues' record to 15-5 overall and 7-2 in the UFC, with his only UFC losses coming to top-15 opponents. The performance demonstrated that "Robocop" is a skilled, dangerous fighter ready for ranked competition.
For Duncan, the loss was a harsh but valuable lesson about the level of competition in the UFC's middleweight division. The promising 28-year-old had shown flashes of potential in his UFC career, but Rodrigues exposed significant gaps in his wrestling defense and fight IQ that must be addressed to compete with elite middleweights.
Post-fight, Rodrigues called for a ranked opponent, specifically mentioning #15-ranked middleweight Curtis as a potential next opponent. Having proven himself on the big stage, the Brazilian deserved the opportunity to crack the rankings and test himself against the division's established names.
Arnold Allen vs Giga Chikadze - Featherweight Bout
Arnold Allen (England) defeated Giga Chikadze (Georgia) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a crucial featherweight clash between former top contenders looking to rebound from recent setbacks, England's Arnold Allen edged out Georgian striker Giga Chikadze in a tactical three-round battle that showcased both men's technical skills while highlighting Allen's superior wrestling and fight IQ. The victory snapped Allen's two-fight losing streak and kept him relevant in the ultra-competitive 145-pound division.
Allen, ranked #6 in the featherweight division, came into the bout desperately needing a win after losses to Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev had derailed his championship momentum. Chikadze, a devastating kickboxer, was similarly seeking to rebuild his credentials after suffering his own setbacks against top competition. The matchup promised technical excellence, and both men delivered.
The first round was closely contested, with Chikadze utilizing his elite kickboxing background to land crisp combinations and powerful leg kicks. Allen, aware of his opponent's striking superiority, mixed in wrestling attempts to keep Chikadze honest and prevent him from getting comfortable at range. Neither man dominated definitively, making it a difficult round to score.
Allen found more success in the second round by increasing his wrestling output. He secured takedowns and controlled Chikadze on the ground for significant portions of the frame, nullifying the Georgian's primary weapons. When the fight remained standing, Allen showed improved striking defense and countered effectively when Chikadze committed to power shots.
The third round was similarly competitive, with both men having moments of success. Chikadze landed the flashier strikes and appeared more dangerous when engaging in kickboxing exchanges, but Allen's wrestling continued to be the equalizing factor. He controlled the octagon effectively and imposed his game plan despite Chikadze's technical striking advantages.
After 15 minutes of high-level featherweight action, all three judges scored the bout identically at 29-28 for Allen. The close but clear decision gave the English fighter his first victory since November 2022 and kept him in the mix for marquee fights in the stacked featherweight division.
For Chikadze, the decision loss was frustrating, as the Georgian striker had shown excellent technique and dangerous striking throughout. However, his inability to defend wrestling against elite opposition continued to be a glaring weakness that prevented him from reaching the upper echelon of the division.
The Prelims - UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2
Nathaniel Wood vs Daniel Pineda - Featherweight Bout
Nathaniel Wood (England) defeated Daniel Pineda (USA) via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
England's Nathaniel Wood showcased devastating stand-up skills in a featured prelim bout against tough American veteran Daniel Pineda, landing brutal strikes that caused significant facial damage while demonstrating the heart and toughness that have made him a fan favorite. The victory rebounded Wood from a previous loss and demonstrated his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist.
Wood's striking was the story of the first two rounds. The English featherweight connected with a large volume of clean shots, utilizing sharp combinations and powerful single strikes that repeatedly snapped Pineda's head back. By the end of the second round, Pineda's right eye had swollen grotesquely, testament to the accuracy and power of Wood's striking. Despite the punishment, Pineda refused to break, continuing to march forward and hunt for opportunities.
The tide turned in the third round when Pineda's toughness and experience paid dividends. The veteran secured a takedown and used ground control to stop Wood's striking attacks, winning the round convincingly on all three scorecards. Pineda's ability to rally despite being severely hurt demonstrated the championship-level heart that has defined his lengthy career.
After three rounds, all three judges scored the bout for Wood, with two seeing it 29-27 and one scoring it slightly closer at 29-28. The victory improved Wood's record and gave him momentum heading into future matchups in the competitive featherweight division.
Bruna Brasil vs Molly McCann - Women's Strawweight Bout
Bruna Brasil (Brazil) defeated Molly McCann (England) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a crushing homecoming defeat for beloved Liverpool native Molly McCann, Brazilian striker Bruna Brasil dominated the former flyweight contender with superior striking skills, repeatedly hurting "Meatball" and nearly finishing the fight multiple times before cruising to a clear unanimous decision victory.
The first round was particularly brutal for McCann. Brasil connected with devastating body kicks that folded McCann and dropped her multiple times, nearly finishing the fight on several occasions. The Brazilian prospect's striking was crisp, powerful, and varied, keeping McCann on the defensive and unable to implement any game plan. Only McCann's legendary toughness kept her in the fight as the round mercifully ended.
The second and third rounds continued Brasil's dominance, though McCann showed improved defensive awareness to avoid being finished. The Brazilian continued landing clean shots from distance, utilizing her technical striking advantages to pick apart the overmatched McCann. The English fighter tried to rally and create scrambles, but Brasil's superior striking kept her at range and in danger.
All three judges scored the bout for Brasil: two at 30-27 and one at 29-28. The victory improved Brasil's record and announced her as a legitimate prospect in the women's strawweight division. For McCann, the loss was her first at strawweight after moving down from flyweight, raising questions about whether the weight cut had diminished her durability and power.
Jake Hadley vs Caolan Loughran - Bantamweight Bout
Jake Hadley (England) defeated Caolan Loughran (Ireland) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
British southpaw Jake Hadley snapped a two-fight losing streak by boxing up Irish bantamweight Caolan Loughran over three rounds, demonstrating crisp striking and superior fight IQ despite taking the bout on short notice and moving up a weight class. The emotional victory was particularly sweet for Hadley, who fought through adversity to get back in the win column.
Hadley came out sharp in the first round, cracking Loughran early and opening a cut below the Irishman's eye almost immediately. From that point forward, the English southpaw picked his spots intelligently, landing clean punches while avoiding Loughran's counters. The cut became a focal point, as Hadley targeted it repeatedly to cause additional damage.
Despite fighting at a higher weight class than usual, Hadley proved to be the more effective and efficient striker throughout the contest. Loughran worked to build back into the fight and had moments of success, but could never consistently find his timing against Hadley's movement and angles.
All three judges scored the bout for Hadley: two at 30-27 and one at 29-28. The victory was emotional for Hadley, who teared up at getting back into the win column after two consecutive defeats. Notably, Hadley had missed weight by one pound for the bantamweight bout, though the weight miss didn't appear to affect the outcome.
Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape - Flyweight Bout
Muhammad Mokaev (England/Russia/Dagestan) defeated Manel Kape (Angola/Portugal) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
In what would become one of the most controversial fights in UFC history—not for what happened inside the cage, but for what transpired afterward—undefeated British flyweight Muhammad Mokaev extended his perfect record to 13-0 by defeating Manel Kape in a lackluster technical bout that fell far short of expectations given the intense animosity between the fighters.
The build-up to this fight was explosive and violent. Mokaev and Kape had been involved in multiple altercations, including a March incident at the UFC Performance Institute where Kape allegedly head-butted Mokaev, requiring eight stitches. Days before UFC 304, Mokaev admitted to sucker-punching Kape at the fighters' hotel under the pretense of taking a photograph together. Their teams brawled during fight week, and tension reached a fever pitch at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
Despite the heated build-up, the actual fight was a tactical, low-action affair. The originally scheduled main card bout was demoted to the preliminary card at the last minute, adding further intrigue to the matchup. When the cage door closed, both men appeared hesitant to engage, with neither fighter throwing significant volume in the opening round. Kape landed the best shot of the first frame in the final seconds, but overall output was minimal.
The second round saw Mokaev find marginally more success with his wrestling and positional control, though controversy erupted when Kape accused Mokaev of grabbing his shorts multiple times to prevent submissions. Referee Mike Beltran warned Mokaev but did not deduct a point, infuriating Kape who felt he was robbed of a kneebar finish.
The third round continued the pattern of low volume and technical positioning, with neither man willing to take significant risks. When the final horn sounded, the fight had failed to deliver on the promise of the heated build-up, with UFC fighters and fans alike ripping both competitors on social media for the lackluster performance.
All three judges scored the bout for Mokaev: two at 29-28 and one at 30-27. However, the victory celebration was short-lived. At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White shocked the MMA world by announcing that Mokaev's contract had expired and would not be renewed.
White explained that the decision had nothing to do with Mokaev's wrestling-heavy fighting style or his perfect record, but rather stemmed from extensive behind-the-scenes issues that had frustrated UFC matchmakers. The 23-year-old's altercations with Kape, his sucker-punch admission, and what White described as being "difficult to deal with" led matchmakers to decide they were "done with him" and "tired of him."
The unprecedented move to release an undefeated fighter with a 7-0 UFC record, ranked #6 in the division, sparked intense debate. Mokaev later signed with BRAVE CF, where he won his promotional debut by first-round submission. The controversy overshadowed Mokaev's victory and served as a cautionary tale about the importance of professionalism outside the cage.
The Early Prelims - UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2
Oban Elliott vs Preston Parsons - Welterweight Bout
Oban Elliott (England) defeated Preston Parsons (USA) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
English welterweight Oban Elliott secured his second consecutive UFC victory by outworking American veteran Preston Parsons over three rounds, displaying relentless aggression and superior control to earn a clear decision victory from the judges.
Elliott came into the bout looking to build on the momentum from his UFC debut victory and establish himself as a legitimate welterweight prospect. Against Parsons, he showed improved tactical awareness and cardio, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the 15-minute contest. The Englishman controlled the octagon, determined the pace, and landed the higher volume of strikes across all three rounds.
Parsons had moments of success, particularly when he could create space and land his technical striking combinations. However, Elliott's relentless forward pressure prevented Parsons from finding any sustained rhythm. The American couldn't implement his game plan effectively against the younger, hungrier prospect.
All three judges scored the bout for Elliott, with one seeing it closer at 29-28 while the other two scored it more decisively at 30-27. The victory improved Elliott's UFC record to 2-0 and positioned him for continued advancement in the welterweight division.
Modestas Bukauskas vs Marcin Prachnio - Light Heavyweight Bout
Modestas Bukauskas (Lithuania) defeated Marcin Prachnio (Poland) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:12 of Round 3
Former Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion Modestas Bukauskas survived a competitive, entertaining brawl with Polish striker Marcin Prachnio to secure a third-round submission victory that demonstrated his championship-level grappling and heart. The comeback win improved Bukauskas' second stint in the UFC to 3-1 after going just 1-4 in his first run with the promotion from 2020 to 2021.
The fight featured extended periods of exciting striking exchanges, with both light heavyweights willing to stand and trade power shots. Prachnio showed excellent durability and striking technique, landing clean combinations that kept Bukauskas honest throughout the contest. The back-and-forth nature of the striking made the outcome uncertain heading into the final round.
In the third frame, Bukauskas recognized he might need a finish to secure victory. He closed distance, secured a dominant position, and locked in a textbook arm-triangle choke. Prachnio tried desperately to escape, but Bukauskas' technique was perfect. The squeeze cut off blood flow to Prachnio's brain, forcing the tap at 3:12 of round three.
The submission victory was Bukauskas' third win in four fights during his current UFC run, demonstrating significant improvement from his earlier struggles with the promotion. For Prachnio, the loss extended his UFC record to 4-6 and raised questions about his future with the organization.
Sam Patterson vs Kiefer Crosbie - Welterweight Bout
Sam Patterson (England) defeated Kiefer Crosbie (Ireland) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50 of Round 1
English welterweight prospect Sam Patterson continued his impressive form at 170 pounds by submitting Bellator veteran Kiefer Crosbie with a first-round arm-triangle choke, marking his second consecutive first-round submission victory since moving up from lightweight. The performance showcased Patterson's dangerous grappling and suggested he has found his optimal weight class.
Patterson wasted no time implementing his game plan. The tall, long welterweight utilized his physical advantages to control distance on the feet before securing a dominant position on the ground. Once Patterson established top control, he immediately began working toward the submission.
The arm-triangle choke was executed with technical precision. Patterson isolated Crosbie's arm across his own neck, then applied pressure by squeezing his shoulder into Crosbie's carotid artery while using his body weight to compress from the opposite side. Crosbie fought to escape, but Patterson's positioning and pressure were perfect. The Irish fighter was forced to tap at 2:50 of the opening round.
The victory improved Patterson's UFC record to 2-1 at welterweight, with both wins coming via first-round submission. His previous victory against Yohan Lainesse in January had also ended in a first-round finish, establishing Patterson as a dangerous submission artist in the division. For Crosbie, the loss dropped him to 0-2 in the UFC, putting his future with the promotion in jeopardy.
Mick Parkin vs Lukasz Brzeski - Heavyweight Bout
Mick Parkin (England) defeated Lukasz Brzeski (Poland) via TKO (strikes) at 3:23 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night ($100,000)
British heavyweight prospect Mick Parkin earned his first UFC stoppage victory in spectacular fashion, sitting down Polish heavyweight Lukasz Brzeski with heavy punches before pounding him out on the ground to earn a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and send the Co-op Live crowd into a frenzy.
The undefeated Parkin came into the bout with a perfect 9-0 record but had yet to secure a finish in his three UFC appearances. Against Brzeski, the Dana White's Contender Series graduate showcased the patience and calculated aggression that has defined his career. He made his reads early, getting a sense of Brzeski's timing and range before uncorking his power.
When Parkin decided to open up, the result was devastating. He landed a combination of punches that hurt Brzeski badly, sending the Polish heavyweight stumbling backward. Sensing the finish, Parkin pressed forward and landed additional strikes that put Brzeski on the canvas. The follow-up ground-and-pound was brutal and decisive, forcing referee intervention at 3:23 of round one.
The knockout victory earned Parkin his first UFC finish and a $100,000 performance bonus. The 28-year-old heavyweight improved to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the UFC, establishing himself as a legitimate prospect in the heavyweight division. His combination of size, patience, and finishing ability makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division's lower rankings.
For Brzeski, the knockout loss dropped his UFC record to 1-4 and likely spelled the end of his tenure with the promotion.
Shauna Bannon vs Alice Ardelean - Women's Strawweight Bout
Shauna Bannon (Ireland) defeated Alice Ardelean (Romania) via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
In the opening bout of UFC 304, Ireland's Shauna Bannon secured her first UFC victory by edging Romanian newcomer Alice Ardelean in a competitive three-round battle that showcased both women's determination and grit.
The fight was a tale of different phases within each round. Ardelean found success in the striking exchanges, landing cleaner combinations and utilizing superior technical striking to win exchanges on the feet. However, Bannon threatened consistently from her back during grappling sequences, nearly securing submissions and demonstrating dangerous Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills despite being on bottom.
The second round shifted dynamics when Ardelean, fighting on short notice, secured top position and used short shots while neutralizing Bannon's offensive output from bottom. The round demonstrated Ardelean's well-rounded skills and ability to adapt mid-fight.
The third round proved decisive for Bannon. Her superior conditioning and freshness gave her a clear edge as she out-worked a fading Ardelean in the final five minutes. Bannon's activity and aggression in the round left no doubt on the scorecards.
Two judges scored the bout for Bannon at 29-28 and 30-27, while one judge saw it 28-29 for Ardelean. The split decision gave Bannon her first UFC victory after losing her promotional debut, providing crucial momentum for her career. For Ardelean, the loss in her UFC debut was a narrow setback that demonstrated her potential despite the short-notice circumstances.
Event Aftermath and Controversy - UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2
UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 will be remembered as an event that delivered championship-level action while creating unprecedented controversy that dominated headlines for weeks afterward. The crowning of Belal Muhammad as welterweight champion in enemy territory represented one of the biggest upsets of 2024 and reshaped the entire 170-pound division's title picture.
Muhammad's dominant wrestling performance against Leon Edwards exposed significant holes in the former champion's game and validated the challenger's long-standing belief that he deserved elite recognition. The new champion's call-out of undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov set up an intriguing first title defense, though Edwards' fan base immediately clamored for an immediate rematch that Muhammad and UFC brass both rejected.
Tom Aspinall's 60-second destruction of Curtis Blaydes further solidified the interim heavyweight champion's status as the most dangerous active fighter in the division and the most deserving challenger to Jon Jones' throne. However, Jones and the UFC's reluctance to make that fight—instead pursuing a legacy bout with retired Stipe Miocic—created frustration among fans and media who view Aspinall as the rightful #1 contender.
The Muhammad Mokaev situation dominated post-fight discussion and sparked intense debate about fighter conduct, professionalism, and organizational priorities. White's decision to release an undefeated, 23-year-old, ranked flyweight after he won his fight was unprecedented in modern UFC history. The explanation—that matchmakers were "done with him" due to behind-the-scenes issues rather than fighting style—raised questions about where the UFC draws the line on fighter behavior.
Mokaev's admission to sucker-punching Kape, combined with multiple altercations during fight week and accusations of grabbing shorts during the fight, painted a picture of a talented but difficult fighter who had burned bridges with decision-makers. The lackluster nature of his performance against Kape—in what was supposed to be a heated grudge match—likely contributed to the UFC's frustration. Critics argued that the organization had tolerated worse behavior from bigger stars, while defenders pointed to the cumulative nature of Mokaev's issues and his wrestling-heavy style that didn't generate fan excitement.
Paddy Pimblett's $200,000 bonus—double the standard amount—reflected the UFC's continued investment in the Liverpool star as a future attraction. His spectacular first-round submission of Bobby Green validated the hype and likely secured his first ranking, setting up bigger fights in the competitive lightweight division.
The scheduling controversy—forcing British fans to stay awake until 6:00 AM to watch the main event—drew widespread criticism from fighters, media, and fans. While the UFC cited pay-per-view revenue maximization as justification for the Pacific time schedule, many argued that the decision showed disrespect to the local fanbase that had purchased tickets and supported the event. Future UK events would face scrutiny over whether the promotion would repeat the unpopular scheduling decision.
UFC 304 drew 17,907 fans and generated a $6,720,000 gate, solid numbers that demonstrated the British market's passion for MMA despite the scheduling controversy. The event featured strong British representation, with hometown fighters going 6-3 on the night despite Edwards' championship loss.
The increased Performance of the Night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000 reflected the significance of the event, with Aspinall and Parkin each taking home six-figure bonuses while Pimblett's $200,000 award set a new standard for British fighters. The decision not to award a Fight of the Night bonus suggested that individual performances outshone any single back-and-forth battle.
Looking forward, the event set up multiple intriguing matchups. Muhammad's first title defense against Rakhmonov promises to be a grappling chess match between two elite wrestlers. Aspinall's continued wait for a Jon Jones fight creates ongoing frustration and uncertainty in the heavyweight division. Pimblett's rise toward the rankings positions him for his first true test against elite competition.
UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 delivered on its promise of high-stakes championship action while creating enough controversy to fuel discussion for months. The event proved that Manchester remains a crucial market for the UFC, though future scheduling decisions will need to balance global pay-per-view revenue with respect for local fans who support the promotion.
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