The UFC 300 lineup reportedly has its first title fight.
According to multiple reports, welterweight champ Leon Edwards will defend his belt against Belal Muhammad on April 13. This bout will technically be a rematch after the pair's first bout in 2021 ended as a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.
Edwards opened as a -400 favorite, while Muhammad comes in as the +300 underdog.
Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Leon Edwards | -400 |
| Belal Muhammad | +300 |
Odds as of Jan. 2
Our odds calculator suggests Edwards' -400 status awards him an 80% implied chance of victory, with a $100 bet paying out $125. At +300, Belal gets a 25% chance and a $100 bet cashes $400.
Not much respect in the odds for Belal.
How To Bet Edwards vs Muhammad
In 17 UFC fights, Muhammad has never recorded a knockdown. Edwards has just one stoppage in his last seven fights. Will this fight go an easy five rounds? Probably.
Part of Leon's strength comes from his ability to keep opponents reeling mentally and physically. "Rocky" uses tons of feints to back opponents up and dominate Octagon space. Edwards can take his time, press forward, and line up precise strikes. That's how he wins most of his fights.
Belal uses a similar strategy, often playing it safe instead of blasting in for a highlight-reel knockout. He's still an impeccable fighter on a nine-fight win streak.
Edwards vs Muhammad Pick
Belal is giving me "Sean Strickland at UFC 293 vibes," where an underestimated 'dog can pull off a shock upset. That said, I'm a believer that Leon is the best welterweight in the world right now.
Leon by decision is the play.
