According to Belal Muhammad’s coach, UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards should be ready for some elite Mexican-style boxing this weekend.
Edwards is set to headline a pay-per-view event on home soil for the second straight year, as he tops the UFC 304 lineup at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday night.
In addition to familiar surroundings, it’ll be a familiar foe for “Rocky,” who will share the Octagon with 2021 opponent Muhammad. The pair’s first bout ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke rendered “Remember the Name” unable to continue.
Given the success renowned striker Edwards had on the feet in the first fight, many are backing him to overwhelm Muhammad with kicks and punches in their upcoming rematch.
But according to his coach, the challenger is bringing a new and improved standup arsenal with him across the pond…
Muhammad’s Coach Praises ‘Fast & Sharp’ Striking Ahead Of Second Edwards Showdown
During episode one of the UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series, Muhammad can be seen putting in the striking work with his coach, Horacio Gutierrez.
While speaking to the camera, the trainer touted his man’s standup skills highly, even suggesting that he’s adopted a “Mexican style” of boxing akin to the great Canelo Álvarez.
“We have been waiting for this opportunity for a couple of years already. There’s a little unfinished business with Leon,” Gutierrez said. “His hands are really, really good right now; they’re sharp, they’re fast. We’ve got him the Mexican boxing style. If you guys watch Canelo…all those guys, Belal has hands like that right now. So Leon better be ready for that.”
Muhammad previously impressed with his ever-improving striking when he shared the Octagon with Brady at UFC 280 in 2022, stopping the grappling specialist on the feet in round two.
However, Edwards no doubt marks a much tougher test in the striking realm, something the Jamaican-born Brit will look to prove come fight night in Manchester this weekend.
- Read More: Leon Edwards Expects Layoff To Affect 36-Year-Old Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘He Was Slow Anyway!’
