UFC 304 Betting Preview: Edwards & Aspinall Hope to Defend Titles

July 23, 2024

4 months

Belal Muhammad never got an opportunity to fight for the UFC welterweight title. Despite Muhammad’s 10-fight unbeaten streak, he fell behind other top-ranked contenders because of his fighting style. Muhammad doesn’t knock out or submit a lot of his opponents.

Instead, Muhammad leans on his steady striking and strong offensive wrestling to grind down opponents. It’s not always sexy to watch. But there’s no doubt that Muhammad can be game to wear down an opponent like Leon Edwards.

Edwards is an excellent striker who has fought off accusations of boring fights. However, Edwards claimed the welterweight title with one of UFC’s most dramatic head-kick knockouts. The two fighters do have a history together.

Edwards and Muhammad first fought at a UFC Fight Night card in March 2021. However, the contest didn’t produce much excitement for fight fans. MMAfighting latest news showed that the fight got stopped in the second round when Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye.

It was a disappointing ending between the two contenders. Edwards should have the striking advantage to win the rematch. Back Edwards to make another title defense.

Bets to consider: Edwards by decision +128, Over/under 4.5 rounds

Blaydes Wants to Claim Interim Title

Jon Jones holding up the heavyweight division is an outrage. While the long-time UFC veteran is one of the sport’s legends, holding back interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall from moving the division forward is disappointing. Apinall’s only loss in the UFC came to Curtis Blaydes, who will be Aspinall’s opponent in the interim title fight this weekend.

But the loss to Blaydes isn’t one many MMA news sites would consider a legitimate defeat. Less than 20 seconds into the fight, Aspinall’s knee exploded. While Blaydes will take the victory, we didn’t learn how he can handle Aspinall’s striking.

Blaydes is one of the top wrestlers in the heavyweight division, and he will want to test Aspinall on the ground. One of the major questions about Aspinall is how he will handle a fight that goes beyond the first round. Aspinall’s last five fights have ended inside the first five minutes.

Blaydes has struggled against the division’s big hitters. He has knockout losses against Sergei Pavlovich, Derrick Lewis, and Francis Ngannou. Aspinall’s power should carry the day today.

Bets to consider: Aspinall by KO/TKO/DQ -127, Under 1.5 rounds (-180)

Pimblett Ready for Step Up in Competition

Paddy Pimblett has yet to produce a victory in the UFC over an opponent with a strong reputation. While Pimblett’s last win over Tony Ferguson was a win over a former interim champion, Ferguson’s best days were well behind him. Beating Bobby Green would signify that Pimblett has the skills to take on top 15 fighters.

Green is excellent with his hands and fights with a tremendous pace. Green, who is always up for a challenge, can be guilty of carrying his hands too low and being lax with defense. The best MMA news sites show that Paddy Pimblett would be smart to wrestle Green. Pimblett is likely better on the ground, but it won’t be easy for him to get Green there.

Bets to consider: Over 2.5 rounds

Mokaev, Kape Look for Title Shot

Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape would both like to put themselves in position for a shot at the flyweight championship. In Kape’s case, the powerful striker will have to do a lot to prove his worth. Kape has had a difficult 2024.

Originally, he was supposed to have a rematch with Matheus Nicolau in January. But Kape missed weight by 3.5 pounds, and the fight was canceled. When the duo was rescheduled for April, Kape again pulled out of the fight.

Kape, who is now ranked fifth in the division, will take on the undefeated Mokaev, who is ranked sixth. Mokaev has been making wild claims recently, including that the UFC hasn’t given him a title shot yet because they didn’t want him to be the youngest champ ever. Mokaev is 12-0 in his career and 6-0 in the UFC.

Bets to consider: Mokaev -148, Fight to go the distance

Allen Needs to Get Back in Rhythm

Arnold Allen was being floated as a potential featherweight title challenger. But Allen’s dreams seem to have been splintered by the division’s boogeyman, Max Holloway. Holloway gave Allen a five-round beating in April 2023.

Allen followed that up by dropping another decision to Movsar Evloev. Now, Allen will have to try to get geared up to stop his two-fight losing streak against Giga Chikadze. Chikadze took a step down in competition for his last fight and picked up a decision over Alex Caceres.

Chikadze is a solid striker but will struggle to keep up with Allen. This is a must-win fight for Allen to stay in title contention. Expect him to put in his best effort.

Bets to consider: Allen by decision, fight to go the distance

Meatball Molly Looks for Homefield Advantage

The peak of Molly McCann’s UFC career may never top what she did in 2022. McCann picked up two wins by knockout in her home country. It was the final two victories during a three-fight winning streak.

However, McCann was fed to title contender Erin Blanchfield, who quickly submitted McCann. This weekend, McCann will draw Contender Series veteran Bruna Brasil. With McCann looking to make a splash in front of her home fans and Brasil’s willingness to trade, this fight may end up not needing the judges.

Bets to consider: McCann by knockout, fight to not go the distance

Here are some quick picks on the rest of the fights on the card: