Leon Edwards stepped on the scale Friday, July 5, 2026, and hit the 170‑pound welterweight limit, cementing his spot to defend the belt for a third time at UFC 304 in Manchester.
What happened at the weigh‑ins?
The Manchester arena buzzed as four champions lined up on the scale. Edwards weighed exactly 170 lb, his challenger Belial Muhammad came in at 169 lb, and both heavyweight contenders made weight – Tom Aspinall at 251 lb and Curtis Blaydes at 256 lb. The event also featured non‑title fights, but the spotlight stayed on the title bouts. No fighter missed weight, so every bout will proceed as scheduled.
Why the weigh‑in matters for Leon Edwards
Making weight is the first hurdle for any champion, and Edwards’ clean cut shows his camp’s discipline heading into a high‑stakes defense. A missed weight would have forced a catch‑weight fight and potentially jeopardized his title. By hitting the limit, Edwards preserves his championship status and avoids any financial penalties that could affect his purse. It also signals he’s in peak physical condition, a factor that often translates into performance inside the Octagon.
Who is the opponent and what’s at stake?
Belial Muhammad, a rising contender, arrived a pound under the limit at 169 lb. This will be Muhammad’s first shot at a UFC belt, and a win would hand him the welterweight crown. For Edwards, a successful defense would tie him with the greats who have held the division multiple times. The fight is slated for the main card on Saturday, July 6, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
What does this mean for the rest of the card?
The heavyweight interim title is also on the line as Tom Aspinall faces Curtis Blaydes. Both made weight, so the bout will proceed without any catch‑weight adjustments. Meanwhile, the undercard features a mix of British talent – King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett, Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze, and local favorites Molly McCann and Oban Elliott. The full weigh‑in sheet shows a clean night, meaning fans can expect every scheduled fight to go ahead as advertised.
How will this shape Edwards’ future?
A third successful defense puts Edwards in elite company and boosts his negotiating power for future fights and sponsorships. It also sets up potential rematch scenarios with other top welterweights, should he decide to pursue a unification bout. The champion’s ability to consistently make weight reinforces his professionalism, a trait that promoters value when planning marquee events.
What’s next after the weigh‑ins?
Fans will shift focus to the Saturday night showdown. Edwards will have a full night to recover, cut weight, and prepare mentally for a fight that could define his legacy. The UFC will broadcast the event worldwide, and betting lines are already moving as analysts weigh Edwards’ recent performances against Muhammad’s striking pedigree.
The weigh‑in night has cleared the path for a drama‑filled UFC 304, with Leon Edwards at the center of the story, ready to defend his welterweight crown on home soil.