As the anticipation builds for UFC 304, fans are gearing up for a night filled with electrifying fights featuring some of the top talents in the business. This Saturday, at the Co-Op Live in Manchester, England, the Octagon will host a lineup of fighters who are set to deliver unforgettable performances. Here’s a closer look at the UFC Fighters that you can't miss at UFC 304 on this special fight card.
Leon Edwards: The Sharpshooter
Key Stats:
Significant strike accuracy: 53.3% (tied 8th)
Strikes absorbed per minute: 2.34 (3rd)
Takedown defense: 70.2% (9th)
Leon "Rocky" Edwards is renowned for his precision striking and well-rounded skill set. His clinch work is deadly, utilizing elbows and knees to dominate opponents. Edwards' defensive grappling and excellent footwork make him a formidable adversary, keeping his foes at bay with his distance control and sharp striking.
Belal Muhammad: The Grinder
Key Stats:
Takedowns averaged per 15 minutes: 1.98
Control time: 57:12 (7th)
Strikes landed per minute: 4.55
Belal Muhammad is known for his relentless pace and high-volume striking. A Chicago-born wrestler, Muhammad seamlessly integrates his grappling with improving striking skills. His cardio and wrestling foundation make him a relentless force, ensuring a grueling battle for anyone stepping into the Octagon with him.
Tom Aspinall: The Heavyweight Phenom
Key Stats:
Average fight time: 2:10 (1st shortest all-time)
Striking differential: +4.95 (1st all-time)
Takedown defense: 100%
Tom Aspinall stands out in the heavyweight division with his speed and versatility. His crisp boxing and black belt in jiu-jitsu make him a well-rounded fighter, comfortable in all aspects of the game. Aspinall’s quickness and agility allow him to evade strikes and set up powerful takedowns or knockout blows.
Curtis Blaydes: The Dominator
Key Stats:
Takedowns landed: 62 (1st all-time among HW)
Control time percentage: 49.4% (6th all-time among HW)
Takedown accuracy: 53.5% (7th all-time among HW)
Curtis "Razor" Blaydes is an explosive heavyweight with a wrestling pedigree that is unmatched in the division. His ability to control opponents on the ground while delivering devastating ground-and-pound makes him a dangerous contender. Blaydes’ underrated striking complements his wrestling, making him a complete fighter.
Arnold Allen: The Almighty
Key Stats:
Strikes landed per minute: 3.39
Strikes absorbed per minute: 2.91
Takedown accuracy: 50% (tied 6th all-time among FW)
Arnold "Almighty" Allen is a well-rounded fighter with impressive speed and technique. His ability to bounce in and out of range while maintaining a sharp southpaw jab makes him a tough challenge. Allen’s versatility in mixing kicks and punches, along with solid wrestling skills, keeps his opponents guessing.
Giga Chikadze: The Striking Specialist
Key Stats:
Knockdowns averaged per 15 minutes: 0.77
Strikes landed per minute: 4.08
Takedown defense: 69%
Giga Chikadze brings a devastating striking game to the Octagon, rooted in his karate background. His powerful kicks can end fights quickly, whether targeting the legs, body, or head. Chikadze’s ability to pick his shots and execute precise strikes from range makes him a formidable striker.
Muhammad Mokaev: The Young Phenom
Key Stats:
Submission wins: 4 (tied 2nd all-time among FLW)
Control time percentage: 59.4% (1st all-time among FLW)
Strikes absorbed per minute: 1.36 (1st all-time among FLW)
At just 23 years old, Muhammad Mokaev has already established himself as a force in the flyweight division. His wrestling skills, combined with his knack for spectacular finishes, make him a must-watch fighter. Mokaev’s relentless pace and ability to control opponents on the ground set him apart from his peers.
Manel Kape: The Knockout Artist
Key Stats:
Knockdowns averaged per 15 minutes: 1.09 (4th all-time among FLW)
Significant strike accuracy: 54.7% (5th all-time among FLW)
Takedown defense: 77%
Manel Kape’s sharp striking and all-around skills make him a dangerous opponent in the flyweight division. His speed and improved timing allow him to land powerful punches and dynamic strikes. Kape’s sudden explosiveness can turn the tide of a fight in an instant, making him a thrilling fighter to watch.
UFC 304 promises to be an action-packed event with some of the best fighters showcasing their skills. From Leon Edwards’ precision striking to Muhammad Mokaev’s wrestling prowess, each fighter brings a unique set of talents to the Octagon.
Tune in this Saturday to witness these top-tier athletes battle it out at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card kicking off live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT. Don't miss a moment of the action!