The UFC has officially announced their upcoming return to Manchester, England with a post on social media, revealing that the event will take place on Wednesday April 24. While the card has not been finalized, there is speculation that there will be two championship fights, including welterweight champion Leon Edwards defending his title against Belal Muhammad. The two fighters previously met in March 2021, with the fight ending in a no-contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye. Since then, both fighters have been successful in their respective matches, making a rematch between the two a logical choice.
Head coach Dave Lovell has confirmed that Edwards will be on the card and is almost certain that Muhammad will be his opponent. Despite being inactive for almost a year, Muhammad is ranked number two in the UFC’s official rankings at 170 pounds. Having Edwards headline a card in Manchester, where he fights out of, would be a fitting homecoming for the champion who has not lost a fight in almost nine years. Edwards has had an impressive run, defeating top fighters like Nate Diaz, Kamaru Usman, and Colby Covington, solidifying himself as one of the best in the division.
Another fighter likely to be featured on the card is UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who hails from Salford, England. Aspinall is expected to be in the co-main event, but his opponent is still undecided. While there were talks of a potential bout with Ciryl Gane, the Frenchman has yet to agree to the fight. Aspinall’s possible alternative is a rematch with Curtis Blaydes, the only fighter to hand him a loss in the UFC due to a severe knee injury. Aspinall is eager to remove the interim tag from his title, and a rematch with Blaydes could be the next step towards achieving that goal.
The event in Manchester is shaping up to be a significant one, with rumors circulating that popular fighters like Michael Venom Page, Paddy Pimblett, Ian Machado Garry, and Arnold Allen might also be featured on the card. The addition of these fighters would add further excitement to an already anticipated event. Fans can expect an action-packed night of fights with potential matchups that could have implications on various divisions within the UFC. With names like Edwards and Aspinall likely headlining the card, the event is set to draw in a large audience and create a memorable night for fight fans in Manchester and around the world.
Overall, the UFC’s return to Manchester is generating buzz within the MMA community, with the promotion planning to deliver an event that will showcase top-tier talent and meaningful matchups. The potential rematch between Edwards and Muhammad, as well as Aspinall’s quest to solidify his status as the heavyweight champion, adds intrigue to the already stacked card. With other popular fighters potentially joining the event, fans can expect a night of thrilling fights and memorable moments. As more details are revealed about the event and additional matchups are confirmed, MMA enthusiasts will eagerly await the opportunity to witness live action in Manchester on April 24.
