UFC 304: Expert picks and best bets for Edwards-Muhammad 2 - ESPN

Leon Edwards puts his welterweight title on the line against Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304 at Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday night (10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, with prelims at 8 p.m. on ESPN2/ESPN+ and early prelims at 6 p.m. on ESPN+).

Edwards, No. 3 in ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings, has successfully defended the 170-pound championship twice since winning it in August 2022. Muhammad, No. 3 in ESPN's divisional rankings, enters the fight riding a five-fight winning streak dating back to June 2021. Edwards and Muhammad fought to a no contest, due to an incidental eye poke in March 2021.

In the co-main event, Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes meet in a rematch as they square off for the UFC interim heavyweight title. Aspinall, who won the title at UFC 295, looks to avenge his lone UFC loss after an injury abruptly ended his last fight against Blaydes. Blaydes has won four of his previous five bouts.

Andreas Hale spoke to ESPN analyst and former UFC welterweight Alan Jouban to get his perspective on the UFC main event. ESPN betting expert Ian Parker adds insights and analysis on the main event and other intriguing bets he likes on the card.

Editor's note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

How Edwards wins: Edwards is a tremendous grappler and he's good everywhere. In this matchup, he's the longer fighter and has the sharper and more accurate striking. Edwards needs to use his length and keep his back off the fence. Muhammad will pressure him, so he can't get pushed back. Use the striking to get Muhammad's respect.

How Muhammad wins: Muhammad has to pressure Edwards like crazy. He has to put himself in uncomfortable positions. Be a miniature Daniel Cormier — but the