Mac Mally’s UFC 304 Preview: Manchester Madness
The UFC action is on the road once again, and with some of the more controversial names in the sport headlining over in the UK, Mac Mally gives his thoughts on the event. Sit down, relax (with a cup of tea?), and get ready for this UFC 304 preview.
As the octagon rolls into Manchester, England, UFC 304 promises to be a night of thrilling matchups and explosive action. This weekend, we’ve got three fights that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, spilling your pints, and chanting louder than a football crowd at the Euros. Let’s dive into the action and see who’s going to be shouting “It’s coming home” by the end of the night.
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett vs. Bobby “King” Green
First up, we’ve got a lightweight clash that’s sure to light up Manchester. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, Liverpool’s loudest export since The Beatles, is set to face Bobby “King” Green. Pimblett’s a fan favourite, as in he’s one of the fans’ favourites to hate, but don’t let the fans fool you – the lad can fight. Although I had him losing on the scorecards against Gordon in his last fight, Paddy’s grappling is slick and he can take a shot. He will undoubtedly have the crowd behind him in this one. I’ve been to one of his UFC fights in England and trust me, the energy is contagious. On the other side, we have Bobby Green, a seasoned veteran who’s been around the block more times than a London cabbie. Green’s striking is precise and his experience in the cage is invaluable. He’s the kind of fighter who can turn the tide of a fight with a single punch, and he’s not one to be intimidated by the raucous UK crowd.
Prediction? Well, as much as I want to see Paddy get the dub and the crowd go crazy and set up some more fun fights, I think Bobby Green takes this one. Paddy doesn’t have anything Green hasn’t seen before. Now, it’s not completely out of the question for Pimblett to secure a submission at some point if there is a wild back-and-forth on the feet. My pick is Green.
Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis “Razor” Blaydes
Next, we’ve got a heavyweight showdown that could shake the very foundations of Manchester. Tom Aspinall is looking to cement his place as the next big thing in the heavyweight division. Aspinall’s speed and agility are very uncommon in the big boy division. Curtis “Razor” Blaydes is no easy task, though. The American wrestler has blades for elbows (get it?) and a ground game that could put even the most stubborn Brit into a tea-induced nap. Blaydes’ ground-and-pound is brutal, and he’s coming into this fight with a point to prove. Here’s the kicker: Aspinall’s got a black belt in jiu-jitsu and hands that sat down Pavlovich. If he can keep this fight standing, he’s got the edge. However, if Blaydes can take him down, it might be a long night for the interim champ.
My call? I don’t see Curtis taking this one. Don’t get me wrong, Curtis is no bum, but Tom has truly shown just how good he is a few times now. I don’t see Curtis repeatedly getting Tom down or being able to, which is what I presume is his path to victory. Is it fair to say he’s the most well-rounded heavyweight we’ve seen since Stipe? Aspinall’s going to get the crowd roaring with a knockout. Manchester, get ready for a beer shower.
Leon “Rocky” Edwards vs. Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad
Finally, the main event of the evening – Leon “Rocky” Edwards versus Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad. Edwards, Birmingham’s own, is riding high after his recent victories and is looking to cement his legacy in front of a home crowd. Rocky’s striking is as precise as a dart thrown in a Manchester pub, and his ground game held up twice against Usman. Belal Muhammad, on the other hand, is as tough as a two-pound steak and just as relentless. His pressure game is elite, and he’s shown time and again that he can hang with the best in the division. Muhammad’s resilience and ability to grind out wins make him a formidable opponent. This fight is a rematch, and the first bout left a lot of questions unanswered. Belal stepped in on short notice and got his optical orb absolutely excavated with an eye poke. We only saw 5 minutes of a 25-minute fight and people act like Leon winning was a forgone conclusion. Belal most likely never wins the first round against Leon. It’s the pace he sets for the rest of the fight and his cardio and pressure that pays dividends later on. Edwards is looking like an absolute great and has been on a tear, but Muhammad’s relentless pursuit of victory can’t be overlooked. It’s a classic striker versus grinder matchup, and I think we are in for a treat.
So, what’s the outcome? What I’m about to say may shock you but I think Belal Muhammad might take this fight this time around. I think Leon will connect early and often and give Belal a run for his money. If Belal can survive the first couple of rounds, I could see the tide turning around the third if he can stay active with his relentless pressure and takedowns as Leon fades. I’m throwing the Hail Mary and taking Belal by decision.
Whether you’re watching from the stands, at the pub or from your sofa, get ready for a night of top-tier MMA action. Cheers, and enjoy the fights!