UFC 304 is set to take place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on July 27, 2024. The event will feature two prominent fights at the top of the bill. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Leon Edwards will defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad. This marks Edwards' third consecutive title defense, following a previous No Contest with Muhammad in 2021 due to accidental eye pokes.
In the co-main event, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will face Curtis Blaydes in a rematch. Their first encounter, which took place in London in 2022, ended abruptly when Aspinall suffered a knee injury just 15 seconds into the match. Since that injury, Aspinall has won two consecutive fights, including a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to capture the interim belt. Meanwhile, Blaydes has amassed a 1-1 record, bouncing back with a win over Jailton Almeida after a knockout loss to Pavlovich.
Additionally, Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett will go up against American fighter Bobby Green. Other notable bouts include Manel Kape versus Muhammad Mokaev and Arnold Allen against Giga Chikadze.
The event is significant not only for its high-profile matchups but also because it will be the first sporting event held at the newly constructed £365 million Co-op Live Arena, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the UK. Despite the excitement, fans have expressed disappointment over the late start times of 11 PM for the prelims and 3 AM for the main card, which accommodate the U.S. audience.
The last UFC event in Manchester, UFC 204, took place in 2016, featuring Michael Bisping's successful middleweight title defense against Dan Henderson.