In the main event of UFC Vegas 21 we saw a big time matchup in the welterweight division. One of the best welterweights in the world, Leon Edwards (18-3), was making his long anticipated return against the surging Belal Muhammad (18-3).
2020 didn’t go according to plan for Leon Edwards. Entering the year, Edwards appeared close to a UFC title shot having won eight fights in a row. He was scheduled to headline a fight night in March against former champion Tyron Woodley. However, the fight was scrapped due to the pandemic.
Edwards ended up not competing at all in 2020 after entering the year with such promise. He was looking to turn that bad fortune around tonight in his return. However, he wasn’t going to have an easy return taking on Belal Muhammad.
Just over a month ago at UFC 258, Belal Muhammad defeated Dhiego Lima. Muhammad made it clear that he felt he needed to be more respected in the division and he wanted some top ranked guys in his next fight.
After Khamzat Chimaev fell out of this main event slot against Leon Edwards, Muhammad jumped right in. Tonight, at UFC Vegas 21, Belal Muhammad had a golden chance to put his name directly in the title picture.
UFC Vegas 21 Recap
Round 1
There was no touch of the gloves to kick off the UFC Vegas 21 main event. Leon Edwards came forward immediately with pressure. Edwards opened the striking with a nice body kick. Muhammed tried throwing some hooks early, but was a bit out of range.
Edwards cracked Muhammad with a big 1-2 before he forced a clinch. Muhammad was able to reverse the position and landed a good elbow on the break. Edwards hurts Muhammad bad with a huge headkick.
Muhammad was wobbling around, but Edwards couldn’t put him away after Muhammad forced a clinch. The speed and length was really bothering Muhammad here in the first round.
A big body kick lands for Muhammad. Edwards answers with a big body kick of his own. Another nice 1-2 lands for Edwards and he follows it with another big straight left. The round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Edwards at UFC Vegas 21.
Round 2
Normally Belal Muhammad is the one pressuring but early at UFC Vegas 21, Edwards was the one forcing the issue. Both men exchange jabs to start the striking in the second. Edwards goes for a body kick but accidentally pokes Belal Muhammad in the eye.
It’s a bad eye poke and this fight appears over. Referee Herb Dean waves the fight over after Muhammad cannot continue. The UFC Vegas 21 main event is going to end in a no contest.
Leon Edwards and Leon Edwards fight to a No Contest – Eye Poke (Round 2)