Video: Tai Tuivasa Calls for Leon Edwards-Belal Muhammad Rematch in 2022

Matchmaker Tai Tuivasa knew the rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad was bound to happen since 2022 😂 #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/krDISwJMao

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 22, 2024

Tai Tuivasa had an idea that Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad would cross paths again long before their rematch was booked.

Muhammad will challenge Edwards for the welterweight title in the main event at UFC 304 on Saturday at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. The two have unfinished business from their initial encounter in the UFC Fight Night 187 headliner in 2021 that ended in an unfortunate no-contest due to an accidental eye poke from Edwards.

With that being the only blemish in their recent win streaks, Muhammad and Edwards were definitely set on a collision course. Edwards went on to dethrone Kamaru Usman via head kick KO in a shocking upset at UFC 278 in August 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad dispatched a previously undefeated Sean Brady via second-round TKO at UFC 280 a couple of months later. Muhammad subsequently called for a matchup against Edwards, although the Englishman was already slated to face Usman in a rematch.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

Tuivasa caught hold of both Muhammad and Edwards, who was in attendance for UFC 280, outside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. “Bam Bam,” having apparently downed a few shoeys by then, tried to set up a rematch between Muhammad and Edwards on the spot.

“Belal! Did you say Leon? Did you say Leon, I think you did. Did you say Rocky? Like Rocky Balboa…Bruh you eh! Oye! We want that pay-per-view, we want that big money thing,” the Australian said while recording on his phone.

Muhammad would have to score a unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns to earn his long overdue title shot. Meanwhile, Edwards has twice defended his title since then, taking a majority decision over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 and a unanimous verdict against Colby Covington at UFC 296.

Muhammad is unbeaten in his last 10 outings, which includes two finishes. Meanwhile, Edwards in undefeated in his last 13 bouts, including three finishes.