Leon Edwards is in a make-or-break moment, and UFC 322 will reveal just how much fight he has left. But here's where it gets controversial: Can he truly bounce back after two devastating losses, or is his career on the brink of a downward spiral? Belal Muhammad, Edwards' former rival, believes this is a defining moment for the ex-welterweight champion. Edwards (22-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) faces Carlos Prates (22-7 MMA, 5-1 UFC) on November 15 at Madison Square Garden, aiming to halt a two-fight losing streak that began with his title loss to Muhammad at UFC 304 and continued with a submission defeat to Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night 255. Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) bluntly states, 'It's now or never for Leon.'
In a candid analysis on his YouTube channel, Muhammad dissects Edwards' predicament: 'Being on a two-fight losing streak is a tough spot. It’s a test of how badly you want it. As a former champ, you don’t get easy fights—every bout is a high-stakes battle, one win away from a title shot. And Prates isn’t a walk in the park. He’s tall, a southpaw, packs power, and comes in riding high after that spinning elbow knockout.'
Muhammad then breaks down the strategies for both fighters, offering insights that even beginners can grasp. And this is the part most people miss: Edwards needs to reclaim his rhythm, leveraging his striking prowess against Prates, a striker himself. 'Leon, you’ve been taken down in your last two fights. Now’s the time to showcase your stand-up game. Use lateral movement, stay out of Prates’ range, and capitalize on your kicks. When he overextends, take him down—but be smart about it. A sloppy shot against Prates won’t cost you like it did against Brady.'
For Prates, Muhammad advises, 'Use your reach advantage. Dominate the center of the octagon and pressure Leon. He struggles when forced to retreat. Keep your jab sharp, feint aggressively, and unleash those power shots. Confidence is key—hesitate, and you’ll lose momentum.'
Despite the seemingly favorable matchup, Muhammad isn’t betting on Edwards. 'I’m picking Prates. His length and pressure will make Leon uncomfortable, and I think he’ll capitalize on that.'
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is Muhammad underestimating Edwards' resilience, or is he spot-on in predicting Prates' victory? Will Edwards rise to the occasion, or will his losing streak continue? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
