A Public Brawl Breaks Out Among UFC 304 Fighters Outside the Hotel
As UFC 304 approaches this weekend in Manchester, no one expected the tensions to escalate outside the ring. At the hotel hosting the event, several fighters crossed paths in an unexpected turn of events that led to a public brawl.
According to Manel Kape and his coach's account of the altercation with Mokaev, he was lured by Mokaev under the pretense of taking a joint photo, only to be ambushed by Mokaev's team.
Do you consider this explanation to be a factual account or just empty talk? pic.twitter.com/i1F0oC0ZFf
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) July 25, 2024
Tensions began to rise noticeably on Wednesday, starting particularly with fighters Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. Their interactions at the hotel, including a verbal altercation in the elevator, set the stage for heightened animosity. However, things were far from calm for Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape, as their encounter escalated into a full-blown fight.
Tension erupted between Leon Edwards' team and Belal Muhammad's team after the press conference, signaling that the upcoming fight will be fiery.#UFC304
سادت الأجواء بالتوتر بين فريق ليون إدواردز وفريق بلال محمد بعد المؤتمر الصحفي، مما يوحي بأن النزال المرتقب سيكون مشتعلاً. pic.twitter.com/oSNvFS6Iwm
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) July 25, 2024
The incident was prominently captured in photos, highlighting the visible injuries sustained during the hotel brawl. Following the altercation, the fighters continued to exchange harsh criticisms on social media. Manel Kape shared a picture on X showing Muhammad Mokaev with a noticeable cut above his left eyebrow, raising questions about how these confrontations might affect their preparations for the fight.
Manel Kape posted a photo today showing a clear wound above Muhammad Mokaev's left eye. However, Mokaev later shared a selfie after their altercation, with no visible sign of the injury. pic.twitter.com/pXXfhZsscZ
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) July 25, 2024
At UFC 304, Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape will face off in the preliminary card, with the winner potentially earning a title shot against Alexander Pantoja, the current champion in their weight class. In the main card, Tom Aspinall will defend his interim heavyweight belt against Curtis Blaydes, while the main event will see Leon Edwards defending his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad.
