The welterweight division has historically been one of the most talent stacked divisions in the UFC and the same holds true even today. Kamaru Usman reigns supreme over the 170-pound division. However, the likes of Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards are on the cusp of a title shot and were looking to secure a huge win at the UFC Apex.

Leon Edwards has been inactive due to circumstances beyond his control. He last fought in July 2019 when he secured an impressive win over former champion, Rafael dos Anjos. The fight tonight was a good opportunity to not only extend his win streak to 9-0 but also prove why he is one of the best. 

Muhammad, on the other hand, fought exactly one month back when he secured a unanimous decision win over Dhiego Lima at UFC 258, extending his win streak to 4-0. 

Read: Five surprising facts about UFC announcer Bruce Buffer

An eye poke brings an end to the main event between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad

Leon Edwards started the fight off well. Given that he was away for 603 days, many believed that ring rust would be a factor. However, leading up to the fight, ‘Rocky‘ always maintained that he did not believe in ring rust. He started off the fight well and looked extremely sharp as he kept switching stances to keep Muhammad guessing.

‘Rocky’ also landed an inch-perfect leg kick in the first round that rocked Belal. Although ‘Remember The Name’ was able to absorb the shot and march forward, the kick had him wobbled.

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The fight was unfortunately called off in the second round because of an accidental eye poke. ‘Rocky’ tried to disguise a left kick by throwing a left hand before it. However, as he was doing that, the fingers from his left hand went straight into Belal’s eye and he immediately hit the floor in anguish.

After having a look at the eye, Herb Dean was forced to call in the doctor. The doctor decided it would be in his best interest to call off the fight as the eye was completely swollen.

This is definitely not how ‘Rocky’ Edwards would have liked to mark his return to the octagon. Given how the fight played out, the promotion might try to get a rematch made as soon as possible. However, if the eye injury is too severe, Edwards vs Covington for the number one contender spot seems like the next best idea.

Twitter reactions for UFC Vegas 21

Jared Gordon was supporting ‘Remember the Name’ tonight.

Jamahal Hill was also team Muhammad tonight.

Ryan Frederick scored the first round to Leon Edwards.

Dana White shared a gruesome close-up image of the eye poke.

WWE superstar and former UFC fighter CM Punk tweeted in support of Muhammad.

Ariel Helwani perfectly summed up the event for all fans.

The commentary team for UFC Vegas 21 shared their thoughts on what transpired in the main event at UFC Vegas 21

What did you make of the fight? And what should be next for both men? Let us know in the comments below!