'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Recent reports have suggested that UFC 304, which is set to take place in July, could go down in Manchester, England.
If this is the case, UFC 304 could be the first pay-per-view to take place in the UK in over a year - so which British stars could appear?
The timing appears to be right for a number of them, including two champions, which could make this event a big one.
Here are five UK stars who could appear at UFC 304 in Manchester.
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
#5. Molly McCann - UFC strawweight contender
Trending
Despite not being a ranked fighter right now, there are few UFC stars more popular in the UK than Liverpool's Molly McCann.
'Meatball' has caught on with fans in her home country thanks to her authentic personality, charity work, and exciting fighting style, and her next fight could be her most important to date.
McCann was on a two-fight losing run before she faced off with Diana Belbita in her first bout at 115 pounds in February, and had she lost, she could've been gone from the roster.
However, 'Meatball' won convincingly thanks to a first-round armbar, and it appears that she could make an impact in her new division.
It might not be time for her to face a top-fifteen foe, but another win could put her on the path to do so. It's also worth remembering that two of her last three fights in the UK saw her score highlight reel knockouts.
Given her popularity and the fact that she last fought in February, it definitely seems promising that McCann could appear in Manchester this summer.
#4. Muhammad Mokaev - UFC flyweight contender
If things had gone slightly differently, flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev could well have been set to headline UFC 301 next month in a title bout with champ Alexandre Pantoja.
For some reason, though, 'The Punisher' was overlooked in favor of Steve Erceg despite the Australian being ranked three spots below him.
In truth, though, Mokaev is still looking for a real breakout performance despite the fact that he's already 6-0 in the octagon.
So could that performance come in his adopted country, the UK, this summer? It would definitely make sense for him.
Mokaev has already picked up three wins in the octagon in London, but the promotion could well choose to give him a main card showcase in Manchester.
If he can win there in front of his home fans again, then a title shot should probably be within his grasp.
#3. Paddy Pimblett - UFC lightweight contender
One UK favourite who should almost be a guarantee to appear at UFC 304 in Manchester is Paddy Pimblett.
'The Baddy' remains controversial with some fans due to their belief that he's been given preferential treatment by the matchmakers, but thus far, it's been hard to argue with his skills.
The Liverpool native is now 5-0 in the octagon and most recently picked up a win over former lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.
That fight took place back in December, meaning that Pimblett should be in prime condition to go by July, just in time for the trip to Manchester.
Realistically, it'd also be the perfect time for the promotion to push 'The Baddy' against a ranked opponent to see how he fares. At the age of 29, he's probably in his physical prime, and he needs to make the step up at some point.
A fight between Pimblett and say, Renato Moicano or Bobby Green would be a huge attraction for the card, and therefore it's a no-brainer for the matchmakers to ensure that 'The Baddy' appears there.
#2. Tom Aspinall - interim UFC heavyweight champion
Based on his interview earlier this week, it appears that one fighter who is all but confirmed for UFC 304 is current interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
The Liverpool native was the first to reveal that the event would take place in Manchester, and he suggested that he's already preparing to defend his title there.
Aspinall has not fought since claiming the gold back in November with an impressive knockout of Sergei Pavlovich.
He was clearly hoping to face Jon Jones in a title unification bout, but with 'Bones' and the promotion seemingly dead-set on a fight with Stipe Miocic, the interim champ has been like the odd man out.
That should change in Manchester, with the only question right now being who Aspinall ought to face.
Whether that's Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes or someone else doesn't really matter. Either way, this should be a huge night for Aspinall and one that could see him cemented as one of the promotion's new top stars.
#1. Leon Edwards - UFC welterweight champion
While Tom Aspinall could easily headline UFC 304, if the promotion wants to go all out for their trip to Manchester, there's only one fighter who belongs in the main event: welterweight champ Leon Edwards.
The 170-pound kingpin last fought in December, when he successfully turned back the challenge of former interim titleholder Colby Covington.
'Rocky' was rumored to be a potential headliner for UFC 300 earlier this month. Still, the matchmakers could not find a suitable opponent for him, despite Edwards reportedly accepting numerous potential fights.
By July, though, not only should the native of Birmingham be ready to go, but so should any potential foe, whether that's Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov or a left-field choice like Jack Della Maddalena.
Edwards has already headlined a big pay-per-view in the UK before, defeating Kamaru Usman at home in 2023, and therefore, the chance to make another title defense at home this summer makes perfect sense.
