“Bring it back with blood”

Leon Edwards said immediately after Saturday's title-match loss that the timing of the match got in the way.

At UFC 304, which took place at midnight in Manchester, England to accommodate North American pay-per-view audiences, Edwards (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) lost a unanimous decision to Belal Muhammad (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), ending his reign as welterweight champion.

After being given more time to reflect on the setback that came after three consecutive title wins, Edwards took to social media to vow to return to champion status.

“Sorry to all my fans I didn't make it this time,” Edwards wrote on Instagram. “I've been through tougher times in my life but I'll get back up again. Thank you for all the love and support. I'll give this record back in my blood. #headshot.”

Muhammad won the bout by scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46 once, slamming Edwards over the head at one point and controlling nearly half of the 25-minute contest.

Edwards said it was tough getting started in the match, which finished just after 6 a.m. local time on Sunday.

“I'm not surprised (by Belal's performance),” Edwards told Daniel Cormier inside the cage. “My body just got tired in the first round. I've been feeling tired all week because of my timing. But congrats to Belal. He got the job done and I think he'll get it back.”

Edwards has made it clear that he doesn't intend to be out of action for long, and it remains to be seen whether a rematch is on the horizon.

For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 304 event hub.