Belal Muhammad tells Joe Rogan how winning UFC title for Palestine "meant more than anything" to him: "We had people in Gaza watching videos of it"
Belal Muhammad recently shared with Joe Rogan that winning the UFC welterweight title and dedicating it to Palestine amid the ongoing crisis holds the greatest significance for him.
'Remember the Name' made history this past July by dethroning Leon Edwards by way of a dominant unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 304, becoming the first fighter of Palestinian origin to capture a UFC title in the process.
The much-anticipated rematch came after their first meeting in March 2021, which ended in a no contest following an accidental eye poke that forced Muhammad out of the fight in the second round.
During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, 'Remember the Name' shared how deeply meaningful his title victory was, not only for himself but also for the people of Palestine.
He also revealed that he received messages from individuals in Gaza, including those living in refugee camps:
"To be able to wear the title, or to be able to carry the flag with the title, and to show people what's possible, because obviously with what's going on in the world for Palestine, for them to have a champion right now, for them to have a win from that fight, that meant more than anything because I was getting so many messages from them. We had people in the Gaza refugee camp who were watching the videos of the fight. It was such an amazing thing."
Check out Belal Muhammad's comments below:
Check out the full podcast episode below:
Muhammad has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, and as a member of the American-Palestinian community, he consistently carries the Palestinian flag into the octagon for every fight. The UFC 170-pound champ further showcases his pride by walking out to the song 'My Blood is Palestine'.
When Sean Strickland lashed out at Belal Muhammad over 'Pray for Palestine' post
Sean Strickland once launched a fiery rant against Belal Muhammad on social media, reacting to 'Remember the Name's' outspoken support for Palestine.
In October 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a coordinated offensive across several Israeli border regions. This attack tragically claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 Israeli and foreign civilians.
In retaliation, the Israeli Defence Forces launched a massive military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Amid the intensifying conflict, Muhammad took to X to voice his solidarity with Palestine, posting the message, "Pray for Palestine."
The former UFC middleweight champion sharply rebuked Muhammad’s post, accusing him of supporting Hamas' attacks on Israelis. He also criticized Muhammad for not promoting efforts toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict:
"This is what you'd call a coward response. Instead of taking a stand against terrorism and advocating for a peaceful resolution, you say this dumb sh*t... Ignoring what just happened. Belal, you were born in America, you live in America, just shut the f**k up."
Check out the social media exchange between Belal Muhammad and Sean Strickland below: