In Photos: Belal Muhammad shares momentous snaps with welterweight belt after returning home
When Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 304, he won more than just the welterweight title. As the first Palestinian fighter to become a UFC champion, Muhammad also proudly represents his hometown of Chicago and was ecstatic to bring the belt back home to his friends and family.
Muhammad took a brief vacation after winning the belt in Manchester but returned home two weeks after his title victory to enjoy a championship parade. 'Remember the Name' celebrated with the Palestinian flag in the streets of Chicago with a group of the local Muslim community.
The new champion shared visuals of his homecoming celebration on Instagram with the UFC belt around his shoulder.
![Belal Muhammad celebrating in Chicago with the UFC belt and a Palestinian flag. [Image courtesy: @bullyb170 on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/efbbf-17231624379576-1920.jpg?w=500)
![Belal Muhammad embracing his local fans (left) while showing off his new championship belt (right). [Image courtesy: @bullyb170 on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/e5703-17231625471612-1920.jpg)
In the final picture of his Instagram post, the 36-year-old shared a heartwarming photo sharing the glory of his crowning moment with his father.
![Belal Muhammad's father (left) holding his son's (right) championship belt. [Image courtesy: @bullyb170 on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/7adbf-17231632507855-1920.jpg)
Belal Muhammad eyes first title defense in December
Belal Muhammad completed his long journey to the top on July 27 by defeating Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title but has no plans on slowing down. Immediately after winning the belt, 'Remember the Name' had his eyes set on his first title defense, one that he hopes can happen before the end of the year.
In his post-fight interview, Muhammad named Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman as fighters he is looking at for his next potential opponent, a sentiment he has repeated in the weeks since.
Muhammad is continuing to eye other contenders in the division as well, naming Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry as fighters he is keeping an eye on.
The UFC seemingly has the rest of 2024 mapped out on paper but has not confirmed any pay-per-view headliner beyond UFC 308. The champion's targeted date of December is theoretically still available but is not likely to have his first title defense confirmed until later in the year.