Is Belal Muhammad the first-ever Palestinian UFC champion? Exploring his origins and ethnic heritage
Belal Muhammad faced archrival Leon Edwards in their rematch, which headlined UFC 304 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, 2024. Muhammad dethroned his Jamaica-born British rival via unanimous decision to become the new UFC welterweight champion.
During fight week, Muhammad drew attention for carrying the Palestinian flag and representing the nation of Palestine.
Their first encounter had ended in a no contest, as Muhammad was incapacitated by an eye poke from Edwards at UFC Vegas 21 (March 13, 2021). 'Remember the Name' relentlessly pursued a rematch against Edwards in the ensuing years and has now defeated the Englishman on the latter's home turf. Muhammad's next fight hasn't been announced yet.
Since Oct. 2023, Israel has been at war with multiple Palestinian militant organizations led by Hamas. The Gaza region has faced the brunt of the conflict. Many notable MMA personalities such as UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and Belal Muhammad have voiced their support for Gaza and Palestine.
Speaking of Muhammad, he's consistently contributed to the Palestinian community. His parents immigrated to the United States of America from Palestine at a young age. They settled in Chicago, Illinois, which is where Muhammad was born. The American fighter of Palestinian descent trains and fights out of Chicago.
Muhammad's victory at UFC 304 was historic. He's the first person of Palestinian descent to win a UFC title. He's also the first person of Arab descent to become a UFC champion. During his post-fight octagon interview, 'Remember the Name' reiterated his support for Palestine.
Jibing at the UK fans who were booing him after he beat Edwards, Muhammad stated:
"It sounds like all those people booing me right now got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes. I see you guys with watery eyes right now. I got my family in here. I got all my family at home. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. God first, always."
He added:
"Secondly, this fight is nothing. This is for my family, my people, and Palestine. They're fighting the real fight. Just wanted to put a smile on your face. One of them guys over there. I'm just trying to do my part. Alhamdulillah, always."
Check out Muhammad's comments below (1:34):
Belal Muhammad ethnicity: 'Remember the Name' recently helped a Palestinian family
Earlier this month, Belal Muhammad garnered praise from the MMA community and beyond after he revealed that he'd helped a Palestinian man and his son move to the US. The man's wife is said to have passed away in the wartime Gaza bombings.
On the 'UFC 304 Countdown' episode, Muhammad indicated that the little boy had suffered injuries during the attacks on Gaza. The 36-year-old UFC fighter explained that like the father-son duo, his family is also from Palestine. He further suggested that the child's leg was severely damaged in the attacks, adding that he's trying his best to help with his injury rehabilitation.
Watch Belal Muhammad discuss the topic below (15:10):