This weekend, Palestinian-American UFC fighter Belal Muhammad was crowned Welterweight Champion in Manchester, UK. Witnessing history being written, the northern English city saw the Chicago-born athlete become the first-ever Palestinian to reach this feat, marking both his name and his home country’s alongside some of the most respected in the history of the sport.
Facing English fighter Leon Edwards on July 27, Muhammad won by unanimous decision, nearly three years after their first fight, which ended in a no-contest. Through this victory, Muhammad ended his opponent’s impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak that had been intact since May 2016.
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In honor of his achievement, we gathered five facts to absolutely know about Belal Muhammad, Palestine’s first-ever UFC-title winner.
He’s 36
Muhammad was born to immigrant Palestinian parents in Chicago, IL, on June 9, 1988. After recently celebrating his 36th birthday, it’s safe to say that winning the Welterweight Championship must’ve been the ultimate present.
He’s Muslim
Outspoken about his faith, Muhammad identifies as Muslim and never misses an occasion to advocate against bigotry and other forms of discrimination. A practicing believer, he revealed training and competing while observing the holy month of Ramadan. In an interview with professional and amateur combat media Flocombat, he explained that “if you can push yourself with no water, no food, and then once you get to fight time and you get that food and water, it’s going to be the easiest thing in the world.”
He made his UFC debut in 2016
Muhammad made his UFC debut at Fight Night 90 on July 7, 2016, just two days before his 28th birthday. He stepped in as a short-notice replacement to face American fighter Alan Jouban. Although he lost by unanimous decision, the bout earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors for their respective performance.
He’s an outspoken Palestinian activist
A pro-Palestinian activist since birth, Muhammed strives to represent and raise-awareness about the situation of his people whenever he can. At his most recent fight, he carried his country’s flag upon the announcement of his victory while dedicating his win to those currently suffering in the Gaza Strip. He also uses Dammi Falesteeni by Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf as his walkout song.
He hasn’t lost a fight in five years
Muhammad has won all of his fights since January 2019, with the exception of a no-contest in March 2021 due to an accidental eye poke by his opponent. This weekend marked his eleventh consecutive win in over five years.
