Belal Muhammad has made history by becoming the first mixed martial artist of Palestinian descent to win a UFC title, taking the welterweight crown from English champion Leon Edwards.
The 36-year-old fighter, who was born in Chicago to Palestinian immigrants, secured his victory with a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) after a tough five-round match at UFC 304.
In a display of emotion, Muhammad, with his face bloodied, dropped to his knees as the championship belt was placed around his waist. This win extends his unbeaten streak to 11 fights, a remarkable feat since his last loss in 2019.
After the fight, Muhammad dedicated his victory to Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, highlighting the significance of his achievement for his community.
Muhammad proudly displayed the Palestinian flag during the promotion of Saturday’s match, underlining his pride in his heritage. This fight was a rematch from their 2021 encounter, which ended in a no-contest.
Since then, both fighters had impressive winning streaks. Edwards had four consecutive wins, including a title victory over Kamaru Usman in 2022, and he successfully defended the belt twice before facing Muhammad again.
Muhammad’s victory in Manchester is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the Palestinian community, symbolizing resilience and achievement on an international stage.
