Palestinian-American Belal Muhammad scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first-ever mixed martial arts fighter of Palestinian origin to win a UFC title, snatching the welterweight crown from Leon Edwards. He is the first to defeat Englishman Champion Leon Edwards since 2015.
The 36-year-old fighter, born to Palestinian parents in Chicago, scored a five-round unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) at the UFC 304 bout. This is his eleventh straight win as he has not tasted defeat ever since 2019.
“This is for my people in Palestine. They’re fighting the real fight,” Muhammad said after winning the match.
“It sounds like all of the people booing have got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes. I’ve got my family in here. God first, always. This fight is for my family, my people and for Palestine,” he said.
Muhammad was also seen proudly waving the Palestinian flag while reportedly criticising Israel's brutal war on Gaza.
According to media reports, in 2021, Muhammad had said that as a world-renowned fighter, he had “a voice for the voiceless”.
“There aren’t a lot of Palestinian athletes that have a stage or platform where they can carry the flag. And now, especially during these times, I need to carry that flag higher than ever. To show the world that we do exist, that we are a country, and there are real people there. Now I have a voice for people that don’t have a voice, for people that the world wants you to forget about. So, if I keep shining a light on that, raising their morale, raising their hearts, I’m going to do whatever I can,” he had said, reported Al Jazeera.