Belal Muhammad becomes first fighter of Palestinian origin to win UFC title

Mixed martial arts fighter snatches UFC welterweight crown from defending champion Leon Edwards.

Belal Muhammad has made history by becoming the first mixed martial arts fighter of Palestinian background to win a UFC title, snatching the welterweight crown from Englishman champion Leon Edwards.

The 36-year-old, an American fighter born in Chicago and the child of two Palestinian immigrants, scored a five-round unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) at the UFC 304 bout on Saturday.

His face bloodied, Muhammad (24-3) dropped to his knees moments after he remained unbeaten in his 11th straight fight and had the championship belt wrapped around his waist. He has not lost since 2019.

“It’s not just about myself, it’s about them [Palestinians and the people in Gaza]” that he is fighting for, Muhammad was quoted as saying before his fight in Manchester, England.

He has also proudly waved the Palestinian flag while promoting Saturday’s match while criticising the Israeli war on Gaza.