Belal Muhammad, a mixed martial arts fighter of Palestinian background, made history by snatching the UFC welterweight crown from defending champion Leon Edwards. Born in Chicago to Palestinian immigrants, Muhammad scored a five-round unanimous decision victory at UFC 304, remaining unbeaten in his 11th straight fight. He proudly waved the Palestinian flag, expressing his solidarity with the people of Gaza and criticising the Israeli war on the region. Muhammad’s win comes after a no-contest bout with Edwards in 2021, sparking winning streaks for both fighters. Muhammad, who has used his platform to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause, has been vocal about representing his heritage in the MMA world. He uses the song “Dammi Falesteeni” as his walkout anthem and sees himself as a voice for the voiceless Palestinians. Muhammad’s victory is seen as a significant moment for Palestinian athletes, as it highlights their existence and signifies their presence on the global sports stage. The 36-year-old fighter has dedicated his win to the people of Palestine and continues to shine a light on their struggles, using his platform to raise awareness and support for their cause.
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Belal Muhammad Makes History as the First Palestinian-Origin Fighter to Capture UFC Title | Sports Update
