Which country is Belal Muhammad from?

Belal Muhammad is a Palestinian-American MMA fighter. He has also fought for Bellator and Titan FC in addition to the UFC.

Belal Muhammad in a file photo [Credits: Twitter@bullyb170]
By Blesson Daniel | May 8, 2023 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The UFC’s welterweight division has a new title challenger, and his name is Belal Muhammad. Muhammad established his claim to a crack at gold on Saturday night, defeating Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision in a five-round co-main event at UFC 288 from the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey. After 25 minutes of striking, the judges scored the fight 50-45, 49-46, 49-46 for Muhammad, extending his unbeaten record to eleven fights, including one no-contest.

Muhammad (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) and Burns (22-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) both agreed to the fight despite the short notice. Burns was only four weeks removed from his last bout, a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. Burns’ third battle of 2023 took place on Saturday, and he may have been feeling the effects of his action.

Burns was unhappy after the third round and informed his corner that he was suffering from a left arm ailment that stopped him from throwing it.

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Where is Belal Muhammad from?

He is originally from Palestine. But, Muhammad grew up in Chicago, Illinois, to Palestinian parents. He is the middle one of four siblings, with an elder brother, an elder sister, and two younger brothers. He wrestled at Bogan High School and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, but did not graduate.

Muhammad has been a vocal supporter of Palestine. During his octagon entrance and post-fight results, he shows the Palestinian flag. He has condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, expressing solidarity with Palestinians but also denouncing any anti-Jewish reactions from protestors.

As a result of the George Floyd riots, businesses held by Muhammad’s father and relatives in Chicago were robbed and burned on June 1, 2020. On July 28, 2021, he delivered the ceremonial first pitch for the Chicago Cubs. Muhammad adheres to Islam.

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