Belal Muhammad made history by becoming the first ever Palestinian UFC champion after defeating and dethroning Leon “Rocky” Edwards in a welterweight title fight in the United Kingdom on Saturday.
Muhammad’s title win sees his winning streak stretch to 11 consecutive fights intact as he claimed the welterweight belt with a five round unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
The 36-year-old was born to Palestinian parents in the United States who moved from Palestine at a relatively young age. “This is for my family, my people and Palestine, we’re fighting the real fight, inshallah, I put a smile on their face,” Belal said after his victory in Manchester.
Also, the UFC 304 winner disclosed that he is working with a Palestinian Children’s relief fund to help relocate families to the United States after Israeli bombings killed some of their family members.