American · Aurora, USA · Born 9 July 1988Chicago-born welterweight who won the title from Leon Edwards in 2024 before losing it in his first defense to Jack Della Maddalena in 2025.
Belal Muhammad was born on 9 July 1988 in Chicago, Illinois, to Palestinian parents, one of five siblings, and studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before turning professional in mixed martial arts in 2012. Muhammad, nicknamed "Remember the Name," developed into one of the most durable and technically sound welterweights on the UFC roster, training at Chicago's Roufusport gym, and built a reputation for relentless volume striking and elite defensive wrestling across a decade-long UFC tenure. Muhammad endured a lengthy and often overlooked rise through the welterweight rankings, compiling a long unbeaten streak before finally earning a title shot, and won the UFC Welterweight Championship in 2024, becoming the first Arab mixed martial artist ever to win a UFC title. Muhammad has continued to defend his position at the top of the welterweight division, remaining a prominent and outspoken voice for Palestinian and Arab representation within the sport, and is regarded as one of the most complete, if historically underrated, champions of his era.
Former UFC Welterweight Champion
How They Played
Muhammad employs a well-rounded fighting style that combines effective wrestling, solid striking, and excellent cardio. He excels at controlling pace and position, often using his wrestling background to dictate where fights take place while maintaining consistent pressure on opponents.
Lasting Impact
Muhammad broke barriers as the first Palestinian-American to win a UFC championship, inspiring fighters from underrepresented communities.
Career Honours
- UFC Welterweight Champion 2024-2025
American Athletes