UFC 304: Belal Muhammad Post-Fight Press Conference

By: Belal Muhammad   Source: Al Jazeera, Ufc Jul 29, 2024 No Comments


Belal Muhammad spoke with members of the media following the conclusion of UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 on Saturday, 27 July 2024.

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

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 criticizing the Israeli war on Gaza.

Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad during the weigh-ins on Friday in Manchester [John Sibley/Reuters]

Muhammad and Edwards fought to a no-contest in 2021, an unsatisfying result that sparked winning streaks for both fighters.

Edwards reeled off four consecutive wins, while Muhammad won five straight.

In 2022, Edwards (22-4) defeated Kamaru Usman to win the belt and had two successful title defences, before facing off with Muhammad on Saturday. Read More

 

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