Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Born on July 9, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois, to Palestinian parents, Muhammad is known for his relentless pressure fighting style, durable chin, and ever-improving striking. He turned professional in 2012 and steadily climbed the ranks, earning a reputation as one of the toughest outs in the division. In July 2024, Muhammad captured the UFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304, becoming the first Arab fighter and the first Palestinian-American to win a UFC title. As of June 2026, he holds a professional record of 24-5 and is ranked #7 in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings. Muhammad is also recognized for his advocacy for Palestinian rights, often using his platform to speak on social issues.[edit]

Muhammad grew up in a working-class Palestinian-American household on the South Side of Chicago. He played basketball and football as a kid but didn't start combat sports until later. After high school, he enrolled at Triton College to study criminal justice, but dropped out to pursue MMA full-time. His first steps in fighting came at a local gym where he trained in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Muhammad made his professional debut in 2012, competing in regional promotions across the Midwest. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when he appeared on the reality series The Ultimate Fighter, fighting on Team McGregor. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Vicente Luque via submission, but the exposure helped him secure a UFC contract the following year.[edit]

Muhammad made his UFC debut in 2016, defeating Augusto Montaño via TKO. He built a steady record over the next few years, but his breakthrough came in 2021 when he defeated Vicente Luque in a main event, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. He followed that with wins over Stephen Thompson and Gilbert Burns, showcasing his well-rounded game. The pinnacle came on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, where Muhammad dominated Leon Edwards over five rounds to win the UFC Welterweight Championship. He successfully defended the title against Kamaru Usman at UFC 310 in December 2025 before losing it to Shavkat Rakhmonov via submission at UFC 312 in February 2026. As of June 2026, Muhammad is ranked #7 in the welterweight division and is expected to return to the octagon later in the year.[edit]

Muhammad is known for his relentless pressure fighting style, often pushing opponents against the cage and wearing them down with body shots and takedowns. Outside the cage, he is recognized by his beard and calm demeanor. Media portrays him as a humble, hardworking fighter who overcame a relatively anonymous career to become champion. His social media content mixes training footage, family moments, political commentary on Palestine, and motivational posts. His fan base, informally called the 'Bully B Brigade,' often chants his nickname during walkouts. Muhammad's fights draw significant viewership from Arab and Muslim communities worldwide.[edit]

Belal Muhammad's supporters are defined not by a single organized club or branded hashtag, but by a deeply personal connection to his "Remember the Name" mantra and his relentless, pressure-heavy style that has turned him into a global icon for the Arab-American community. While there is no formal name like "The Bully Army," fans rally around his identity as the first Palestinian-American UFC champion, celebrating his cultural pride and the specific moments where he embraced an aggressive persona that shifted the sport's narrative. The most enduring story in this modern lore centers on the chaotic melee at the RAF 11 post-fight press conference in July 2026, where a physical brawl with Colby Covington went viral instantly, sparking widespread debate and cementing Belal's reputation as a fighter who refuses to back down from conflict. This incident, alongside his subsequent vocal demands for top-tier matchups against stars like Max Holloway, has created a fanbase driven by organic excitement rather than structured marketing campaigns. His journey from an anonymous contender to a titleholder who holds the line against the world's best has resonated globally, turning every fight into a cultural event. This unique blend of resilience, cultural representation, and unapologetic aggression has propelled him into the highest echelons of combat sports fame. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Belal Muhammad is currently the 59th most famous person in MMA & Boxing, a position he has held steady since the previous cycle.[edit]

Belal Muhammad is a devout Muslim who prays before every fight and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Daniel Wanderley. Before dedicating himself to full-time fighting, he worked as a security guard and bouncer at a Chicago nightclub, experiences that forged his legendary durability and calm demeanor outside the cage. Known affectionately as 'Bully B' for his pressure-heavy style, he is also an avid Chicago Bulls fan who speaks Arabic fluently, often addressing his international fans in his native tongue. In 2023, he expanded his influence by publishing a children's book titled The Brave Little Fighter, promoting resilience and cultural pride. A defining chapter in his modern lore occurred in July 2026, when a massive brawl erupted at the RAF 11 post-fight press conference between Muhammad and Colby Covington. This chaotic scene went viral instantly, leading Covington to cancel their scheduled bout at RAF 12 citing unprofessional behavior. Fans still retell this story as the moment Muhammad fully embraced his aggressive persona, sparking widespread debate across the MMA community. Another key element of his legend is his historic victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024, which made him the first Arab fighter and the first Palestinian-American to win a UFC title, cementing his status as a global icon.[edit]

Muhammad is married to a woman whose name he has kept private. They have two children: a daughter born in 2021 and a son born in 2023. The family lives in the Chicago area. Muhammad has spoken about balancing his fighting career with fatherhood and often shares family moments on social media. His parents are Palestinian immigrants, and he has said his heritage is central to his identity.[edit]

Muhammad trains at Kill Cliff FC in Deerfield Beach, Florida, alongside fighters like Gilbert Burns and Michael Chandler. His head coach is Henri Hooft, and his BJJ coach is Daniel Wanderley. Key opponents include Leon Edwards (title win), Shavkat Rakhmonov (title loss), Kamaru Usman (title defense), Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque.[edit]

Belal Muhammad keeps his personal life private. He married his wife, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, around 2019. They met through mutual friends in Chicago. The couple has two children: a daughter born in 2021 and a son born in 2023. Muhammad occasionally posts about his wife on Instagram but maintains her privacy. He has not been publicly linked to anyone else. As of 2026, he remains married and focused on his family and career.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Belal Muhammad's net worth at $4 Million as of 2026. The majority of this wealth stems from his UFC fight purses, which during his title reign ranged from $500,000 to $1 million per fight including base salary, win bonuses, and pay-per-view points. He also earns from sponsorship deals with Reebok (UFC uniform deal), Monster Energy, and local Chicago businesses, estimated at $200,000 to $400,000 annually. Fight bonuses add another $100,000 from Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards. Muhammad has invested in Chicago real estate and owns a home in the suburbs. He also generates income from merchandise sales and occasional coaching at local gyms.[edit]

Muhammad has won the UFC Welterweight Championship (2024-2026), along with two post-fight bonuses: Performance of the Night (UFC Fight Night 205, March 2022) and Fight of the Night (UFC Fight Night 195, October 2021). These awards recognize his standout performances in the octagon.[edit]