World Courant
Combined martial arts fighter takes UFC welterweight title from reigning champion Leon Edwards.
Belal Muhammad has made historical past by changing into the primary blended martial arts fighter of Palestinian descent to win a UFC title, taking the welterweight title from English champion Leon Edwards.
The 36-year-old American fighter, born in Chicago and the son of two Palestinian immigrants, gained by unanimous determination (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) in 5 rounds at UFC 304 on Saturday.
Along with his face coated in blood, Muhammad (24-3) sank to his knees moments after remaining undefeated in his eleventh straight battle and carrying the championship belt round his waist. He hasn’t misplaced since 2019.
“It is not nearly me, it is also about them (the Palestinians and the folks of Gaza)” he is preventing for, Muhammad reportedly mentioned earlier than his battle in Manchester, England.
He additionally proudly waved the Palestinian flag throughout promotion of Saturday’s match, criticizing Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
Belal Muhammad throughout the weigh-in on Friday in Manchester (John Sibley/Reuters)
Muhammad and Edwards went unmatched in 2021, an unsatisfactory end result however one which sparked profitable streaks for each fighters.
Edwards gained 4 straight, whereas Muhammad gained 5 in a row.
In 2022, Edwards (22-4) defeated Kamaru Usman to win the title. He efficiently defended his title twice earlier than dealing with Muhammad on Saturday.
‘We exist’
Muhammad has persistently emphasised his Palestinian background, utilizing Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf’s Dammi Falesteeni (My Blood is Palestine) as his strike track.
In 2021, Muhammad was quoted in information stories as saying that as a world-famous fighter he “was a voice for the unvoiced.”
“There are usually not many Palestinian athletes who’ve a podium or a platform the place they will carry the flag. And now, particularly in these occasions, I’ve to hold that flag larger than ever. To point out the world that we exist, that we’re a rustic and that there are actual folks.
“Now I’ve a voice for individuals who do not have a voice, for those that the world desires you to overlook. So if I can preserve shining a lightweight on that, preserve lifting their morale, preserve lifting their coronary heart, then I will do what I can.”
Belal Muhammad first fighter of Palestinian descent to win UFC title | Sports activities Information
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