Belal Muhammad

Last updated

Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad UFC.jpg
Muhammad in 2023
Born (1988-07-09) July 9, 1988 (age 36)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
NicknameRemember the Name
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
Division Welterweight
Reach72 in (183 cm) [1]
Fighting out ofChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Team Roufusport (2013–present) [2]
Chicago Fight Team (2010–present) [3]
Valle Flow Striking
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [1]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total28
Wins24
By knockout5
By submission1
By decision18
Losses3
By knockout1
By decision2
No contests1
Other information
University University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Belal Muhammad (born July 9, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion. As of September 17, 2024, he is #5 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. [4] A professional competitor since 2012, he has also competed for Bellator and Titan FC.

Contents

Background

Muhammad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, to Palestinian parents. [5] He has four siblings: an older brother, older sister and two younger brothers. [6] [7] He wrestled at Bogan High School where he had future PFL champion Louis Taylor as his wrestling coach. Taylor was later instrumental in training Muhammad for the latter's amateur career. He studied to become a lawyer [8] and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. [9]

Mixed martial arts career

Shortly after a TKO victory over Steve Carl to become the Titan Fighting Championships Welterweight Champion, and push his record to 9–0, Muhammad signed with the UFC in 2016. [10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On July 7, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 90, Muhammad made his UFC debut, as a short-notice replacement, against Alan Jouban. [11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [12] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night bonuses for their performances. [13]

Muhammad next faced Augusto Montaño on September 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 94. [14] He won the fight via TKO in the third round. [15]

Muhammad was expected to face Lyman Good on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205. [16] However, on October 24, Good was pulled from the card after being notified by USADA of a potential anti-doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test sample collected ten days earlier. [17] He was replaced by Vicente Luque. [18] Muhammad lost the fight via knockout in the first round. [19]

Muhammad was a short notice replacement and stepped in to face Randy Brown on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208. [20] He won the fight by unanimous decision. [21]

Muhammad faced Jordan Mein on July 8, 2017, at UFC 213. [22] He won the fight by unanimous decision. [23]

Muhammad was expected to face Jesse Taylor on November 19, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura. [24] However, on September 13, it was announced that Taylor was pulled from the card after being notified by USADA of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test conducted on August 22. [25] He was replaced by Tim Means. [26] Muhammad won the fight via split decision. [27]

Muhammad was expected to face Niko Price on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131. [28] However, Price was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Chance Rencountre. [29] Muhammad won the fight via unanimous decision. [30]

Muhammad was scheduled to meet Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on September 22, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 137. [31] However, on September 14, 2018, Muhammad was pulled from the bout and he was replaced by newcomer Luigi Vendramini. [32]

Muhammad faced Geoff Neal on January 19, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 143. [33] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. [34]

Muhammad faced Curtis Millender on April 13, 2019, at UFC 236. [35] He won the fight by unanimous decision. [36]

Muhammad faced Takashi Sato on September 7, 2019, at UFC 242. [37] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. [38] This win earned Muhammad his first Performance of the Night award. [39]

Muhammad was expected to face Lyman Good on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249. [40] However on April 4, Good pulled out due to COVID-19 infection. [41] [42] The bout was rebooked and eventually took place on June 20, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov. [43] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [44]

Muhammad was expected to face Sean Brady on December 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 183. [45] However in late October, Brady had a broken nose and had to pull out of their bout, [46] and he was replaced by Dhiego Lima. [47] Subsequently, Muhammed was diagnosed with COVID-19 during the week leading up to the event and the bout was scrapped from the card [48] and the bout was rescheduled to February 13, 2021, at UFC 258 [49] Muhammad won the fight via unanimous decision. [50]

Muhammad faced Leon Edwards on March 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 187. [51] During the second round, Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye rendering him unable to continue. The fight was declared a no contest. [52]

Muhammad faced Demian Maia on June 12, 2021, at UFC 263. [53] Muhammad won the fight via unanimous decision. [54]

Muhammad faced Stephen Thompson on December 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus. [55] He won the bout via unanimous decision. [56]

Muhammad faced Vicente Luque in a rematch on April 16, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 34. [57] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [58]

Muhammad faced Sean Brady on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280. [59] He won the bout via TKO stoppage at the end of the second round. [60] UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of his cornermen for this fight. [61] He received his second Performance of the Night bonus. [62]

Muhammad faced Gilbert Burns on May 6, 2023, at UFC 288. [63] Muhammad won by unanimous decision. [64]

UFC Welterweight Champion

Muhammad faced Leon Edwards in a rematch, for the UFC Welterweight Championship on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304. [65] He won the fight and the title by unanimous decision. [66]

Muhammad was scheduled to make his first UFC Welterweight Championship defense against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 7, 2024 at UFC 310. [67] However, due to a bone infection in his foot, Muhammad was forced to withdraw and it is unknown whether or not Rakhmonov will remain on the card or if the bout will be moved to a later date. [68]

Professional grappling career

Muhammad was scheduled to compete against Tarek Suleiman in the no gi co-main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023. [69] He withdrew from the match on short notice and was replaced by Marvin Vettori. [70]

Personal life

Muhammad is a Muslim, [71] and an outspoken supporter of Palestine. [72] He has denounced the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis showing support for Palestinians while also condemning antisemitism. [73]

On June 1, 2020, businesses owned by Muhammad's father and cousins in Chicago were looted and destroyed as a result of the George Floyd unrest. [74]

He threw the ceremonial first pitch for the Chicago Cubs on July 28, 2021. [75]

He represents Palestine. [76] [77] [78]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
28 matches24 wins3 losses
By knockout51
By submission10
By decision182
No contests1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win24–3 (1) Leon Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC 304 July 27, 202455:00 Manchester, EnglandWon the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win23–3 (1) Gilbert Burns Decision (unanimous) UFC 288 May 6, 202355:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win22–3 (1) Sean Brady TKO (punches) UFC 280 October 22, 202224:47 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesPerformance of the Night.
Win21–3 (1) Vicente Luque Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2 April 16, 202255:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win20–3 (1) Stephen Thompson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus December 18, 202135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win19–3 (1) Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 263 June 12, 202135:00 Glendale, Arizona, United States
NC18–3 (1) Leon Edwards NC (accidental eye poke) UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad March 13, 202120:18 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesAccidental eye poke rendered Muhammad unable to continue.
Win18–3 Dhiego Lima Decision (unanimous) UFC 258 February 13, 202135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win17–3 Lyman Good Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov June 20, 202035:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win16–3 Takashi Sato Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 242 September 7, 201931:55 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesPerformance of the Night.
Win15–3 Curtis Millender Decision (unanimous) UFC 236 April 13, 201935:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss14–3 Geoff Neal Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw January 19, 201935:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Win14–2 Chance Rencountre Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes June 1, 201835:00 Utica, New York, United States
Win13–2 Tim Means Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura November 19, 201735:00 Sydney, Australia
Win12–2 Jordan Mein Decision (unanimous) UFC 213 July 8, 201735:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win11–2 Randy Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC 208 February 11, 201735:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Loss10–2 Vicente Luque KO (punches) UFC 205 November 12, 201611:19 New York City, New York, United States
Win10–1 Augusto Montaño TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson September 17, 201634:19 Hidalgo, Texas, United States
Loss9–1 Alan Jouban Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez July 7, 201635:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win9–0 Steve Carl TKO (punches)Titan FC 38April 30, 201644:07 Miami, Florida, United StatesWon the inaugural Titan FC Welterweight Championship.
Win8–0Zane KamakaDecision (unanimous)Titan FC 35September 19, 201535:00 Ridgefield, Washington, United States
Win7–0Keith JohnsonDecision (unanimous)Titan FC 33March 20, 201535:00 Mobile, Alabama, United StatesCatchweight (174 lb) bout; Johnson missed weight.
Win6–0 Chris Curtis Decision (unanimous)Hoosier Fight Club 21September 13, 201435:00 Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Win5–0 A.J. Matthews Decision (unanimous) Bellator 112 March 14, 201435:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win4–0Garrett GrossDecision (unanimous)Hoosier Fight Club 18November 9, 201335:00 Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Win3–0Jimmy FritzTKO (punches)Hoosier Fight Club 15April 6, 201322:19 Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Win2–0Quinton McCottrellDecision (unanimous) Bellator 84 December 14, 201235:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win1–0Justin BrockTKO (punches)Hoosier Fight Club 12August 18, 201212:17 Valparaiso, Indiana, United StatesWelterweight debut.

[83]

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV buys
1. UFC 304 Edwards vs. Muhammad 2July 27, 2024 Co-op Live Manchester, England, United KingdomNot Disclosed [84]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyman Good</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Lyman Merrill Good, also known as "American Cyborg", is an American mixed martial artist. He is perhaps best known for his time spent with Bellator, where he was the inaugural Bellator Welterweight Champion, and for competing in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Thompson (fighter)</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1983)

Stephen Randall Thompson is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. Thompson currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As a full-contact kickboxer, Thompson was undefeated through 37 amateur and 20 professional matches. Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC. As of November 12, 2024, he is #10 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Tim Means is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2004, Means has also formerly competed for King of the Cage and Legacy FC. Means is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion and the former King of the Cage Junior Welterweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilbert Burns</span> Brazilian mixed martial artist (born 1986)

Gilbert Alexander Pontes Burns is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and submission grappler. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 10 September 2024, he is #8 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Magny</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1987)

Aoutneil Jacques "Neil" Magny is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional MMA competitor since 2010, Magny made a name for himself as a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson and currently holds the record for most wins in UFC Welterweight history (22).

Warlley Alves is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional MMA competitor since 2011, Warlley made a name for himself fighting at Jungle Fight. He is the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Middleweight tournament.

Alan Michael Jouban is an American retired professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2010, Jouban has also formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, RFA and Tachi Palace Fights.

Dhiego Lima is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division of the UFC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leon Edwards</span> Jamaican-English mixed martial artist (born 1991)

Leon Edwards is an English professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC welterweight champion. A professional competitor since 2011, Edwards formerly competed for BAMMA, where he was the BAMMA welterweight champion. As of 30 July 2024, he is #1 in the UFC welterweight rankings, and as of 27 August 2024, he is #9 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis Millender</span> American mixed martial artist

Curtis Millender is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2013, Millender has formerly competed in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League (PFL), and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).

Alexander Quincy Morono is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently fights in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2010, Morono has also fought for Legacy Fighting Championship, where he was the Welterweight Champion.

Randall Joseph Brown is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2014, he has formerly competed for Ring of Combat and became the Welterweight Ring of Combat Champion in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vicente Luque</span> Brazilian-American mixed martial artist (born 1991)

Vicente Catta Preta Luque is a Brazilian and American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of August 27, 2024, he is #14 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Nicholas Gordon “Niko” Price is an American mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marvin Vettori</span> Italian mixed martial artist

Marvin Vettori is an Italian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2012, Vettori is a former Venator FC Welterweight Champion. As of October 28, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He was the former Jungle Fight welterweight champion in Brazil and currently competes in welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geoff Neal</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1990)

Geoffrey Charles Neal is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of November 12, 2024, he is #11 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chance Rencountre</span> American professional mixed martial artist

Chance Eugene Duke Rencountre is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division. A professional since 2012, he has also competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, and Titan FC.

Sean Thomas Brady is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of November 5, 2024, he is #4 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Kalinn "Khaos" Williams is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

References

  1. 1 2 "Belal Muhammad | UFC". UFC.com. September 14, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  2. ↑ Tim Thompson (August 30, 2016). "Exclusive Interview With UFC Welterweight Contender Belal Muhammad". Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews.
  3. ↑ Danny Doherty (September 15, 2016). "UFC Hidalgo: Belal Muhammad Looking for More Bonus Money". cagepages.com.
  4. ↑ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  5. ↑ Hannoun, Farah (September 3, 2019). "Fighting, faith and family: Belal Muhammad proud to represent ahead of UFC 242". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  6. ↑ Steven Marrocco (January 9, 2021). "Belal Muhammad aiming for breakthrough 2021: 'I belong fighting these top-tier guys'". mmafighting.com.
  7. ↑ Brendan Schaub (June 14, 2022). "Belal Muhammad | Food Truck Diaries w/ Brendan Schaub" (Podcast).
  8. ↑ "JRE MMA Show #162 with Belal Muhammad". September 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  9. ↑ Raimondi, Marc (November 12, 2016). "Muhammad embracing idea of being Muslim role model". MMA Fighting. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  10. ↑ Zane Simon (May 27, 2016). "Welcome to the UFC, Belal Muhammad". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  11. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (June 8, 2016). "Alan Jouban gets new opponent Belal Muhammad for UFC Fight Night on July 7". sherdog.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  12. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (July 7, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 90 results: Alan Jouban outworks gutsy Belal Muhammad for decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Tristen Critchfield (July 7, 2016). "UFC Fight Night bonuses: Alvarez, Jouban, Muhammad, Munhoz collect $50K". sherdog.com. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  14. ↑ Staff (July 21, 2016). "Augusto Montano vs. Belal Muhammad added to UFC Fight Night 94 in Texas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  15. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (September 17, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 94 results: Belal Muhammad drops hands on Augusto Montano for late stoppage". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  16. ↑ Shaun Al-Shatti (September 23, 2016). "Belal Muhammad gets quick turnaround, fights Lyman Good at UFC 205". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  17. ↑ Staff (October 24, 2016). "Lyman Good receives USADA notice, pulled from UFC 205". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  18. ↑ Jesse Holland (October 25, 2016). "Vicente Luque has Good reason to face Belal Muhammad at UFC 205". mmamania.com. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  19. ↑ Steven Marrocco (November 12, 2016). "UFC 205 results: Vicente Luque ends Belal Muhammad's night in 79 seconds with vicious KO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  20. ↑ Staff (February 4, 2017). "With Sullivan out, Randy Brown now meets Belal Muhammad at UFC 208 in Brooklyn". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  21. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (February 11, 2017). "UFC 208 results: Belal Muhammad cruises past New York's Randy Brown for decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  22. ↑ Daniel Austin (May 25, 2017). "Lethbridge fighter Jordan Mein to battle Belal Muhammad in UFC 213". calgaryherald.com. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  23. ↑ "UFC 213 results: Belal Muhammad soundly defeats Jordan Mein by unanimous decision". MMAjunkie. July 9, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  24. ↑ Staff (August 17, 2017). "Belal Muhammad says he's fighting Jesse Taylor at UFC Fight Night 121 in Australia". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  25. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (September 13, 2017). "'TUF 25' winner Jesse Taylor facing anti-doping violation, removed from UFC Fight Night 121". sherdog.com. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  26. ↑ Shawn Bitter (October 11, 2017). "Tim Means vs. Belal Muhammad in the works for UFC Sydney". mma-today.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  27. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 121 results: Belal Muhammad takes split from Tim Means, calls out Colby Covington". MMAjunkie. November 19, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  28. ↑ Staff (April 11, 2018). "UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica gets two new bouts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  29. ↑ Staff (May 22, 2018). "Belal Muhammad gets new opponent for UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  30. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 131 results: Belal Muhammad makes easy work of Chance Rencountre". MMAjunkie. June 2, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Belal Muhammad vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos added to UFC Fight Night 137 in Brazil". MMAjunkie. July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Undefeated newcomer Luigi Vendramini replaces Belal Muhammad at UFC Sao Paulo". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  33. ↑ Mark La Monica (November 6, 2018). "UFC on ESPN+ in Brooklyn gets its first scheduled bout". newsday.com. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  34. ↑ Dave Doyle (January 19, 2019). "UFC Brooklyn results: Geoff Neal scores impressive win over Belal Muhammad". mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 21, 2019.
  35. ↑ Marcel Dorff (March 15, 2019). "Snelle terugkeer voor Curtis Millender tegen Belal Muhammad tijdens UFC 236 in Atlanta" (in Dutch). Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  36. ↑ "UFC 236 results: Belal Muhammad relentless pressure too much for Curtis Millender". MMA Junkie. April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  37. ↑ Marcel Dorff (May 13, 2019). "Belal Muhammad vs. Takashi Sato eerste gevecht voor UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi" (in Dutch). Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  38. ↑ Anderson, Jay (September 7, 2019). "UFC 242 Results: Belal Muhammad Wraps Up Win Over Takeshi Sato With Third-Round Submission". Cageside Press. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  39. ↑ Lee, Alexander K. (September 7, 2019). "Khabib Nurmagemodov leads quartet of UFC 242 performance bonuses". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  40. ↑ Mark La Monica (February 12, 2020). "UFC 249: Lyman Good vs. Belal Muhammad set for welterweight bout at Barclays Center". newsday.com. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  41. ↑ Marrocco, Steven (April 20, 2020). "Lyman Good admits positive test for COVID-19, says he's healthy now and wants to fight". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  42. ↑ Danny Segura (April 4, 2020). "Lyman Good out of UFC 249 bout with Belal Muhammad due to injury". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  43. ↑ Farah Hannoun (May 22, 2020). "Lyman Good to face Belal Muhammad in first UFC fight since coronavirus infection". mmajunkie.com.
  44. ↑ Jay Anderson (June 21, 2020). "UFC on ESPN 11 Results: Belal Muhammad Bloodied, But Gets By Lyman Good". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  45. ↑ Farah Hannoun (October 7, 2020). "Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady added to UFC's Dec. 19 event". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  46. ↑ Farah Hannoun (October 30, 2020). "Belal Muhammad says Sean Brady is out of their fight, wants Mike Perry as a replacement". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  47. ↑ Jamal Boussenaf (November 16, 2020). "Dhiego Lima vervangt uitgevallen Sean Brady tegen Belal Muhammad". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  48. ↑ Staff (December 15, 2020). "COVID-19 takes Belal Muhammad out of Dhiego Lima bout at UFC Fight Night 183". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  49. ↑ Heck, Mike (January 8, 2021). "Belal Muhammad vs. Dhiego Lima rebooked for UFC 258". MMA Fighting. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  50. ↑ Vreeland, Daniel (February 13, 2021). "UFC 258 Results: Belal Muhammad Backs Up and Batters Dhiego Lima". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  51. ↑ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (February 18, 2021). "Belal Muhammad steps up, agrees to Leon Edwards fight for UFC main event on March 13". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  52. ↑ Doherty, Dan (March 13, 2021). "UFC Vegas 21 Results: Accidental Eye Poke Ends Main Event". Cageside Press. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  53. ↑ Damon Martin; Mike Heck (April 4, 2021). "Demian Maia to face Belal Muhammad at UFC 263". MMA FIGHTING. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  54. ↑ Vreeland, Daniel (June 12, 2021). "UFC 263 Results: Belal Muhammad Stuffs Demian Maia's Takedowns, Wins Decision". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  55. ↑ Jay Pettry (November 11, 2021). "Stephen Thompson-Belal Muhammad welterweight battle set for UFC Fight Night 199". Sherdog. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  56. ↑ Anderson, Jay (December 18, 2021). "UFC Vegas 45: Belal Muhammad Out-Grapples Stephen Thompson for Decision Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  57. ↑ Martin, Damon (January 25, 2022). "Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad 2 headlines UFC event on April 16". MMA Fighting. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  58. ↑ Anderson, Jay (April 17, 2022). "UFC Vegas 51: Belal Muhammad's Wrestling, Movement Key in Win Over Vicente Luque". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  59. ↑ Bohn, Mike (July 8, 2022). "Undefeated Sean Brady gets wish, meets Belal Muhammad in UFC's Abu Dhabi return Oct. 22". MMA Junkie. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  60. ↑ Anderson, Jay (October 22, 2022). "UFC 280: Belal Muhammad Becomes First to Beat, Stop Sean Brady". Cageside Press. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  61. ↑ Hannoun, Farah (October 1, 2022). "Belal Muhammad says Khabib Nurmagomedov will corner him at UFC 280". MMAjunkie . Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  62. 1 2 Staff (October 22, 2022). "UFC 280 bonuses: The Sean O'Malley-Petr Yan banger was a $50,000 no-brainer". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  63. ↑ Bohn, Mike (April 20, 2023). "UFC 288 adds Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad as short notice five-round co-headliner". MMA Junkie. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  64. ↑ Rush, Dylan (May 7, 2023). "UFC 288: Belal Muhammad Earns Decision, Title Shot Against Injured Gilbert Burns". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  65. ↑ "UFC 304 official with Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad headliner and more in Manchester". MMA Junkie. May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  66. ↑ Jay Anderson (July 28, 2024). "UFC 304: Belal Muhammad Survives Late Surge, Claims Gold from Leon Edwards". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  67. ↑ Nick Baldwin (October 12, 2024). "Muhammad-Rakhmonov, Pantoja-Asakura set for UFC 310". thescore.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  68. ↑ Mike Heck (October 31, 2024). "Belal Muhammad out of UFC 310 main event vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov". mmafighting.com. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  69. ↑ Blackett, Todd (September 28, 2023). "Belal Muhammad Set To Compete In ADXC 1 Co-Main Event". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  70. ↑ Jones, Phil (October 14, 2023). "Marvin Vettori Replaces Belal Muhammad At ADXC 1". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  71. ↑ "Belal Muhammad On Fighting During Ramadan, Representing 'Real Muslims' - FloCombat". www.flocombat.com. May 31, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  72. ↑ Khaled, Ali (June 7, 2021). "Belal Muhammad proud to display Palestinian roots in bid to upset Demian Maia at UFC". Arab News. Saudi Research and Media Group.
  73. ↑ Bissell, Tim (May 19, 2021). "'Pro Palestine, without being antisemitic'; Badr Hari, Belal Muhammad speak out about ethnic cleansing in Palestine". Bloody Elbow. SB Nation.
  74. ↑ "UFC's Belal Muhammad says dad's store was 'looted and destroyed' during George Floyd protests". bloodyelbow.com. June 2, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  75. ↑ Calhoun, Curtis (October 18, 2023). "Belal Muhammad threw out the Cubs first pitch in his Crocs (Video)". Fansided. Minute Media.
  76. 1 2 Sammy Baroud (July 28, 2024). "'For Palestine' – Belal Muhammad Becomes First Palestinian to be Undisputed UFC Champion". palestinechronicle.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  77. ↑ Online Desk (July 28, 2024). "For my people in Palestine... fighting the real fight: Belal Muhammad, first Palestinian to win UFC title". newindianexpress.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  78. ↑ News Desk (July 28, 2024). "Gaza wins: Belal Muhammad becomes first Palestinian fighter to win UFC title". thecurrent.pk. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  79. ↑ Lee, Alexander K. (September 7, 2019). "Khabib Nurmagemodov leads quartet of UFC 242 performance bonuses". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  80. 1 2 3 4 UFC (July 27, 2024). "UFC Stats - Welterweight Division". ufc.com.
  81. ↑ UFC (July 27, 2024). "UFC Stats - All Fighters". ufc.com.
  82. ↑ "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for January: A bloody barnburner". mmajunkie.com. February 1, 2019.
  83. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Belal". Sherdog. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  84. ↑ "UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 | MMA Event". Tapology.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by 14th UFC Welterweight Champion
July 27, 2024 – present		Incumbent
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.