UFC champion Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad made history at UFC 304 by becoming the first mixed martial arts fighter of Palestinian origin to win a UFC title, dethroning Leon Edwards with a unanimous decision victory after five rounds. Muhammad, who has not lost since 2019, expressed his pride, dedicating the win to his homeland, stating, 'This is for my people in Palestine. They’re fighting the real fight.' The bout was a rematch following a previous no-contest, and Muhammad's strong performance included effective takedowns that neutralized Edwards' striking. UFC commentator Jon Anik praised Muhammad's journey from being unranked to champion, highlighting the significance of his victory. Despite the Manchester crowd's mixed reaction, Muhammad's win has garnered respect within the fighting community as he silenced his detractors. His achievement marks a pivotal moment in both his career and for representation in MMA.