Imagine sitting across from a champion in one of the world's most perilous sports, his face marked by a broken nose and adorned with a gleaming championship belt, a testament to the blood, sweat, and tears he shed to reach this pinnacle. If this sight doesn't send shivers down your spine, nothing will. The man in question is Belal Muhammad, the UFC Welterweight champion, whose victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 marked a historic first for a Palestinian fighter.
"This is the moment you've been dreaming of your entire life, and when it finally happens, it feels incredible," the 36-year-old Belal shared with City Times. "All those years of relentless training, the highs and lows, the blood, sweat, and tears—it was an unforgettable night for me, my family, and my people."
Belal's journey began 13 years ago at the age of 23, considered late in the UFC arena. Initially, his goal was simply to reach the UFC. "I was determined to keep fighting, learning, improving, and winning," he recounted. "Once I secured a certain number of victories, I felt ready for the UFC." However, his debut in the organization was a loss, a setback he was determined not to let define his career.
"After that loss, we made strategic adjustments, found the right training facilities, and continued to work hard and grow until I was ready to climb the rankings," he explained. Climbing the rankings, Belal notes, is challenging because "everyone wants to maintain their position, not fight downward."
Interestingly, Belal never envisioned a career in the octagon during his school days. His ambition was to become a lawyer. "I was studying to be a lawyer when I saw my high school wrestling coach, Lewis Taylor, competing in Strikeforce. I reached out to him on Facebook about his gym, started training once a week, and soon became hooked. I was always competitive, so I wanted to learn more, but it never occurred to me that this could be my job until I started working with Lewis and improved."
Ahead of UFC 304, Belal underwent an intense eight-week training camp for his bout against Leon Edwards. "This is the best shape I've ever been in," he said, reflecting on his physical condition post-training. "And the best I've ever performed." However, his immediate plans are to enjoy some downtime and recover from injuries sustained during the fight.
Belal, who goes by the nickname "Remember The Name," has his sights set on Kazakh fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov, though a bout in October is too soon due to his recovery needs. "December seems more feasible," he noted.
Belal's historic win is a significant victory for Palestine, especially during challenging times. "I hope this victory resonates as a collective win for them," he expressed. "Every victory is a blessing, and for them, it's a constant reminder of their strength and resilience."
"I draw my strength from them, seeing how hard they push and work, and the resilience they embody. For them, every day is a matter of life and death. If I can bring a smile to their faces, it's a blessing for me."
"I will continue to speak up for you, fight for you, and win for you until you are free, until we can celebrate together, until the world recognizes you and your country is firmly established. Nothing can erase you, nothing can stop you from existing. You deserve to exist, and you will."
