After Palestine flag controversy, Belal Muhammad reveals promise from Dana White for UFC 315

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad reveals getting permission from Dana White to bring the Palestine flag to UFC 315.

After Palestine flag controversy, Belal Muhammad reveals promise from Dana White for UFC 315

Belal Muhammad is ready to walk out with the Palestine flag at UFC 315 (via X)

Belal Muhammad is the reigning UFC welterweight champion and is currently scheduled to defend his belt at UFC 315. The fight will take place in Montreal, Canada, and his opponent will be the talented contender Jack Della Maddalena. Going into the fight, the champion had some issues with his Palestinian flag, but things seem clear now.

A few weeks ago, the UFC faced controversy for censoring the Palestine flag displayed under Muhammad’s official fighter profile. After it was noticed by many fans online, Muhammad became aware of the situation and decided to approach Dana White directly. Things finally got sorted out, and recently Muhammad spoke about his intention to carry the Palestine flag at UFC 315.

Yeah, 100 percent. We’ve talked about it, and they have accepted it. There’s nothing that’s gonna stop me from doing it.

Belal Muhammad via MMA Fighting 

Following the controversy, Muhammad had also confirmed that his flag was added back, and the CEO personally apologized for the blunder. White has always been a flag bearer of free speech and doesn’t like to censor his fighters, irrespective of anything. Recently, he chose not to punish Bryce Mitchell, who got worldwide criticism for making antisemitic comments praising Adolf Hitler. 

Muhammad has consistently voiced strong support for Palestine, using his platform to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict. For this, he has also received a variety of flak on the internet and from fellow fighters, such as Sean Strickland. Muslim UFC fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and Muhammad have often spoken about the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Recently, the welterweight champion revealed that he adopted a child from Gaza, a gesture reflecting his deep compassion and personal connection to the cause. Following his title win at UFC 304, Muhammad took pride in becoming the first Palestinian champion in UFC history. His commitment to his culture and dominant performance made him a fan favorite in the last few months.

Belal Muhammad speaks about getting respect from UFC legends 

At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad impressed the majority of the MMA community with his relentless pressure, which reminded everyone of Khabib Nurmagomedov. It was a natural comparison given that Muhammad spent valuable time training with Nurmagomedov, sharpening his wrestling and overall fight strategy. Nurmagomedov’s work ethic and championship mindset deeply influenced Muhammad, who embraced those lessons during his journey to the welterweight championship.

Belal Muhammad's relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov
Belal Muhammad’s relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Instagram)

Muhammad has often credited Nurmagomedov and his team for having those tough training sessions, which molded him. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and shared faith, making the ‘Eagle’ a huge admirer of Muhammad. During the interview, the welterweight champion talked about getting recognition from someone like Nurmagomedov.

It’s like the highest honour to get respect from him. For him to say that I have the best cardio and to hype me up like that, it means real. I look up to him, and I wanna emulate him and his style, and the way he fights and the way he acts as a champion. It means the world.

Belal Muhammad continued.

This relationship has now backfired for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who wanted to move up. The pound-for-pound king hoped to challenge for welterweight gold, but Muhammad’s presence as champion has made that unlikely now. Despite fan criticism and potential legacy implications, Muhammad has firmly stated he will not fight Makhachev out of deep respect.

Makhachev will be looking closely at the UFC 314 main event bout between Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. There were reports that suggest that the Dagestani will challenge JDM if the Aussie manages to beat Muhammad. However, with his recent form and wrestling prowess, Muhammad is the betting favorite but still, anything can happen inside the octagon. 

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