Dana White FIRED UP over Palestine flag question at UFC 304 after Belal Muhammad’s historic win

Dana White gives blunt rebuke to claims that personnel took Belal Muhammad's flag from octagon fence.

Dana White FIRED UP over Palestine flag question at UFC 304 after Belal Muhammad’s historic win

Dana White responds to media member's alleged claims on Belal Muhammad's Palestine flag (Source: IMAGO/X)

Belal Muhammad became the welterweight champion in Saturday’s Co-op Live headliner in Manchester, England. With his “Fighting the real fight” aspirations, the Palestinian-American and his warcry to stop the global conflict have been quite something. In the aftermath, his flag also becomes symbolic. Bossman Dana White, though, did not want to hear about another potential flag controversy!

Muhammad dethroned Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 304. After that, he dedicated his win to the Palestinian cause yet again. Many media outlets and MMA coverage pages have picked up on the calls from Palestine’s first UFC champ. He donned the flag during his walkout and handed it to his cornermen; it did not stay put though.

Oh, Palestine flag. Somebody said take it down? Who said take it down? Looked like there were people from UFC? ...I have no idea. I get what you're trying to do. But I have no idea. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what you're trying to do. I know what you're trying to do. Good try. I don't fu*king -- I have no idea. But good try. You guys love to do that sh*t... Have a good night.
Dana White during UFC 304 Post-fight conference interviews
YouTube video

During Dana White’s post-fight press interview segment, media scrum indicated two personnel (UFC) allegedly asked the cornermen to remove the flag from the Octagon fence. White disagreed on having any knowledge. In trademark fashion, the 55-year-old scoffed it off. After 2022’s Russia-Ukraine war, top brass put a ban on flags.

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With the Israel-Palestine conflict looming, it only solidified the stance. People like Muhammad, who have been prolific in their efforts to work for the cause and country, often scuffled over it. Nevertheless, the flag ban disappeared in late 2023 with a switch towards the Mexican Noche UFC. The UFC has had a tumultuous running concerning its athletes’ representation and flags. However, Dana White does not heed to stirring the pot on the issue.

Belal Muhammad’s latest contribution to relief efforts in Palestine

It’s too early to tell if Belal Muhammad will turn out to be an all-in-all brand champion after this weekend. From the get-go at UFC 304, he stalked ‘Rocky’ and outboxed him. He also had some accurate and emphatic power takedowns. He even spiked his head during one of the attempts, but his reign might still be incumbent. However, he is already a people’s champ to Palestinians.

Belal Muhammad might step up pro-Palestine efforts after UFC 304 win
Belal Muhammad might step up pro-Palestine efforts after UFC 304 win (Source: es.agfight.com/X)

Muhammad, 36, has always honored his roots through everything he’s done. During UFC 304’s Fight Week build-up, he said the struggle of his country is why he is taking it all so personally. The likes of Sean Strickland and Colby Covington have always scuffled with his origins and worth. That, mixed with Edwards snubbing him, started an ember in him. However, it all stems from his love for Palestine.

He is part of Team Palestine 4 PCRF Nonprofit. PCRF – Palestine Children’s Relief Fund imported a kid, Jood, who went viral due to Palestinian journalist Motaz Azaiza’s picture during the bombing of his home. UFC 304 Countdown – Full Episode; Official YT Channel (@ufc) sees his connection with the kid he helped rehabilitate in the States.

Muhammad has also collaborated with a Toronto-based clothing brand, Peace Collective, to fund the PCRF. His actions show that his legacy extends beyond athletics. ‘Remember the cause’, he says. As a champ, he might just bolster that effort.

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