Many fighters enter the UFC Octagon with a flag – from Conor McGregor draped in the Irish colors to Max Holloway representing Hawaii. For some, it’s just fabric. For others, it’s everything. In the case of Belal Muhammad, it’s a badge of history, struggle, and pride.

Now that he’s UFC welterweight champion, Muhammad isn’t just fighting for titles. He’s fighting for identity. And as he basks in championship glory, one question echoes louder than ever: Where does Belal Muhammad truly come from? Let’s trace his journey back to where it all began.

Where is Belal Muhammad from? Ethnicity & nationality

Most UFC fans know that the 34-year-old hails from Chicago. It’s also known that Muhammad was born and raised in his hometown of Illinois. By virtue of being born here, ‘Bully B’ is an American citizen, although his roots are from the Middle East.

Muhammad’s upbringing was entirely in the US, and he is a US citizen, but the noted UFC welterweight actually carries Palestinian roots. A number of UFC fans might have spotted that Muhammad also carries a Palestinian flag during his UFC walkouts.

All about Belal Muhammad’s parents

Born in 1988, Belal Muhammad is the son of Palestinian immigrants Abdullah and Maha Muhammad. His parents made the journey from Al-Bireh, a city in the West Bank that has lived under Israeli occupation since 1967.

They brought with them not only their traditions but also the trauma of displacement. Though Belal Muhammad has never lived in Palestine, the stories of home and the conflict were ever-present.

And now, those same parents are living a different kind of dream. In a recent chat with Michael Bisping, the welterweight champion couldn’t help but smile as he described their newfound fame. Muhammad confessed, “Seeing my dad being able to celebrate, he is showing his friends the bout. People ask my mom for pictures at grocery stores. So, seeing them get that superstar treatment is a sweet part for me.”

After all, from war-torn origins to red-carpet moments, Belal Muhammad’s journey is as much theirs as it is his. And it’s because of his family that he has stayed close to his Palestinian roots throughout his life.

Belal Muhammad grows closer to his Palestinian roots

Belal Muhammad’s pride in his heritage has always been more than symbolic. He’s spoken up, loud and clear, for the Palestinian people, especially in times of global silence.

Earlier this year, when fans noticed his UFC profile had no flag listed, Muhammad didn’t hold back. In a video directed at UFC boss Dana White, he said, “I talked to him, he said the flag’s back up tonight. (He) apologized, and that’s why I love the UFC. I love this company, and that’s why Dana’s the man.”

A day later, the Palestinian flag returned to his name on the official UFC site. It was a small act. But for Muhammad, it meant everything as he further wrote, “Flag is back, baby,”

His bond with his heritage deepened further during Ramadan this year. In the UFC 315 Countdown, he opened a window into his world during the episode as he revealed, “Ramadan brings you closer to god and family, friends. Me and my family like to have iftar dinners together every single night.”

That closeness to culture, to religion, and to community is what fuels his fire inside the cage. Now, at UFC 315, he’s set to take on Jack Della Maddalena for the first defense of his welterweight crown. And no matter the outcome, one thing’s certain: Belal Muhammad will carry his people and his legacy with him, every step of the way.