Belal Muhammad’s grievance reached Dana White, who wasted no time setting things right.
Muhammad will make his first welterweight title defense at UFC 315 on May 10, headlining against Jack Della Maddalena at the Bell Centre, in Montreal, Canada.
UFC fighters usually have their national flags displayed on their profiles on the promotion’s official website, but "Remember the Name", who represents Palestine, was the only one among the 22 fighters on the UFC 315 lineup without one.
The Chicago-born reigning UFC 170-pound champion has never wavered in his pride for his Palestinian heritage. Throughout his UFC career, he has made it a point to represent his roots, always carrying the Palestinian flag as a symbol of his identity.
After noticing his flag was missing, Muhammad took to social media on Thursday, urging the UFC CEO to take action on the matter. Now, it appears his message has been acknowledged.
"Remember the Name" recently turned to X to announce that his profile now features the Palestinian flag. He expressed gratitude to White for taking prompt repsonse and commended the UFC for allowing fighters to express themselves freely.
"I just want to give a quick shoutout to Dana,” Belal Muhammad 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. The only organization that lets you be yourself. And true to his word, and doesn’t let other people sway his attitude or what he’s going to do. So, shout out to Dana. Shout out to the UFC. Flag is back, baby.”
As of now, the once-absent Palestinian flag has been restored to Muhammad’s profile on the UFC’s official website.
Belal Muhammad is set to return to action after a 10-month hiatus. He last fought at UFC 304 in July, where he earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards to clinch the welterweight title.
The 36-year-old American was originally set to defend his championship against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December. However, a leg infection forced Muhammad to withdraw, leading to the bout’s cancellation.