Victory Parade Set Sunday For First Palestinian UFC Welterweight Champ

BRIDGEVIEW, IL — Chicago finally has a champion.

The UFC’s newly minted welterweight champ, Belal Muhammad, will be honored with a victory parade this Sunday, Aug. 11, by the Palestinian community, UFC fans and supporters.

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad grappled his way to the mixed UFC martial arts championship July 27 in Manchester, England, in a rematch against Leon Edwards. He is the first Palestinian to be crowned a UFC world champion..

Muhammad’s parents immigrated to the United States at a young age, settling on Chicago’s Southwest Side. He grew up playing sports in the park. After wrestling through his freshman and sophomore year at Bogan High School, Muhammad attended University of Illinois to become a lawyer. There, he connected with his old high school wrestling coach, and began training for the UFC.

His first bout against Edwards for the welterweight championship in 2021 ended in a draw, when Muhammad got an accidental eye poke. Muhammad roared back in last month's rematch against Edwards “with an authoritative performance that mixed stifling grappling and much-improved striking to win the welterweight championship by unanimous decision,” ESPN said.

Muhammad’s three brothers and sister have traveled the world going to their brother’s fights and were in Manchester for the main event when he won the world championship.

“I feel like we still haven’t processed it because Manchester was a whirlwind,” said his sister, Amyra. “I’m still the protective big sister whether he is a fighter or not. Our mom doesn’t watch his fights but waits for our phone call to tell her he’s okay.”

When UFC boss Dana White presented the world championship belt to Muhammad, “he used his massive platform to speak on the only issue that truly mattered,” reported the Palestine Chronicle

“This fight is nothing,” he said. “This is for my family, my people in Palestine. They’re fighting the real fight. Inshallah, it puts a smile on their face.”

Since her brother won the world championship, Amyra Muhammad said they’ve heard from the Palestinian community, supporters and UFC fans all over the world.

“This is not just a win for him, it's a win for Palestine,” his sister said. “He always brings out the Palestinian flag at his fights.”

Now that he has achieved his dream, his family hopes he will have time to plan for his upcoming wedding.

“He’s missed out on Thanksgiving dinners and barbecues because he’s cutting weight for a fight,” his sister said. “He’s very dedicated to the sport.”

Muhammed came home to the Southwest Side where his family celebrated his success. Sunday’s celebration is for the community.

At 2 p.m., Muhammed will be escorted by a caravan of cars down Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview from 87th Street to 92nd Street to 9150 S. Harlem Ave. Expect a short disruption to traffic Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Harlem Avenue.

Parking Information: Parking will be available at the old MCLS lot next to Harlem foods and 92nd street all the way up to Oketo Ave. There will be people to guide you on parking.

A small stage is being set up in the parking lot, where guest speakers including Mayor Steve Landek and Rouhy Shalbi, the first Palestinian judge from Cook County will be making remarks.

Muhammed will also address the crowd, and yes, he’ll be bringing the belt.

“He works so hard,” Amyra said. “The last two fights he’s been the underdog. He’s earned every bit of his success,”

“He’s missed out on Thanksgiving dinners and barbecues because he’s cutting weight for a fight. He’s very dedicated to the sport.”