Who Is Belal Muhammad? Meet the Former UFC Champion Standing in Gabriel Bonfim’s Way

Bonfim, on the other hand, has steadily climbed the ranks since arriving in the UFC and has developed a reputation as a dangerous finisher. At 27, he’s nearly a decade younger than Muhammad and enters the fight with solid momentum.

For Bonfim, beating a former champion would be the biggest win of his career. For Muhammad, it is a chance to show that one loss has not changed his place in the division.

Belal Muhammad’s UFC Career So Far

Muhammad made his UFC debut in 2016 after capturing the Titan FC welterweight title. His rise through the ranks was anything but quick. He lost fights early in his UFC run and spent years competing without receiving the attention given to some of the division’s bigger personalities. Still, he kept winning. Victories over fighters such as Vicente Luque, Dhiego Lima, Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns gradually pushed him up the rankings.

The defining moment of his career arrived in July 2024 at UFC 304. After spending years campaigning for a title opportunity, Muhammad challenged Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight championship. Across five rounds, Muhammad repeatedly found success with his pressure and wrestling. He earned a unanimous decision victory and finally captured the title he had chased for years.

The win also made him the first fighter of Palestinian heritage to become a UFC champion, a milestone he openly celebrated after the fight. Whether Muhammad gets another title shot remains to be seen. What is certain is that few fighters currently on the roster have taken a longer road to championship success.

That experience is part of what makes him such a difficult test for Bonfim. The Brazilian prospect may have youth on his side, but standing across from him will be a fighter who has already seen almost everything the welterweight division can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belal Muhammad

Q. What is Belal Muhammad’s nickname?
Ans. Belal Muhammad is known by the nickname “Remember the Name,” a phrase that became popular after UFC commentator Joe Rogan mistakenly forgot his name during a post-fight interview early in his UFC career.

Q. How old is Belal Muhammad?
Ans. Belal Muhammad was born on July 9, 1988, making him 37 years old as of 2026.

Q. What is Belal Muhammad’s professional MMA record?
Ans. Belal Muhammad owns one of the strongest records among active UFC welterweights, with more than 20 professional victories across his MMA career.

Q. Where does Belal Muhammad train?
Ans. Muhammad has long been associated with Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he trains alongside several top-level MMA fighters under renowned coach Duke Roufus.

Q. What is Belal Muhammad’s educational background?
Ans. Before becoming a full-time mixed martial artist, Muhammad attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned a degree in law enforcement.