Belal Muhammad: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Belal Muhammad is one of the top-ranked welterweight fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has gained a reputation for his resilience, striking ability, and grappling skills. Born into a Palestinian-American family, Muhammad has become an inspiration both inside and outside the octagon.
- Age: 36 years
- Date of Birth: July 9, 1988
- Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Net Worth: $2 million
Early Life and Background
Date of Birth and Age
Belal Muhammad was born on July 9, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. As of 2025, he is 36 years old. Despite being an American citizen, Belal is of Palestinian descent, and he proudly represents his heritage.
Family Background
Belal Muhammad comes from a close-knit Palestinian Muslim family. His parents migrated from Palestine to the United States in search of better opportunities. He has four siblings, including an older brother, an older sister, and two younger brothers.Muhammad was raised in Chicago, Illinois, a city with a large Arab-American community. His upbringing was influenced by both American and Palestinian cultures, and he grew up with a strong sense of discipline and hard work instilled by his parents.
Education
Belal attended Bogan High School in Chicago, where he was active in sports, particularly wrestling. His wrestling coach, Louis Taylor, played a pivotal role in shaping his fighting career. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he pursued a degree in law before shifting his focus to professional mixed martial arts (MMA).
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Early Career and Amateur Fights
Muhammad started his MMA journey in 2010, competing in amateur fights before making his professional debut in 2012. His early career saw him fighting for regional promotions such as Titan Fighting Championship (Titan FC), where he won the Titan FC Welterweight Championship by defeating Steve Carl via TKO. This victory brought him into the spotlight and paved the way for his UFC debut.
UFC Debut and Rise in the Welterweight Division
Belal Muhammad made his UFC debut on July 7, 2016, against Alan Jouban at UFC Fight Night 90. Despite losing via unanimous decision, he displayed tremendous heart and toughness, earning him the Fight of the Night bonus.His first UFC victory came on September 17, 2016, when he defeated Augusto Montaño via third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 94. Following this, he continued to improve his record with key victories over fighters like:
- Jordan Mein
- Tim Means
- Randy Brown
- Dhiego Lima
- Vicente Luque (rematch win in 2022)
Fighting Style and Strengths
Belal Muhammad is known for his well-rounded fighting style, which combines:
- Striking – Solid boxing fundamentals and high-volume striking
- Wrestling – Strong takedown ability and ground control
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – He holds a brown belt in BJJ, making him dangerous on the ground
- Cardio and Endurance – Known for maintaining a high pace throughout his fights
Championship Run and UFC Title Victory
After a series of dominant performances, Belal Muhammad earned a shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship. On July 27, 2024, at UFC 304, he faced Leon Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch. This time, he defeated Edwards via unanimous decision, becoming the UFC Welterweight Champion.His victory was historic as it made him the first UFC champion of Palestinian descent. This win was celebrated by fans worldwide, particularly in Palestine and the Middle East, as he dedicated his championship to his people.
Personal Life
Faith and Heritage
Belal Muhammad is a practicing Muslim and has often spoken about the importance of his faith in his career. He observes Ramadan, even while training for fights, and has used his platform to advocate for Palestinian rights.
Family Business and Personal Challenges
In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, his family’s businesses in Chicago were looted and vandalized. He publicly spoke about the situation, expressing his disappointment but also reinforcing his commitment to staying positive and resilient.
Activism and Social Influence
Belal Muhammad actively uses his social media to:
- Speak out against injustice in Palestine
- Raise awareness about charitable causes
- Inspire young athletes from minority backgrounds
Net Worth and Earnings
Fight Purses and UFC Salary
As of 2025, Belal Muhammad’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million. His wealth comes from multiple sources, including:
- UFC Fight Payouts – As a top welterweight fighter, he earns significant fight purses, especially as a champion. His earnings per fight have increased from around $50,000 early in his career to $500,000+ per fight as a titleholder.
- Performance Bonuses – He has received multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, each worth $50,000.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships – He has secured deals with brands like:
- Reebok (before UFC switched to Venum)
- Monster Energy
- Crypto.com (official UFC sponsor)
- Commentary and Podcasting – Muhammad has also done fight commentary and analysis, which contributes to his earnings.
- Merchandise Sales – He sells official Belal Muhammad apparel and merchandise.
Lifestyle and Assets
Despite his financial success, Belal is known for his humble lifestyle. He lives in Chicago, where he trains, and frequently visits his family. Unlike many athletes, he does not flaunt a lavish lifestyle, instead choosing to focus on his career and community.
Legacy and Future Goals
Impact on the MMA Community
Belal Muhammad is a role model for aspiring Muslim and Arab fighters. He has broken barriers and proven that hard work and dedication can lead to success, regardless of background.
Possible Future Fights
As the UFC Welterweight Champion, Belal is expected to defend his title against top contenders, including:
- Khamzat Chimaev
- Shavkat Rakhmonov
- Colby Covington
- Leon Edwards (trilogy fight possibility)
He has also expressed interest in moving up to middleweight for a potential super fight in the future.
Conclusion
Belal Muhammad’s journey from a Palestinian-American kid in Chicago to the UFC Welterweight Champion is a story of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. His achievements in mixed martial arts have not only made him a household name but also an inspiration for fighters worldwide.As he continues his MMA career, Belal remains dedicated to representing Palestine, his faith, and his community while striving for even greater success. Whether defending his welterweight title or advocating for important causes, Belal Muhammad’s legacy is only getting stronger.
Key Takeaways
- Full Name: Belal Muhammad
- Date of Birth: July 9, 1988 (36 years old in 2025)
- Nationality: American (Palestinian descent)
- MMA Record: 24-3-1 (as of 2025)
- UFC Debut: 2016
- Current Title: UFC Welterweight Champion
- Net Worth: Estimated $3-5 million
