Belal Muhammad’s Welterweight Title Reign
Belal Muhammad called for a more active UFC welterweight champion after taking the belt from Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024. Muhammad made one defense: Jack Della Maddalena beat him by unanimous decision at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, ending his reign. The UFC’s event report records the result and title change.
A short title reign
Muhammad won the championship with a five-round unanimous decision over Edwards in Manchester, becoming the first Palestinian-American UFC champion. He entered the reign publicly promising activity and opportunity for contenders. The one title defense came nine months later against Della Maddalena. It was a close, competitive fight, but the Australian won on all three judges’ cards and became champion.
Muhammad’s criticism of Edwards’ schedule and media presence was his own argument about what a champion should do, not an objective measure of Edwards’ reign. His title reign lasted less than a year.
Recent results
After losing the title, Muhammad dropped a decision to Ian Machado Garry in November 2025 and then lost to Gabriel Bonfim by unanimous decision on June 6, 2026. The UFC’s fighter profile lists those results. Muhammad remains a ranked welterweight, but the division has moved on from his brief championship reign.
Sources
Tags: MMA
