UFC Restores Palestinian Flag to Belal Muhammad’s Profile
The UFC restored the Palestinian flag to welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s fighter profile after he publicly asked the promotion to address its absence. Muhammad raised the issue on social media ahead of his scheduled first title defense at UFC 315, saying he wanted the flag displayed alongside his name on the UFC website. The change was made within days of his appeal.
Muhammad questioned the missing flag
In a March 7 post, Muhammad called on UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion to fix what he described as a missing Palestinian flag on his profile. He referenced White’s public support for fighters expressing themselves and representing their identities. Muhammad, whose family is of Palestinian heritage, had also carried the flag during previous UFC appearances.
The issue drew attention because other fighters’ profiles displayed national flags, while Muhammad’s page did not show one. The UFC had paused flag displays at events in 2022 and later allowed fighters to carry flags again. The immediate concern in this case was the website profile listing, rather than a new policy announcement about walkout flags.
The UFC added the flag and White apologized
By March 8, the Palestinian flag had appeared beside Muhammad’s name on the UFC website. Reports said White apologized to the champion and ensured the profile was corrected. The quick change addressed the specific omission Muhammad had highlighted, although the UFC did not issue a detailed public explanation for why the flag had been missing in the first place.
The episode became part of the conversation surrounding Muhammad’s identity and his first planned title defense. He was preparing to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10. Muhammad said he was eager to carry the Palestinian flag into the Octagon, continuing a personal expression that had accompanied earlier fights. The fight itself later took place, with Della Maddalena winning the welterweight title by unanimous decision.
A profile update with wider visibility
The dispute centered on a small element of a fighter biography, but its visibility gave the omission broader significance for Muhammad and his supporters. He framed his request around consistent treatment and the UFC’s stated approach to fighters showing who they represent. The restoration resolved the website issue quickly while leaving the circumstances behind the initial removal unclear.
Muhammad’s title run after the profile change
Muhammad’s first title defense ended with a unanimous-decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May 2025, costing him the welterweight belt. He later lost decisions to Ian Machado Garry in November 2025 and Gabriel Bonfim in June 2026. Muhammad’s UFC profile lists those results.
MMA Fighting reported on Muhammad’s request, and The Independent covered the flag’s restoration. The interview below captures Muhammad speaking about the missing flag and his appeal to the UFC.
