Belal Muhammad – Record, Next Fight and UFC Career Stats

Belal Muhammad made history in July 2024 when he became the first Arab fighter to win a UFC championship. But the welterweight division moves fast, and within a year he had lost the belt and dropped several spots in the rankings. Here is a complete look at his record, physical stats, recent results, and what comes next.

Muhammad built his reputation on relentless pressure, superior cardio, and grinding wrestling. He entered the UFC in 2016 after a stint as Titan FC welterweight champion and went on to defeat some of the most respected names in the division, including Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque. Eighteen of his 24 wins have come by decision, a testament to his pace and durability.

As of June 2026, Muhammad is ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight division after consecutive losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Gabriel Bonfim. He is currently a former champion rather than an active titleholder, though his resume still places him among the elite at 170 pounds.

What Is Belal Muhammad’s MMA Record?

• Belal Muhammad became the first Arab UFC champion after defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024.
• His professional record of 24–6–0 (1 NC) includes notable wins over Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque.
• Muhammad’s long winning streak from 2019 to 2024 was built on pressure-heavy grappling and exceptional cardio.
• He trains at Valle Flow Striking in Chicago and is widely regarded for his durability.
• Since losing the championship in May 2025, he has dropped two consecutive fights and currently sits at #7 in the welterweight rankings.

Complete Record: 24 Wins, 6 Losses, 1 No Contest

Muhammad’s official MMA record stands at 24 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest, according to UFC Stats. He has competed exclusively in the welterweight division throughout his professional career, which began in 2015. Of his 24 victories, 18 have come by decision, reflecting his preference for controlling fights over the full distance rather than seeking early finishes.

Last Fight Breakdown and Result

Muhammad’s most recent bout took place on June 6, 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker, where he lost to Gabriel Bonfim by unanimous decision. The result marked his second straight defeat and prompted a significant drop in the welterweight rankings. Both ESPN and Verdict MMA list the fight as a unanimous decision loss for Muhammad.

Current UFC Welterweight Ranking

As of June 9, 2026, Belal Muhammad is ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight division, according to Wikipedia. This represents a considerable fall from the top spot he held during his championship reign in late 2024 and early 2025. The division remains deep, with contenders such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, and Colby Covington sitting ahead of him.

Is Belal Muhammad the UFC Welterweight Champion?

Belal Muhammad is no longer the UFC welterweight champion. He held the title from July 27, 2024, until May 10, 2025, when he lost it to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. The bout ended by unanimous decision, ending Muhammad’s reign after just one successful title defense.

Title Win at UFC 304: Defeated Leon Edwards

Muhammad captured the UFC welterweight championship on July 27, 2024, by defeating then-champion Leon Edwards at UFC 304. The fight was a five-round unanimous decision, with Muhammad’s relentless grappling and pressure neutralizing Edwards’ striking. The win made Muhammad the first Arab fighter to win a UFC title, according to UFC’s official athlete page.

Training at Valle Flow Striking in Chicago

Muhammad trains at Valle Flow Striking in Chicago, a gym known for producing well-rounded mixed martial artists. His camp emphasizes striking development alongside his already-strong wrestling base. The team has been credited with refining Muhammad’s stand-up game, which became increasingly effective during his title run.

Significance: First Arab UFC Champion

Muhammad’s championship victory carried historic weight. While he is frequently described as Palestinian American in fan discussions, major sources identify him as Arab-American with roots in the West Bank. Wikipedia notes that he is the first and only Arab to win a UFC championship, a milestone that elevated his profile within the global MMA community.

Who Is Belal Muhammad Fighting Next?

As of June 2026, Belal Muhammad’s next fight has not been officially announced. After consecutive losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Gabriel Bonfim, his immediate future in the welterweight division is uncertain. Fans should monitor his Instagram account and official UFC channels for updates on a potential return date and opponent.

Gabriel Bonfim: Most Recent Opponent

Gabriel Bonfim defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker on June 6, 2026. The Brazilian welterweight prospect won by unanimous decision, handing Muhammad his second loss in just over 13 months. The result has fueled speculation about whether Muhammad will need to climb back up the rankings before another title opportunity arises.

Date and Event Speculation

No date or venue has been confirmed for Muhammad’s next appearance. Given his current #7 ranking and recent form, a matchup against a fellow top-10 welterweight is likely. Potential opponents could include fighters such as Shavkat Rakhmonov or a rematch with a former rival, though nothing has been announced.

What Are Belal Muhammad’s Height, Weight, and Reach?

Belal Muhammad’s physical measurements are consistently reported across official sources. He stands 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall and weighs approximately 171 pounds at official weigh-ins, according to ESPN. His reach is listed at 72 inches (183 cm), as verified by both Verdict MMA and the UFC’s official statistics.

Physical Stats: Height 5’11”, Reach 72″

Muhammad’s 72-inch reach is average for the welterweight division, but he compensates with exceptional footwork and pressure fighting. His height of 5’11” places him in the middle range among 170-pound contenders. These measurements have remained consistent throughout his UFC career.

Age and Birthdate: Born July 9, 1988

Belal Muhammad was born on July 9, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois. He is currently 37 years old as of 2025. His age has been a topic of discussion in recent years, particularly as younger contenders have emerged in the welterweight division.

Nationality: American with Arab Roots

Muhammad is an American citizen born in Chicago. He is of Arab descent, with family roots in the West Bank. Major biographical sources, including Wikipedia, describe him as Arab-American. He has spoken publicly about his heritage and the significance of representing the Arab community at the highest level of mixed martial arts.

Timeline: Key Milestones in Belal Muhammad’s Career

1. July 9, 1988 – Born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. 2015 – Made professional MMA debut.
3. 2016 – Joined the UFC after competing on Dana White’s Contender Series.
4. 2019–2024 – Went on a long winning streak that propelled him into title contention.
5. July 27, 2024 – Defeated Leon Edwards to win the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 304.
6. May 10, 2025 – Lost the UFC welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 by unanimous decision.
7. June 6, 2026 – Lost to Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker by unanimous decision.
8. June 9, 2026 – Ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight division.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Belal Muhammad’s Career?

What Is the Context Behind Belal Muhammad’s Rise and Legacy?

Fighting Style and Strengths

Belal Muhammad is known for relentless pressure, superior cardio, and grinding wrestling. He excels at controlling the pace of a fight, neutralizing strikers with takedowns and cage work. Over the years, his striking has improved significantly, making him a well-rounded threat during his championship run. He has won 18 of his 24 fights by decision, demonstrating a style built on consistency rather than flash.

Impact and Legacy

As the first Arab UFC champion, Muhammad carries significant cultural representation. His rise from underdog to champion is a story of consistency and adaptation, earning respect from fans and analysts. Even after losing the title, his achievements remain a benchmark for Arab fighters in mixed martial arts.

Division Landscape

The UFC welterweight division remains one of the deepest in the sport, with contenders such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, and Colby Covington among the top ranks. Muhammad’s recent losses have pushed him down the ladder, but his resume keeps him relevant in discussions about future matchups.

What Do the Sources Say About Belal Muhammad?

“Belal Muhammad (born July 9, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).”

Wikipedia

“Record: 24-6-0 (1 NC). Height: 5′ 11″; Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 72″.”

UFC Stats

“Belal Muhammad is the first and only Arab MMA fighter to win a UFC title.”

Instagram (@bullyb170)

Summary: What Is the Bottom Line on Belal Muhammad?

Belal Muhammad is a former UFC welterweight champion with a record of 24–6–0 (1 NC), a height of 5’11”, a reach of 72″, and a historic status as the first Arab fighter to win a UFC title. After losing the championship to Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025 and a subsequent defeat to Gabriel Bonfim in June 2026, he currently sits at #7 in the division. His next fight has not been announced, and fans should follow official UFC channels for updates. For more on other combat sports athletes, read our profile on Paddy Pimblett – Record, Next Fight, Age and UFC Profile and Gervonta Davis – Next Fight, Record, Net Worth & Full Stats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belal Muhammad