Belal Muhammad Takes Bold Decision With a Palestinian Flag as Dana White Settles UFC Controversy

Every fighter wants to represent their country proudly in UFC or any other sport. And Dana White makes sure that there are no restrictions to this right. During the Russia-Ukraine unrest, there was a time when UFC stopped allowing fighters to carry flags on broadcasts. However, what did the UFC brass say? “Flags are back,” White told MMA Junkie. “I was on vacation during the Mexican Independence Day, and the no flag thing drove me crazy. So, I was like, ‘Yeah, f-ck that. We’re bringing flags back.’ It drove me crazy.” And guess what, he is sticking to his point.

Belal Muhammad carried his flag, draped on his back for his welterweight title fight, and he is going to do the same for his title defense at UFC 315. Although there was a time back in March, after Muhammad pleaded with UFC and co. to fix the problem, it was rectified right away. “People keep asking me, ‘Where’s your flag?’ I kept getting multiple messages from it, and I was just assuming it was a mistake, but it’s still not addressed,” Muhammad said in a video posted to X. “So I’ll address it and hope that Dana addresses it as well and fixes it.”

The first UFC champ to represent Palestine was born in the USA to Palestinian parents and has always been outspoken in advocating for his home country. ‘Remember the Name’ is going to make sure people also remember his country as he walks out proudly with the Palestinian flag at UFC 315. He spoke about the same with MMA Fighting and said, “Yeah for me it just makes me want to work that much harder for them. Makes me wanna go to the gym, run an extra mile, and lift that extra weight. Because I can’t lose. There’s no way I am gonna let the people see me not get my hand raised.”

He spoke about his people being affected in Gaza and said, “ When they see me fight that day, they are going to see that flag get raised. When they see me win that day, they are gonna see that flag get raised. They are gonna see me get on the mic and talk about them. They are gonna see me get on the mic and be a voice for them. The only way I can be that voice is by continuing to win. So I have to keep continuing to work, keep continuing to push it, and it’s all in god’s hands. Right, God has a plan for everything. And I’m hoping that this finally comes to an end soon.”

The host further asked, “You mentioned I gotta say you are not only allowed but you are going to carry the Palestine flag out with you in Montreal is that the plan?” Muhammad, proudly stated, “yeah 100%. We have talked about it they have accepted it. And there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from doing it.”

UFC title defense definitely means a lot to him but standing in solidarity with his country is the fire in his belly. He mentioned how he got many messages from his people after seeing him carrying the flag and winning, and how for that, Dana White was crucial in helping Muhammad.

Dana White’s contribution to helping Belal Muhammad

Muhammad’s flag was not visible on the UFC website, and he immediately raised the issue to Dana White and co on X. The welterweight champ revealed that he had a conversation with his boss during UFC 313, where his teammate Ignacio Bahamondes had fought.

The UFC CEO had come up to him and assured him that his flag would be displayed soon, and as always, White kept his promise. “I mean, it meant a lot, especially with Dana, right? When I was at the weigh-ins with Nacho [Bahamondes] at the PPV, Dana walked up to me like, ‘Bro, your flag’s coming right back up,’” Belal Muhammad revealed to MMA Junkie.

“And then it was up there tonight. So it means a lot to me that he kept his word, and like he says, ‘I don’t censor anything. I’m not pushing anything in for myself.’ And, for the people of Palestine, right? They need their flag represented.” Muhammad is the first UFC champ who represents Palestine, and his voice gives his people power. “They need that voice. That’s what I am. I’m their champion, and I’m always gonna carry that flag with me. I’m always gonna carry that flag high with pride,” the champion added.

Dana White decided that the ban on flags would be lifted after the UFC’s first Mexican Independence Day Fight Night. He did not understand why fighters would not be allowed to represent their country. He decided to bring the flags back at 2023 Noche UFC. This first title defense for Muhammad is not just for himself but for his whole country. And a win would be a bold cry reverberating through the entire world. Do you think he can do it? Tell us in the comments below.