Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad (24-5, 1 NC) is one of the most durable and tactically brilliant fighters in UFC history. A former UFC Welterweight Champion, Muhammad is celebrated for his relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and high-volume striking. As the first UFC champion of Palestinian descent, he has become a global icon, representing his heritage with pride every time he steps into the Octagon.
In 2025, Muhammad faced the toughest stretch of his career. After capturing the title from Leon Edwards in 2024, he lost the belt to Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025 and suffered a subsequent setback against Ian Machado Garry in late 2025.2 Despite these recent losses, he remains a top-ranked contender known for breaking opponents’ wills with his exhausting “Chicago style” pressure.
Whether you are looking for his current net worth, his fight record, or details on his training with Team Khabib, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Chicago-born standout.
Quick Summary: Belal Muhammad
| Stat | Details |
| Age | 37 (Born July 9, 1988) |
| Nationality | American 🇺🇸 (Palestinian Heritage 🇵🇸) |
| Nickname | Remember the Name |
| Division | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Team | Roufusport (Milwaukee) / Chicago Fight Team |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$3 million to $4 million (Est.) |
Belal Muhammad Net Worth 2025: How Much Does He Make?
Belal Muhammad’s net worth is estimated at $3 million to $4 million as of late 2025. This reflects his championship earnings, consistent PPV shares, and growing endorsements, a far cry from his early UFC days scraping by on modest show purses. His financial ascent mirrors his 10-fight unbeaten streak (2019–2024), turning him into a reliable earner.
Key earnings breakdown:
- UFC Contract: As a former champion, he signed an eight-fight extension in 2024 with a $500,000 base purse per fight, plus $500,000 win bonuses (projecting $6–8 million over the term, including PPV cuts).
- Career UFC Earnings: Over $2.9 million disclosed from 21 fights (15-5 record, 1 NC), with PPV points adding ~$500,000–$700,000. Highlights: $1.032 million for his July 2024 title win over Leon Edwards (including $500k base/win bonus and $32k sponsorships) and $216,000 for his May 2023 decision over Gilbert Burns.
- Bonuses: Two Performance of the Night awards ($50,000 each) for TKOs over Sean Brady (2022) and Takashi Sato (2019), plus two Fight of the Night bonuses ($50,000 each) for wars with Alan Jouban (2016) and Jack Della Maddalena (2025).
- Endorsements: ~$300,000–$400,000 annually from deals with Reebok (official UFC gear), Venum (fight shorts), Combat Corner (custom apparel), and emerging brands like a Palestinian heritage line. He leverages his advocacy for social causes to secure “values-aligned” partnerships.
- Other Assets: Owns a $750,000 home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, a black Porsche Panamera (~$120,000), and investments in local Palestinian community businesses. He donated $100,000 to refugee aid in 2024 from title earnings and supports family rebuilding after 2020 George Floyd unrest looted their shops.
Projections point to $5–7 million by 2027 with a title rematch or multi-fight run, though recent losses could temper PPV shares. Muhammad stays grounded, emphasizing financial security for his immigrant family over extravagance.
Biography: The Palestinian Pitbull from Chicago
Belal Muhammad (born July 9, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of November 25, 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Muhammad is known for his pressure-heavy wrestling style, high pace, and strong defensive skills.
Early Life
Muhammad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, to a Palestinian-American family originating from Al-Bireh, Palestine. He grew up on Chicago’s South Side and began wrestling at Bogan High School, using the sport as a way to focus his energy and stay connected to his cultural roots. His upbringing was shaped by financial challenges and the values of perseverance taught by his immigrant parents. Muhammad later earned a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and trains primarily at Chicago Fight Team, with additional work at Roufusport.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Early Career
Muhammad made his professional debut in 2012 and quickly built a 9–0 record on the regional circuit. He captured the Titan FC Welterweight Championship with a fourth-round TKO win over Steve Carl, which helped earn him a UFC contract.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Muhammad debuted in the UFC on July 7, 2016, in a unanimous decision loss to Alan Jouban. He rebounded with multiple wins but faced early setbacks, including a first-round knockout loss to Vicente Luque in 2017 and a 2019 decision loss to Geoff Neal. A no contest against Leon Edwards in 2021 due to an eye poke marked a turning point in his career.
Following that bout, Muhammad went on a run of 10 straight wins or no-contests, including notable TKO victories over Sean Brady and Takashi Sato. He later defeated Edwards by dominant unanimous decision at UFC 304, capturing the UFC Welterweight Championship. Known for his high decision rate—approximately 75% of his victories—and a pace averaging 4.43 significant strikes per minute, Muhammad has credited Khabib Nurmagomedov as a key influence on his wrestling pressure and strategic approach.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Muhammad is a devout Muslim who prays five times daily and fasts during Ramadan, even during training camps. He is also an outspoken supporter of Palestinian humanitarian causes, frequently raising awareness for refugee issues and displaying the Palestinian flag after his victories.
Outside the Octagon, Muhammad hosts the Remember the Name podcast, featuring discussions on mental health, culture, and the MMA community.
Where Does Belal Muhammad Live and Train?
Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad, the #5-ranked UFC welterweight and former champion, lives in Chicago, Illinois, where he was born and raised in a Palestinian immigrant family on the South Side. He now resides in Lincoln Park in a $750,000 family home. Chicago’s tough environment shaped his grit, and the looting of his family’s businesses during the 2020 protests strengthened his drive to give back to the community.
The Gym: Chicago Fight Team HQ
Muhammad trains primarily at Chicago Fight Team (CFT), a no-frills gym where he focuses on wrestling, striking, and conditioning. He commutes 30 minutes daily, combining morning wrestling, afternoon striking with coach Danny Zahabi, and evening cardio. He often spars with teammates like UFC veteran Jared Gordon.
For advanced striking camps, he travels to Roufusport in Milwaukee, refining his kickboxing and footwork. This dual training setup—Chicago for toughness, Milwaukee for technique—supports his 90% takedown defense and championship-level pressure style. After his 2025 losses, he increased film study and committed to a full “reset” to return to title contention.
Fight Record & Career Highlights
Professional Record: 24 Wins, 5 Losses, 1 No Contest.
Muhammad boasts a 24-5-0 (1 NC) record, with 5 knockouts/TKOs (21%), 1 submission (4%), and 18 decisions (75%). He’s won 10 straight from 2019–2024 (all decisions except two TKOs), showcasing endurance. Losses: 1 KO/TKO (20%), 4 decisions (80%). UFC record: 15-5 (1 NC) over 21 fights since 2016 debut.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2025 | Ian Machado Garry | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker |
| May 10, 2025 | Jack Della Maddalena | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena |
| Jul 27, 2024 | Leon Edwards | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 (Title Win) |
| May 6, 2023 | Gilbert Burns | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo |
| Oct 22, 2022 | Sean Brady | Win | TKO (Strikes) | 2 | 4:47 | UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev |
| Apr 16, 2022 | Vicente Luque | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad |
| Dec 18, 2021 | Stephen Thompson | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus |
| Mar 13, 2021 | Leon Edwards | NC | No Contest (Eye Poke) | 2 | 1:15 | UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad |
(Pre-UFC record: 9-0, including Titan FC welterweight title via TKO in 2016.)
Stats (UFC averages per 15 minutes): 4.43 significant strikes landed (43% accuracy), 3.82 absorbed (55% defense), 2.14 takedowns (36% accuracy), 90% takedown defense, 0.33 knockdowns. 78% strikes landed standing; targets: 52% head, 28% body, 20% leg. Tied for most unanimous decision wins in UFC welterweight history (11).
Belal Muhammad’s Next Fight?
As of December, 2025, Belal Muhammad has no scheduled fight. After back-to-back unanimous decision losses—dropping his title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 (May 2025) and falling to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Fight Night 265 (November 2025)—he’s dropped to #5 in the rankings. Muhammad has called for a rematch with Della Maddalena in mid-2026, citing “unfinished business” after their Fight of the Night war. UFC CEO Dana White hinted at “top-5 chaos” for early 2026, with potential matchups against Shavkat Rakhmonov or Sean Brady.
He’s taking a brief recovery after a grueling 2025 but vows, “I’m built for five rounds—watch me climb back.” Monitor UFC announcements for updates amid the division’s flux under champion Islam Makhachev.
Personal Life: Faith, Family & Activism
Personal Life
Belal Muhammad maintains a disciplined and low-key lifestyle outside the Octagon, focusing on faith, family, and advocacy rather than fame. At 37, he rejects the “rockstar fighter” image and often says his career is “not about belts—it’s about representing where I come from,” reflecting his Palestinian heritage.
His daily routine includes early-morning prayers, family breakfasts, and long training sessions. Muhammad avoids parties and nightlife, instead spending his downtime reading—particularly The Autobiography of Malcolm X—and hosting his Remember the Name podcast, featuring guests such as Khabib Nurmagomedov. A devout Muslim, he prays five times daily, fasts during Ramadan, and abstains from alcohol and swearing. After his family’s shops were looted during the 2020 George Floyd unrest, he became more active in social justice efforts and has since helped raise over $200,000 for Palestinian aid. Following his title win, he dedicated the moment to “every kid from an immigrant family grinding in silence.”
Family
Muhammad comes from a close Palestinian-American family. His parents immigrated from Al-Bireh, Palestine, and raised him with four siblings on Chicago’s South Side. Emphasizing education and work ethic, the family supported his early wrestling career. Muhammad briefly studied law at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before shifting to MMA.
He keeps his parents’ names private but credits them for teaching him discipline. After the 2020 unrest damaged their businesses, he helped rebuild them and annually throws the first pitch for the Chicago Cubs in their honor. One of his brothers co-owns a gym where Muhammad volunteers as a youth wrestling coach. As of December 2025, he has no confirmed wife, girlfriend, or children, and he keeps his personal relationships private.
Lifestyle
Muhammad’s lifestyle is built on strict discipline. He does not smoke, drink, or engage in vices, maintaining year-round conditioning with 6 a.m. runs along Lake Michigan, wrestling sessions at Chicago Fight Team, and yoga-based recovery. He prefers low-key activities such as family gatherings, podcasting, and volunteering at Palestinian community events. Although he owns a Porsche, he rarely drives it, preferring public transit to stay connected to everyday life in Chicago. He continues to advocate publicly for Palestinian rights, often waving the flag after victories and encouraging UFC events in the Middle East.
FAQ: Common Questions About Belal Muhammad
Who is Belal Muhammad?
Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad is a 37-year-old American UFC welterweight of Palestinian descent from Chicago. A former UFC champion, he is known for his dominant wrestling, relentless pressure, and elite cardio.
What is Belal Muhammad’s UFC record?
As of December 2025, Muhammad’s professional MMA record is 24-5 (1 NC) with 5 knockout wins. His UFC record stands at 15-5 (1 NC), including a championship victory over Leon Edwards.
Does Belal Muhammad smoke or party?
No. Muhammad is a devout Muslim who avoids alcohol, smoking, and partying entirely. He lives a clean, disciplined lifestyle to maintain peak performance.
Who are Belal Muhammad’s parents?
His parents are Palestinian immigrants who raised him in Chicago. They owned small shops that were damaged during the 2020 unrest, and Muhammad frequently honors them for their sacrifices and resilience.
Does Belal Muhammad have a girlfriend or family?
He has four siblings and remains closely connected to his family. Muhammad keeps his romantic life very private—there is no confirmed girlfriend, wife, or children as of December 2025.
What is Belal Muhammad’s net worth?
As of late 2025, his estimated net worth is $3–4 million, coming from UFC purses, win bonuses, sponsorships, and branding deals with companies like Reebok and Venum.
What is Belal Muhammad’s nickname and why?
His nickname, “Remember the Name,” reflects his underdog journey and determination to earn recognition through hard work and consistent performances.
When did Belal Muhammad join the UFC?
He joined the UFC on July 7, 2016, making his debut against Alan Jouban after starting his career with a perfect 9–0 run.
What is Belal Muhammad’s fighting style?
Muhammad uses pressure wrestling combined with high-volume striking (43% accuracy). He is known for his elite cardio, 90% takedown defense, and being a decision specialist, with about 75% of his wins going the distance.
What is Belal Muhammad’s next fight?
As of December 12, 2025, he has no fight scheduled. After back-to-back losses in 2025, he is aiming for a 2026 title rematch with Jack Della Maddalena.
How many people has Belal Muhammad knocked out?
Belal Muhammad has 5 professional wins by knockout or technical knockout (KO/TKO). Below is a list of each, including the opponent, date, event, and method. These are drawn from his pre-UFC and UFC career up to December 2025, with no additional KO/TKO finishes in his most recent bouts.
| Opponent | Date | Event | Method | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Brock | August 18, 2012 | Raging Wolf 1 | TKO (Punches) | 1 / 1:55 |
| Jeff Murphy | December 1, 2012 | HFC 7: Valley of the Wolves | TKO (Punches) | 1 / 1:55 |
| Alberto Garro | June 28, 2014 | HFC 13: Cageside | TKO (Punches) | 1 / 1:05 |
| Augusto Montano | September 17, 2016 | UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson | TKO (Punches) | 3 / 4:19 |
| Sean Brady | October 22, 2022 | UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev | TKO (Punches) | 2 / 4:47 |
Is Belal Muhammad blind in one eye?
No. Although he suffered a serious eye poke in 2021 during his fight with Leon Edwards, he is not blind in either eye and fully recovered to continue competing at the elite level.
Where did Belal Muhammad grow up, live, and train?
He grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a Palestinian-American household.
He now lives in Lincoln Park, Chicago, and trains primarily at Chicago Fight Team (CFT), with additional camps at Roufusport in Milwaukee.
How much does Belal Muhammad make per fight?
As a former champion and top-5 contender, Muhammad typically earns:
-
$250,000–$400,000 base pay
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Plus win bonuses
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Plus PPV share when applicable
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Plus sponsor payments (Reebok/Venum)
Top fights may push his total payout over $500,000.
How did Belal Muhammad lose his belt?
Belal Muhammad lost his UFC welterweight title when he was defeated by Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025 in Montreal, Canada. In that fight, Della Maddalena outscored Muhammad over five rounds to claim the championship, ending Muhammad’s reign as welterweight champion..
Conclusion
Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad has built a career on discipline, resilience, and unwavering pride in his Palestinian-American roots. From Chicago’s South Side to the UFC’s elite tier, he continues to climb through sheer work ethic, clean living, and world-class pressure fighting. Whether chasing another title shot or inspiring fans through his advocacy and faith, Muhammad remains one of the most consistent and respected figures in the welterweight division.
