UFC welterweight competitor Belal Muhammad is making his point of view clear that he’ll be walking in the ring with the Palestinian flag that no matter what the UFC says. His statement comes in response to the quiet changing of the flag from his official fighter profile, as an act of censorship, which many fans saw.
“They can take it off my profile, but they’ll never take it out of my hands,” Muhammad said in a bold statement that’s been largely shared across social media. It’s not just a symbolic gesture for Belal Muhammad, but it’s a deeply personal stand.
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Censorship in Context
The controversy started when fans noticed that the Palestinian flag, once proudly displayed next to Muhammad’s name on the UFC website, had disappeared. He wasn’t alone, as flags related to disputed or politically sensitive regions were given up by several fighter profiles. The UFC hasn’t issued a formal explanation, but the changes appear to be part of a broader effort to direct a statement of political controversy.
This isn’t a new area for professional sports. Leagues across the globe fight over where to draw the line when athletes speak out about political or human rights issues. From bowing during national anthems to raising fists on podiums, sports have long been a stage for activism. The UFC, however, has typically kept tight control on overt political statements during events, especially ones involving national or cultural symbols.
Why This Matters to Belal Muhammad
For Belal Muhammad, this isn’t just about going against a company policy, but it’s about staying true to who he is. As a proud Palestinian-American, he’s never throw away from representing his roots. Fans have seen him walk out with the Palestinian flag carried over his shoulders multiple times. He’s spoken out on humanitarian issues and posted regularly about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
He said in a recent interview that, “This isn’t about trying to make headlines.” “It’s about standing for what I believe in, standing with my people.”
There’s no doubt that Belal Muhammad’s connection to the cause is heartfelt. For him, carrying the flag isn’t a political stunt that it a way of honouring his family, heritage, and the millions of Palestinians whose voices are frequently silenced in global discussion.
Is the UFC Backing Down?
Curiously, although the removal of the flag from his profile, reports suggest the UFC might not stop Muhammad from carrying it during his walkout. Whether this is a quiet reversal of policy or simply a case of selective application is still unknown. There has been no public statement from the organisation explaining its current point of view.
What’s clear, though, is the UFC is walking a fine line. Allowing Muhammad to carry the flag could be seen as resulting from public pressure or as respecting his right to express himself. Either way, the decision will set a statement for how the UFC handles similar issues going forward.
Support to Belal Muhammad
If the UFC expected this move to go unnoticed, they miscalculated. Fans quickly rallied behind Muhammad. On social media, hashtags like #LetBelalWalk gained reach, and videos of Belal Muhammad’s previous walkouts circulated alongside messages of support.
Prominent figures in MMA media also chimed in. Some criticised the UFC’s initial censorship as overly cautious. Others praised Muhammad for taking a stand, noting that athletes shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their morals.
One famous MMA analyst tweeted that, “Belal Muhammad is showing what it means to be a fighter, but not just in the ring, but outside of it too.”
Bigger Than One Fight
This situation raises huge questions about the character of athletes in the modern world. Should sports be a sanctuary from politics, or are athletes’ rights to use their platform to bring attention to global issues?
For Muhammad, the answer is simple that his platform is a responsibility, not just a privilege. And while the UFC might prefer to keep the fame on punches, the reality is that fighters like Muhammad bring more than just skills to the ring. They bring stories, beliefs, and identities.
As this state reveals that it could set a powerful model. If Belal Muhammad walks out with the Palestinian flag and the UFC stands by, it may open the door for other fighters to take up their roots and causes without fear of a comeback.
Without concerns of what happens next, one thing is certain that Belal Muhammad isn’t backing down. In a sport built on heart and courage, he’s showing both in and out of the cage.
Aditya Khare 
Vijay Suyal