Belal Muhammad’s Historic First Title Defense: UFC’s Newest Star Steps into the Pay-Per-View Spotlight

The welterweight division has a new king, and he’s finally getting the spotlight he deserves. Belal Muhammad is headlining his first-ever UFC pay-per-view as champion, and I can’t help but feel this moment has been a long time coming for one of the most overlooked fighters in the promotion’s history.

After years of grinding through the ranks, often without the recognition his skills warranted, “Remember the Name” Muhammad is now the main attraction. His upcoming title defense marks a significant milestone in what has become one of MMA’s most impressive comeback stories.

From Underdog to Undisputed: Muhammad’s Journey to Championship Glory

When Belal Muhammad stepped into the octagon against Leon Edwards at UFC 304 this past July, few gave him a realistic chance. The British champion was riding high after his highlight-reel head kick knockout of Kamaru Usman and a successful title defense in their trilogy fight.

But Muhammad had other plans.

Using his relentless pressure, superior wrestling, and improved striking, Muhammad dominated Edwards over five rounds to claim the welterweight crown in one of the year’s biggest upsets. The victory wasn’t just about winning a belt—it was vindication for a fighter who had been told countless times he didn’t belong at the elite level.

“Insert image of Belal Muhammad with the UFC welterweight belt after defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304”

What Makes This Title Defense Special

This isn’t just any title defense—it’s a significant moment for several reasons:

• It’s Muhammad’s first time headlining a pay-per-view card
• It comes after years of being relegated to Fight Night events despite an 11-fight unbeaten streak
• It represents the UFC finally acknowledging his star power
• It gives Muhammad the platform to silence remaining critics

The road to this moment hasn’t been easy. Muhammad has faced criticism about his fighting style, which some have labeled as “boring” despite its effectiveness. He’s battled through an unfortunate no-contest against Edwards in their first meeting after an eye poke ended the fight prematurely. He’s watched as more marketable fighters leapfrogged him in line for title opportunities.

Comparing Muhammad’s Championship Rise to Recent Welterweight Champions

The Opponent: A New Test for the Champion

While the UFC hasn’t officially announced Muhammad’s opponent for his first title defense, rumors have swirled around several potential challengers. Shavkat Rakhmonov remains undefeated with a perfect finishing rate. Ian Machado Garry continues to talk his way up the rankings. And then there’s the ever-present specter of former champion Kamaru Usman, still arguably the division’s most accomplished fighter.

Whoever stands across from Muhammad on fight night will face a champion who’s hitting his prime at 36—a fighter whose confidence has never been higher after dethroning Edwards in dominant fashion.

The Evolution of Belal Muhammad’s Fighting Style

What makes Muhammad such a difficult puzzle to solve is his constant evolution. Once primarily known for his wrestling and cardio, he’s developed a striking game that’s become increasingly dangerous. His ability to blend these skills—striking to set up takedowns, using the threat of takedowns to land strikes—has made him one of the most complete fighters in the division.

His coach, the legendary Duke Roufus, deserves significant credit for Muhammad’s technical development. Under Roufus’s guidance, Muhammad has transformed from a grinder into a well-rounded champion capable of threatening opponents in every phase of the fight.

“Insert image of Belal Muhammad training with Duke Roufus”

What This Means for the Welterweight Division

Muhammad’s ascension to champion and now pay-per-view headliner signals a shift in the welterweight landscape. For years, the division was dominated by fighters known for their highlight-reel knockouts or charismatic personalities. Muhammad represents something different—a blue-collar champion who’s earned every opportunity through consistency and improvement rather than trash talk or viral moments.

His championship reign could inspire a generation of fighters who might not possess natural knockout power or microphone skills but make up for it with work ethic and tactical brilliance.

The Palestinian Pride Factor

Beyond his in-cage accomplishments, Muhammad has become an important representative for Palestinian people worldwide. As the first Palestinian-American UFC champion, his visibility on the pay-per-view stage carries significant cultural importance for fans who have rarely seen themselves represented at the highest levels of combat sports.

The UFC seems to finally be recognizing the passionate fanbase that follows Muhammad, with his social media engagement numbers consistently outperforming many fighters with supposedly bigger profiles.

Will Belal Finally Get His Flowers?

Despite his championship status, Muhammad still seems to carry the underdog mentality that fueled his rise. There’s a sense that he’s still fighting for respect—from fans, from media, and perhaps even from within the UFC’s promotional machine.

This pay-per-view headlining spot represents the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy. A dominant performance would make it impossible to deny his place among the welterweight elite. And in a division that has produced legends like Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, and Kamaru Usman, Muhammad now has the platform to begin building his own championship legacy.

What’s Next After This Defense?

Looking beyond his upcoming title defense, Muhammad has several intriguing options that could define his championship reign:

• A potential superfight with middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis
• A rematch with Leon Edwards if he can string together wins
• A blockbuster bout with Khamzat Chimaev if he commits to welterweight
• The emerging threat of Jack Della Maddalena, who’s been crushing competition

The welterweight division remains one of UFC’s deepest weight classes, ensuring Muhammad won’t lack worthy challengers as long as he holds the belt.

Will You Be Watching History Unfold?

As a longtime MMA journalist, I’ve watched many fighters rise and fall, but few stories have been as compelling as Belal Muhammad’s. From being the perpetual underdog to standing atop the welterweight mountain, his journey embodies everything we love about this sport.

When Muhammad makes that walk to the octagon as the headlining champion on pay-per-view, he’ll be completing a circle that many thought impossible just a year ago. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual