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UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, however is sort of pleased with his Palestinian heritage. Each of his dad and mom immigrated from Palestine, and “Keep in mind The Title” is usually seen carrying the Palestinian flag earlier than and after his fights. On a number of events, he’s spoken passionately concerning the ongoing battle between Israel and Palestine, and his heritage has even been introduced up in opposition to him greater than as soon as by famous loudmouth Sean Strickland.
So why isn’t Muhammad listed with the Palestinian flag on the official UFC web site? Followers on-line seen that of the 16 athletes listed on the UFC 315 web page, Muhammad is the one one and not using a flag by his title in any respect.
It’s an odd state of affairs. If Muhammad was listed with an American flag subsequent to his title, seemingly no person would have seen or cared given his Chicago roots. Nonetheless, the entire lack of flag appears to point that Muhammad select to characterize Palestine after which was denied outright by … any person? Because of veteran MMA journalist Luke Thomas, we even have an instance of a fighter representing one other nation’s flag regardless of being a US citizen in Kron Gracie.
The argument he would not have a Palestinian flag as a result of he is American is weak for not less than 2 causes:
1. He has no flag in any respect, not merely that he has U.S. flag2. Kron Gracie was born in Brazil, however moved to the U.S. at age 1 & he is an American citizen. He has Brazil’s flag. https://t.co/DMcrxyQTjT pic.twitter.com/hmSGDSnZZg
— Luke Thomas ️♀️ (@lthomasnews) February 25, 2025
The entire state of affairs is odd. Muhammad is photographed by UFC personnel along with his Palestinian flag usually (see above!), and it’s no subject. Why would slightly on-line graphic that few folks even discover be the road within the sand? Moreover, UFC CEO Dana White spends half his time these days ranting about free speech. Fighters say abhorrent issues weekly with out punishment or censorship, and for higher or worse, that’s the present firm coverage.
However Belal can’t have his flag on the UFC web site? The UFC flag been has been lifted for many, however there’s clearly nonetheless some sensitivity on the subject.
Insomnia
I’m genuinely heartbroken about Dan Hooker’s damaged hand, as his match up versus Justin Gaethje was maybe probably the most thrilling of the yr. In my ebook, there’s just one man who can save the cardboard …
Pals don’t volunteer mates for Gaethje-induced mind harm.
I really like this.
Rebooking Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 ALREADY could be so pointless. Let “Suga” win a battle!
It’s too lengthy to incorporate in full right here, however click on via for an attention-grabbing angle on the psychological aspect of preventing courtesy of “The Immortal.”
Had nice suggestions from my latest thread on how I went from a no person loser to a ufc document holder however… Why did I not develop into champion? This can be a thread on the issues I did improper and the issues that stalled my success…
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 25, 2025
Excessive-level wrestling matches are tough as hell.
♂️ That is the place Daniel Cormier began doing his signature transfer – uppercuts within the clinch.
Wrestling match in Dagestan, 2005. pic.twitter.com/lHOJuDcP8I
— Dwelling of Battle (@Home_of_Fight) February 24, 2025
One ought to by no means miss an “Iron Turtle” battle.
It’s onerous to not chuckle.
February is now within the books for the Co leaders of MMA.
This is what number of fights every promotion placed on.
UFC-47PFL-0
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) February 24, 2025
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I really like a comically looping MMA overhand.
Prime “Shogun” Rua stays some of the brutal offensive strikers in MMA historical past.
Even nice strikers are weak alongside the ropes.
Random Land
Works greatest whereas scrolling.
Midnight Music: People, 2020
Sleep effectively Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is all the time on the way in which.
