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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matthew Wells

Belal Muhammad: Dana White apologized for missing Palestinian flag, ensured addition to profile

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s request to add the Palestine flag to his fighter profile has been heard.

Soon after Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) was officially announced to fight Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, some fans online began to notice that the champ was the only fighter on the promotion’s website for the event not to have his country and flag represented.

On Thursday, Muhammad posted a video to social media, publicly requesting that UFC CEO Dana White address the issue. A day later, Muhammad said White told him he would take care of it, ensuring the Palestine flag was added to his UFC profile.

“I just want to give a quick shoutout to Dana,” Muhammad said in a video posted online. “I talked to him, he said the flag’s back up tonight. (He) apologized, and that’s why I love the UFC. I love this company, and that’s why Dana’s the man. The only organization that lets you be yourself. And true to his word, and doesn’t let other people sway his attitude or what he’s going to do. So, shout out to Dana. Shout out to the UFC. Flag is back, baby.”

 

At the time of writing, the Palestine flag which was previously absent, has been added to Muhammad’s profile. The promotion banned flags in 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war, but White ended that policy in October 2023.

Muhammad has proudly represented his Palestinian heritage throughout his fighing career. He has often draped the flag over his shoulders for ceremonial weigh-ins and is vocal in his support for his people amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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