UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t interested in hearing anything about a potential controversy over flags yet again in the promotion! At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad etched his name in the history books by becoming the first-ever Palestinian champion in the UFC. While his win finally allowed him to settle the score with Leon Edwards, at the post-fight press conference, a journalist tried to bring up an issue with his representation of his Palestinian roots when he displayed his flag on the fence before the main event. 

The UFC’s history with athletes representing their heritage with flags has been a tumultuous one. At one point, fighters weren’t even allowed to wear a flag anywhere in the venues. But things have since changed and the UFC boss made sure that this time around, he wasn’t dragged into another back-and-forth that would have raised questions about the promotion’s changes in policy!

Dana White shuts down reporter in his trademark manner at UFC 304 post-fight press conference  

During the post-fight press conference, a reporter noted that before the main event, Belal Muhammad’s team placed the Palestinian flag on the fence behind him. But it appeared someone instructed them to take it down, sparking curiosity about whether this was related to the ongoing conflict in the region.

When asked to share his thoughts on the incident, Dana White, seemingly amused by the question, responded, “Oh, Palestinian flag, and somebody said take it down? Who said take it down?”. The reporter who posed the question then attempted to clarify by claiming that he wasn’t sure who it was but it, “it looked like it was someone from the UFC”, who had asked Muhammad’s team to take down the flag.

A skeptical White questioned, “Looked like people from the UFC? Were they wearing f**king UFC hats or name tags?”, to which the reporter responded by stating that he wasn’t sure. But he further pressed the issue by asking if there was a change in the flag policy or not.

However, the UFC boss maintained his stance as he affirmed, “I have no idea. I get what you’re trying to do, but I have no idea.”  When the reporter tried to further explain, White cut him off by stating, “Yeah, yeah, yeah… I know what you’re trying to do… Good try… I don’t f**king know, I have no idea… but good try. You guys love to do that sh*t… Have a good night.”

As such, for now, Dana White’s stance remains clear: there is no known change in the UFC’s flag policy, and any implications otherwise are purely speculative. However, flying the Palestinian flag isn’t the only way Belal Muhammad has been trying to support his people during this time as he has also launched a brand new venture to provide charitable aid!

Belal Muhammad’s latest contribution towards Palestine relief efforts

With his parents hailing from Al-Bireh in Palestine, Belal Muhammad has always honored his roots through his actions inside and outside the Octagon. During the build-up to UFC 304, Muhammad had revealed “My family is from Palestine. We work for a charity called the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. They do a lot of work in Palestine…”

As an addition to his charitable work, Muhammad has also ventured out to collaborate with a Toronto-based clothing brand, Peace Collective, to launch his apparel collection to raise awareness and provide funds for ‘The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund’. This apparel line includes t-shirts with slogans that feature his moniker “Remember the Name,” “Make Peace Not War,” and “Support the Struggle.”

As stated on the clothing company’s official website, “With 50% of profits from this collection going to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, you can join us in making a difference.” Through his efforts, Belal Muhammad continues to make a significant impact, using his platform to advocate for his people and promote positive change. His actions demonstrate that his legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements, embodying a champion both in the ring and in his community.