Welterweight contender Belal Muhammad from Palestine speaks on the importance of his Arab fans and growth of MMA in the UAE ahead of his bout against Stephen Thompson. 
 
Abu Dhabi, December 18, 2021: UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad, from Palestine, spoke on his love for his fans in the Arab world and reflects on the importance of his fight in Abu Dhabi. Muhammad mentions his desire to fight in Abu Dhabi again in the future as he prepares to face Stephen Thompson on Sunday.  
 
The No. 10 ranked welterweight Belal Muhammad is set to face former title contender Stephen Thompson on December 19 in what can be considered one of his toughest challenges to date. The Palestinian native is no stranger to facing higher ranked opponents, and this is a reflection on his relentless desire to become the first Arab UFC champion.  
 
Muhammad fought in Abu Dhabi in 2019, and says that he “can’t wait to go back”, mentioning that he is “hoping that the UFC takes me back there”. With an admiration for his fans in the UAE, Muhammad highlighted the rising talent in the region, saying that “we’re seeing it now that we have a lot of talent coming out of there. A lot of very good guys, young up and comers”. 
 
Muhammad is aware of the platform he has and says that “It's very important for me to hold it, the Palestinian flag, to be able to be a voice for the voiceless, to be able to carry that flag on such a big stage is huge to me. And I kind of plan to represent it with my heart, blood, and tears.” 
 
 
Ahead of facing the No.5 ranked welterweight in the world, Muhammad reflected on what it would mean for him to reach the title contention stage, saying “It would mean the world to me to be the first Arab champion, to show these young kids, to show these young families that anything's possible”. With an aim to give Arab fans their first ever Arab champion, Muhammad is constantly appreciative of his supporters in the UAE and Middle East region. 
 
Stephen Thompson and Belal Muhammad are set to face off on Sunday December 19th as the Co-main event in the final UFC event of 2021, at the UFC Apex, Nevada. Muhammad aims to secure a win against a top 5 ranked fighter in his division and solidify his presence in the welterweight division. 
 
How to Watch (Sunday, December 19):
Time:               1:00 AM GST (Prelims) (UFC Arabia, AD Sport 2, AD Fight, StarzPlay)
4:00AM GST (Prelims cont.) (UFC Arabia, AD Fight, StarzPlay, AD Sport 2)
7:00 AM GST (UFC Arabia, AD Fight, StarzPlay)