Social media is one of the most revolutionary creations of the modern era, and it has touched human lives in various ways.
The reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, Belal Muhammad, is also one of the many individuals whose lives took a positive turn because of a popular social media platform.
A Facebook Post Led Belal Muhammad to the UFC
Social media is currently an inseparable part of any fighter’s career. Most UFC fighters use these platforms to promote their upcoming fights, helping Dana White and Co. earn better revenues and provide themselves with better public recognition.
Fighters also use social media to kindle rivalries, be it real or for the sake of marketing, ahead of scheduled fights. But it played an even bigger role in Muhammad’s career.
RedCorner MMA shared a section of Muhammad’s speech on April 28 at Yaqeen Institute, where he detailed the incident.
“Remember The Name” disclosed that he had no plans to pursue a professional sports career, despite wrestling for a few years in high school. He wanted to become a lawyer after his NBA dreams were shattered due to his height.
“I wrestled two years in high school. I was going from school to college and wanted to be a lawyer,” Muhammad said. “I didn’t plan on playing sports [professionally]. I thought I would make it to the NBA. I wasn’t tall enough.”
However, things changed when he came across a Facebook post by his former coach. A text message led to a training session, which paved the way for him to become a UFC champion.
“Allah puts people in your lives for certain reasons. My old high school wrestling coach, Louis Taylor — I just randomly saw him in a post on Facebook. I saw him fighting. I messaged him and he invited me to the gym. I started learning. I wanted to fight. I fell in love with the sport.”
How a Facebook Post Changed Belal Muhammad’s Life Forever: 🤯
“I was going to college, and I wanted to be a lawyer. I didn’t plan on playing sports. I thought I would make it to the NBA, but I wasn’t tall enough. I saw a post from my old school wrestling coach, Lewis Taylor, on… pic.twitter.com/UYGF0L06CO
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 30, 2025
Muhammad appeared in his first pro-MMA fight in 2012. It took him four years and nine pro-MMA fights to grab the attention of UFC authorities.
The Palestinian-American made his UFC debut in 2016, losing to Alan Jouban. He is currently on an 11-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC, with one no-contest against Leon Edwards. He beat “Rocky” in his last outing at UFC 304.
“Remember The Name” is set to defend his 170-pound strap against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
