Will Cook County News

Article & Photos by Nuha Abdessalam. Edited by Claude Martinez. Updated 8/12/24 at 1:43 P.M.

‘Little Palestine’, a term of endearment for the close-knit community of Bridgeview, celebrated the victory and home state of UFC Champion Belal Muhammad. 

The entire community was buzzing with anticipation for the victory parade of the village’s beloved champion. Crowds as large as 600 gathered on Sunday, August 11, with the excitement building up to 2 p.m. The streets from 87th to 91st Street and Harlem Avenue were closed for the grand celebration, a testament to the community’s unwavering unity and support. This display of solidarity was a testament to the shared values and commitment to one another. 

Belal’s success in the UFC has not only brought recognition to Bridgeview but also ignited a spark of inspiration in many young athletes in the community. His arrival was marked by a motorcade and a traditional ‘zaffa,’ a Middle Eastern musical group, adding a touch of cultural celebration to the event. His journey from our community to the global stage serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other aspiring athletes, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve their dreams. 

Howell-Cook said, “Belal is so chill and comes with no drama. He’s a great fighter; I feel like being here to support someone from our state is amazing.” Vinas added, “This is exciting; it brings attention to the UFC. He’s a good dude, and it’s cool he’s giving back to the community.”

Close affiliated nonprofit organizations Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) and Pious Projects members joined Mayor Steven Landek and Judge Rouhi Shalabi. They echoed words of pride for the town and the world, observing such a unique challenge in the UFC. Jacobius said, “Only a handful can do as Muhammad; as the Mayor mentioned, this is years of hard work; hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” he added, “Belal is one of the most talented and hardest-working people ever, and that’s how champions are made.”

Actively using his platform to spread awareness of the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people of Gaza, Muhammad was marked as the first Palestinian UFC Champion. His victory not only made history but also inspired many and brought attention to the plight of his people. 

“Belal is ‘noor,” meaning a  ‘source of light’ during a tough time; he has given us hope, inspiration, and confidence.” 

Read more about Belal Muhammad’s work with PCRF here.

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