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It wasn't always pretty, but Belal Muhammad got the job done at UFC 304. By beating Leon Edwards, he became the new UFC welterweight champion.
Belal Muhammad's welterweight title reign is just a handful of days old, but it's already worth considering what is next for the new 170 pound kingpin.
While the division is not quite as loaded as it was a few years ago, it's still talent-heavy, leaving 'Remember the Name' with multiple options.
Which way will the UFC go? Only time will tell. For now, here are some of Belal Muhammad's potential next opponents.
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The obvious choice: Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
The most obvious choice for the UFC when it comes to Belal Muhammad's first title defense is probably Shavkat Rakhmonov.
'The Nomad' is the welterweight division's hottest rising star, as he's won 18 fights without suffering a single defeat, including six wins in the UFC octagon. He's currently ranked at No.3.
More to the point, Rakhmonov has never gone the distance, a stark contrast to Muhammad, who has built a reputation for grinding out decisions rather than securing finishes.
Given that the native of Kazakhstan appears to be just as lethal on the ground as he is on the feet, this one could prove to be a very tricky fight for the new champion.
However, Rakhmonov is wild at times and has never fought in a five-round bout in the UFC, meaning that a fighter as accomplished and experienced as Muhammad may be able to drag him into deep waters and win the fight that way.
Overall, the only stumbling block here might be the fact that 'The Nomad' has not fought since December. Other than that, the UFC ought to look to book this one as soon as both men are ready.
The next-best thing: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena
Even though Shavkat Rakhmonov is the most logical challenger for Belal Muhammad's title, there's always a chance that he won't be ready for the date the promotion wants him to fight.
This issue isn't without precedent in recent years. Both Ciryl Gane and Sean Strickland captured titles in the octagon after being given opportunities due to another prospective contender not being ready, whether it be due to injury, or other reasons.
If this is the case at 170 pounds, then the fighter who might find himself in line for the next crack at gold is Jack Della Maddalena.
Like Rakhmonov, the Australian is unbeaten in the UFC (although his overall record is 17-2) and holds seven wins in the octagon. His recent victories over Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns have elevated him to the No.5 spot in the rankings.
Della Maddalena is perhaps not quite as proven as Rakhmonov, as his ground game is somewhat of a question mark. However, his fast hands and lethal killer instinct can certainly pose problems to Muhammad.
The old lion: Belal Muhammad vs. Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington
Over the years, we've seen numerous examples of the UFC giving a title shot to an aging former champion, even if it isn't fully deserved. Usually, it's because this old lion has more star power than a younger prospect.
If the promotion were to go in this direction for Belal Muhammad, the new champ could end up facing either Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington.
In truth, neither man would warrant a title shot right now. Usman is on a three-fight skid and has not won a bout since his 2021 win over Covington. 'Chaos' looked terrible in his bout with Leon Edwards last year and has only one victory to his name since 2021.
However, both are still highly ranked, with Covington at No.4 and 'The Nigerian Nightmare' even higher at No.2, and both certainly have name value.
More to the point, at their best, both men would be a fearsome match for Muhammad, as both have superior wrestling credentials to 'Remember the Name.'
It wouldn't be an outright shock to see the UFC go with Usman in particular as Muhammad's first title defense. That being said, it's unlikely that Usman or Covington end up facing Muhammad anytime soon.
The outside bet: Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry
Sometimes, the UFC ends up going an unexpected option just to keep the ball rolling. This often happens because other contenders simply can't make the date that the promotion are looking at.
If that's the case here, then the fighters previously mentioned could well miss out. The next man in line, then, would be the unbeaten Ian Machado Garry.
A divisive figure largely because of his outspoken personality, 'The Future' is a remarkably effective fighter in the octagon.
A highly technical striker, the Irishman is currently 15-0, and has most recently beaten both Geoff Neal and Michael 'Venom' Page.
Would a title shot right now be too much, too soon for Garry? Some could argue that, but on the other hand, he's arguably beaten just as many good opponents as Shavkat Rakhmonov or Jack Della Maddalena, and perhaps should be ranked higher than No.7.
Right now, though, 'The Future' should be an outside bet for a shot at Muhammad's strap. If the UFC could put together his much-wanted fight with Colby Covington - and if the Irishman could beat 'Chaos' - then that would definitely put him in a position to demand a title shot.
Champ vs. Champ: Belal Muhammad vs. Islam Makhachev
One potential challenger for Belal Muhammad's welterweight title that nobody really seems to be talking about is lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.
There are probably a few reasons for this. First, it was recently revealed that the Dagestani would be facing Arman Tsarukyan in his next 155 pound title defense. Secondly, said defense has now been delayed thanks to a hand injury that could require surgery.
Thirdly, there is the possibility that they clog up two divisions, leaving potentially more deserving contenders waiting on the sidelines.
However, a fight between Muhammad and Makhachev would be fascinating to think about. The lightweight champ is unbeaten since 2015, and since capturing the belt from Charles Oliveira, he has gone on to beat Alexander Volkanovski (x2) and Dustin Poirier to rack up three defenses at 155 pounds.
More to the point, if you ignore size, there's arguably no area in which Muhammad is superior to Makhachev, who has proven himself to be an incredible grappler and equally dangerous striker.
Would Makhachev want a shot at 'Remember the Name'? Given that becoming a double champ could allow him to surpass his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, it's impossible to imagine that he wouldn't pursue the opportunity.
Perhaps Makhachev's injury and the looming clash with Tsarukyan might mean this one gets held off for now, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see it happen in 2025.
