The UFC was back at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday for UFC Vegas 118. The main event saw former champion Belal Muhammad taking on Gabriel Bonfim in a pivotal fight at welterweight.
Muhammad entered the fight on a two-bout losing streak after dropping a decision to Ian Machado Garry and Jack Della Maddalena to lose his welterweight title. Bonfim, meanwhile, was set for his second-straight main event and was on a four-fight winning streak.
Ultimately, it was Bonfim who extended his winning streak as he picked up a clear-cut decision win. Following UFC Vegas 118, here is what I think should be next for the welterweight contenders.
Gabriel Bonfim
Gabriel Bonfim picked up the biggest win of his career at UFC Vegas 118 as he beat Belal Muhammad by decision. The Brazilian is now in the title picture at welterweight and should get a big fight next. The top of the division is a bit murky, as it does seem like Gary will get the next title shot, leaving Carlos Prates and Michael Morales right there as well.
However, a logical next bout for Bonfim is to face Sean Brady, who’s coming off a win over Joaquin Buckley. Both likely need at least one more, if not two, wins to get a title shot. So, it’s a pivotal fight that can headline a Fight Night card later in the fall, with the winner likely getting a No. 1 contender fight.
Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad has now lost three straight fights, and where he goes from here is a major question mark. Muhammad struggled to get much of anything going against Bonfim, and his future is up in the air.
Muhammad is outside of the title picture and will need to fight even further below him next time out. A logical next fight for Muhammad is to take on the winner of the upcoming main event fight between Uros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez.
What do you think should be next for Gabriel Bonfim and Belal Muhammad after UFC Vegas 118?