When looking as to what's next, it doesn't appear that the UFC is set on allowing Muhammad and Edwards to fight for a third time, and Edwards will likely need to take on a top contender before earning his shot at Muhammad again. Belal even joked that he wouldn't give Leon another title shot for "three years." Let's take a look at both fighters and play matchmaker for their next fight.

Belal Muhammad

After winning the UFC welterweight title, there seems to be only one name that qualifies as a worthy next challenger for the belt. He is undefeated, boasts a 100% finish rate, and perhaps is the scariest man in the Welterweight division. If you haven't guessed who that may be, Shavkat Rakhmonov out of Kazakhstan, should be next for Belal Muhammad. While Muhammad excels at winning minutes, and putting himself in the least dangerous positions possible, Rakhmonov is the literal opposite: he brings danger and ferocity with every fight. He has finished every single one of his opponents, all eighteen of them, and deserves the fight against Muhammad. We will see who can execute their game plan.

Belal Muhammad vs Shavkat Rakhmonov

Leon Edwards

As stated earlier, Leon Edwards just looked off. Whether it was the time change, the inability to execute a game plan, or something else, Edwards could not stop Belal Muhammad for the majority of the fight. It's a tough loss, and he'll have to look down the rankings for his next fight. In my eyes, I see two options: Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry. These two, ranked at #5 and #7, respectfully, are very viable options. Jack Della likely is still recovering from an injury, but should be ready to fight as soon as Edwards wishes to get back to competition. On the other hand, Ian Machado Garry just fought a few weeks ago back at UFC 303 and also should be looking for a fight by the time it would make sense for Edwards to return. Fans have wanted to see JDM and Garry fight each other, but with Edwards' sudden defeat, plans change. In my eyes, either option would be acceptable for Leon Edwards, but I think Leon should look to fight the higher-ranked opponent in Maddalena. If Leon can stop this destructive hype train of the Austrailian, it should give him immediate access to another title shot, regardless of who holds the belt. I would prefer to see Leon Edwards fight Jack Della Maddalena, and Ian Garry fight rival Colby Covington.

Leon Edwards vs Jack Della Maddalena

Who do you think should be next for Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards? Let me know down in the comments.