Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns squared off at UFC 288 in a battle that would likely determine the next welterweight contender in the division. Muhammad had been campaigning for a title shot or a high-profile fight for the past several months, and his win over Burns proved that he was worthy of either. Notably, his victory over Burns extended his unbeaten streak to 10 straight bouts.

Prior to his fight against Burns, “Remember the Name” defeated Sean Brady in a brutal fashion for his first professional loss. Additionally, Muhammad earned wins over top-tier talent such as Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Demian Maia.

On the other hand, Burns has been one of the most active fighters in the UFC, with wins against Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal earlier this year. After 25 minutes of intense fighting, Muhammad emerged victorious, receiving praise from fellow fighters.

In particular, Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on the fight, criticizing the bout as “piss poor.” Conversely, Anthony Pettis and Sergio Pettis congratulated Muhammad on his impressive win, while Sodiq Yusuff was surprised by the fans’ reaction to the fight.

Despite the mixed reactions, many fighters acknowledged Muhammad’s skill and talent, with Alan Jouban praising Muhammad’s ability to rebound and become a serious title contender. Likewise, Javid Basharat and Carlos Hernandez were impressed by Muhammad’s effort, calling for him to receive a title shot.

Grant KGD Dawson even predicted Muhammad’s victory, showcasing the respect that Muhammad commands within the UFC. All in all, Muhammad’s win against Burns made a statement, leaving him with plenty of options and setting him up for big things in the near future.