It was one-way traffic in UFC Fight Night 199‘s co-main event.

Belal Muhammad entered the UFC Apex with a chip on his shoulder, looking to make a statement in the welterweight division by defeating former title challenger Stephen Thompson. Muhammad (20-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) exceeded expectations by dominating Thompson (16-6-1 MMA, 11-6-1 UFC), earning multiple 10-8 rounds from the judges.

Thompson’s trademark kicks were on display early, which caused Muhammad to shoot for a takedown to slow things down. “Wonderboy” was able to defend the first attempt, but Muhammad’s second effort was better and brought the fight to the ground where the two would trade punches from one knee for a few moments.

Rock ’em sock ’em robots #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/gHmXjLKfuE

— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021

Muhammad brought the fight right back to the canvas moments later, took Thompson’s back, and rained down punches from back mount. The finish was close, but referee Herb Dean did not see enough to stop the fight before the round ended.

A HUGE end to round 1⃣ for @BullyB170 #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/xD9DfGdM4J

— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021

The dominant wrestling game from Muhammad continued to shine in the second round, as he put Thompson on his back again. This time, Muhammad began looking for submissions, as he worked on a kimura for quite some time. Thompson was able to work his arm free, but was still on the receiving end of elbows from Muhmmad until the horn sounded.

A personal best 5⃣th takedown for @BullyB170.

We’re only a minute and a half into the 2nd round #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/pticZjMqlY

— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021

The game plan from Muhammad remained the same in the final round and quickly put Thompson on his back yet again. However, Thompson was able to get back to his feet and land a few strikes, but it was short-lived as Muhammad secured another takedown in the center of the cage.

The judges turned in scores of 30-25, 30-26, and 30-26 in favor of Muhammad, appropriately telling the story of the one-sided affair.

𝑹𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑵𝑨𝑴𝑬!@BullyB170 with the 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 win of his career #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/g3tU3FpSsO

— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021

Muhammad has now won six fights in a row, aside from the no contest with Leon Edwards in March. In 2021 alone, he defeated Dhiego Lima, Demian Maia, and now Thompson all by unanimous decision.

After the fight, Muhammad made a case for running it back with Edwards, in hopes of a definitive result as he continues to climb the ladder towards a title shot.

Up-to-the-minute results of UFC Fight Night 199 include:

• Belal Muhammad def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
• Amanda Lemos def. Angela Hill via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Ricky Simon def. Raphael Assuncao via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 2:14
• Mateusz Gamrot def. Diego Ferreira via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:26
• Cub Swanson def. Darren Elkins via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:12
• Gerald Meerschaert def. Dustin Stoltzfus via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:58
• Justin Tafa def. Harry Hunsucker via TKO (head kick) – Round 1, 1:53
• Melissa Gatto def. Sijara Eubanks via TKO (body kick) – Round 3, 0:45
• Charles Jourdain def. Andre Ewell via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
• Raquel Pennington def. Macy Chiasson via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:07
• Don’Tale Mayes def. Josh Parisian via TKO (elbows) – Round 3, 3:26
• Jordan Leavitt def. Matt Sayles via submission (inverted triangle) – Round 2, 2:05