Salahdine Parnasse made an emphatic statement in his UFC debut on Saturday night.
One of the most highly-anticipated signings to the UFC in recent memory, Parnasse entered the Octagon off the back of an exceptional career in European MMA.
The 28-year-old was a two-weight world champion in Polish promotion KSW and came into this weekend riding a five-fight win streak, with all five of those victories coming in the first round.
In the modern era it's almost unheard of for a fighter to make their UFC bow in the main event but the decision for Parnasse to close the show in front of an adoring home crowd at the Accor Arena was an inspired one, and he certainly lived up to the hype when the opening bell sounded.
Against perennial contender Dan Hooker Parnasse put the division on notice, landing a crushing body shot to crumple the New Zealander and force the referee to intervene just two minutes and 35 seconds into the first round.
The division is currently wide open following Justin Gaethje's shock win over Ilia Topuria, and Parnasse will be hoping to put himself a line for a shot at gold sooner rather than later.
With that in mind, we've taken a look at three potential opponents for the 28-year-old.
Salahdine Parnasse next fight
Max Holloway
After claiming the biggest win of his career in front of a baying home crowd Parnasse could be forgiven for taking a moment to reflect and bathe in the adoration.
Instead, the 28-year-old wasted little time setting his sights on the next challenge and it's fair to say he isn't lacking in ambition.
Given the opportunity to plot out his next opponent in his post-fight interview Parnasse called out UFC legend Max Holloway.
As the last man to beat the current champion, Holloway appears intent on waiting for a rematch with Gaethje as he looks to add the lightweight title to his stacked resume.
However, the UFC has shown in the past that they're not afraid to match established stars with rising talents, and a fight between Holloway and Parnasse would make for instant fireworks and serve as a litmus test as to whether the Frenchman has what it takes against the best the division has to offer.
Benoit Saint-Denis
Before Parnasse started making waves at 155lbs Benoit Saint-Denis had established himself as France's top fighter in the lightweight division.
Like his countryman Saint-Denis has earned plaudits for his exciting style inside the Octagon, with all 17 of his victories coming by way of finish.
Unlike Parnasse however, the 'God of War' tends to prefer to finish fights on the ground, utilising his aggressive striking to set up takedowns and implement his grappling game.
With a heavyweight title rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane seemingly on the horizon, a fight between Parnasse and Saint-Denis would serve as the perfect co-main event should the UFC elect to stage the event in France.
Charles Oliveira
When it comes to excitement few fighters can match Charles Oliveira inside the Octagon.
Since making his UFC debut over 15 years ago the Brazilian has racked up 21 finishes and has been awarded 14 post-fight performances bonuses.
Oliviera is also one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division and his submission skills could make him a real threat to Parnasse.
Since embarking on his first run to UFC gold the Brazilian has only been beaten by the very best fighters ever to step foot inside the Octagon, and if Parnasse could join that elite group he would have more than earned the right to fight for the title.
