170 Pounds of Fighting Fury
Each weight class in the UFC stands apart from the next with its own set of elite fighters who bring unique skill sets and thrilling fight styles to the octagon. Among these divisions, the UFC Welterweight rankings are at the apex of grit, technical skill, and impressive athleticism.
This division features a dangerous mix of rising stars and established legends. Here, we take a brief look at each fighter's journey, from humble beginnings to the bright lights of the octagon. It takes unwavering dedication and hard-earned skills to climb the steps of this fiercely competitive division.
From devastating knockout artists to grappling phenoms, the Welterweight division is stacked with world class talent. Whether driven by a pursuit for gold or the unyielding desire to prove their mettle, these MMA gladiators compete at the pinnacle of combat sports.
Top 15 Welterweights
Current Welterweight Champion - Belal Muhammad
Belal "Remember the Name" Muhammad has earned a rock solid reputation as a competitor in the Welterweight Division. Born and raised in Chicago to Palestinian immigrants, Muhammad's fighting spirit was nurtured not just in the gyms, but also by the resilience his hardworking parents exemplified.
Muhammad is a well-rounded fighter, with ever-improving striking and world class grappling. His MMA wrestling skills played a major role in his victory against Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024.
Belal has showcased exceptional consistency and endurance while climbing the ranks to become the Welterweight champion. Muhammad excels at pushing the pace and keeping the pressure on his opponents, which increases the intensity of each performance.
Belal Muhammad carries his heritage with pride, fighting not only for his career but also for his community. Follow his inspiring tale within the UFC universe on Instagram @bullyb170.
#1 Welterweight - Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards is a Jamaican-British Mixed Martial Artist and a dominant figure in the UFC's Welterweight division. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Edwards dealt with adversity early in life but fought his way to prominence in the globally renowned UFC.
As a versatile striker with a fairly well-rounded ground game, Edwards’ fighting style is informed by his discipline, technique and drive to succeed. Edwards fights with accurate precision, timing, and has an exceptional ability to control distance inside the octagon.
Most recently, Edwards attempted to defend his title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. As the former 170-pound champion, Edwards fought to defend his title three times before being defeated by the new Welterweight champ, Belal Muhammad.
#2 Welterweight - Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman, aka the "Nigerian Nightmare", has been one of the most unbeatable athletes in the UFC Welterweight division. Born in Nigeria and later immigrating to the United States, Usman's journey is a tale of perseverance and determination.
Through intense training, he has honed a particular style that blends powerful wrestling with improving stand-up striking skills. Usman is widely appreciated for his relentless pace and indomitable strength, which he has used time and time again to overpower his opponents.
His ascent to the top of the welterweight division wasn't easy and he's as built an impressive professional MMA record of 20 wins and just 4 losses. He has fought (and defeated) some of the most skilled fighters in the division, displaying both fight IQ and overpowering wrestling physicality.
Usman's legacy in the UFC continues to grow with each match, winning over fans and pundits with his powerful performances. A formidable and dedicated athlete, Kamaru Usman is undoubtedly a standout figure in the UFC's 170-pound division.
#3 Welterweight - Shavkat Rakhmonov
Shavkat Rakhmonov, the rising Kazakh MMA prodigy, has gained recognition in the Welterweight Division. Appropriately nicknamed "Nomad", Rakhmonov has showcased an impressive string of victories as an aspiring champion in the making.
Rakhmonov blends a modern MMA style with his traditional wrestling background. His fighting style showcases speed, precision, and effective use of range.
His skills at stand-up striking, coupled with his grappling efficiency, make him a formidable opponent. Rakhmonov's continuing rise in UFC demonstrates the growing impact of Kazakh fighters on the global MMA stage.
His impressive performances continue to boost his reputation as a top contender in the division. Rakhmonov's talent and hard work could carry him to the pinnacle of the division in the near future.
#4 Welterweight - Jack Della Maddalena
Jack Della Maddalena's impressive record of 17 wins and 2 losses, makes him one of the top contenders in the 170-pound division right now. Back in September 2021, Maddalena fought (and defeated) Ange Loosa on Dana White's Contender Series 39.
This victory over Loosa earned Maddelena his UFC contract. Since then, Maddalena has been on an undefeated streak within the division.
In March 2024, while apparently battling staph infection leading up to his fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, Jack Della Maddalena also broke his arm during the first round of their fight. Despite these setbacks, Maddalena came back to finish Burns by KO, near the end of the third round.
#5 Welterweight - Colby Covington
The American-born fighter with an unmistakable penchant for stirring controversy, Colby Covington, has carved out a place for himself in the division. In the octagon on fight night, "Chaos" Covington's performances have earned him the number 5 spot in the ranks.
His high-pressure fighting style and overwhelming pace exhaust opponents, leaving them aware of Covington's physical endurance. As an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, his grappling credentials translate well to MMA, anchoring his success in the octagon.
Traditionally, Covington's relentless forward movement and striking volume, combined with his takedown abilities, have made him a worthy opponent. As an unapologetic self-promoter, he has worked hard at the art of getting noticed.
This has garnered attention for him both inside and outside the cage, making decisive statements that have a polarizing effect on fight fans.
#6 Welterweight - Sean Brady
Sean Brady is an American-born fighter from Philadelphia. With a nearly perfect professional MMA record of 17 wins and 1 loss, Brady is one of the most consistent fighters in the 170-pound division.
Skilled in grappling and striking, Brady brings a well-rounded strategy to the Octagon. He has been recognized for his elite level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, which have helped him win several submission victories.
Brady's ability to mix up strikes and takedowns makes him an unpredictable (and dangerous) opponent. Sean Brady won his most recent fight against Gilbert Burns, by unanimous decision, in September 2024 at UFC on ESPN: Burns vs. Brady.
#7 Welterweight - Ian Machado Garry
Ian "The Future" Garry joined the UFC in November 2021. Garry fights out of Dublin, Ireland and has continued to prove himself in the MMA circuit. Garry plans on following in the footsteps of fellow Irish mixed martial artist, Conor McGregor.
His striking style and natural reach give him a physical advantage that's backed by a technical stand-up game that has helped him fight his way to an undefeated professional MMA record.
Garry has used not only striking, but wrestling takedowns to earn victories and has 1 win by submission against Mateusz Figlak when they fought at Cage Warriors 110. Garry's public persona are not without controversy, but Garry won his latest fight against fellow Top 15 Welterweight, Michael Page at UFC 303.
#8 Welterweight - Gilbert Burns
Gilbert Burns, aka "Durinho" (which loosely translates to "Tiny Tough Guy") is a professional fighter with a long-standing presence in this division. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Burns started his combat training in BJJ, where he was a world champion before transitioning to MMA.
His BJJ black belt reflects in his dominant grappling and submission skills in the Octagon, but Burns is by no means a one-dimensional fighter. He has worked hard to develop his striking game, so he can pose a threat on the ground and the feet.
Burns has a current professional record of 22 wins and 8 losses. Most recently, Burns was defeated by Sean Brady at UFC on ESPN: Brady vs. Burns.
#9 Welterweight - Stephen Thompson
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson was born and raised in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Thompson's journey into combat sports began with Kenpo karate and kickboxing, where he became an unbeaten kickboxing champion before transitioning into MMA.
Thompson's unique striking style combines impressive speed, deception, and angular movement. His background in karate is unmistakable in his fighting approach, offering a different tempo and rhythm that throws many opponents for a loop.
Since joining the UFC in 2012, Thompson has proven himself as a serious fan favorite. His sportsmanship and humble demeanor outside the Octagon, combined with his dynamic fighting style, help make him an invaluable asset to the UFC.
Throughout his career, Wonderboy Thompson has been a remarkable ambassador for the sport, embodying the spirit and discipline of a true martial artist. Wonderboy's has a current professional MMA record of 17 wins and 7 losses.
#10 Welterweight - Geoff Neal
Geoff "Handz of Steel" Neal fights out of Texas and until 2019, Neal worked as a restaurant server while navigating his career in professional mixed martial arts.
This is a testament to his determination to fight for a better future and the love of the game. Handz of Steel poses a significant knockout threat to his opponents, winning 9 of his professional fights by knockout.
Neal's striking skills can change the pace of a match in a matter of seconds. His current professional MMA record stands at 15 wins and 6 losses.
Neal's latest bout ended in a loss by split decision against Ian Garry at UFC 298 in February 2024.
Fighting Through Victory, Defeat, Triumph and Setbacks
When the Octagon door closes, all the accolades, records, and hype dissolve, leaving nothing but each fighter's skill and their will to fight each round with all they've got. While differences in style and personality set these fighters apart, they are connected by one singular purpose - to win the 170-pound Championship belt.
Each victory, defeat, triumph, and setback shapes their path, ideally molding them into stronger versions of themselves. As we wrap up, remember, these are simply snapshots of an ongoing saga. In the dynamic arena of the UFC's Welterweight division, today's underdog could be tomorrow's champion, all in the blink of an eye.
