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The UFC welterweight division at 170 pounds is one of MMA’s most historically significant weight classes — home to legends like Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, and BJ Penn. Today, the division is led by Belal Muhammad, with a deep roster of elite fighters battling for position in one of MMA’s most competitive divisions.

UFC Welterweight Champion: Belal Muhammad

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad holds the UFC welterweight championship. He defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision to claim the title and has been one of the most active fighters in the division for years. Muhammad’s style is wrestling-heavy with solid striking — he uses relentless pressure, takedowns, and control to wear opponents down over 25 minutes. His record in the UFC was built on a long winning streak that eventually made his title shot undeniable.

Top 5 UFC Welterweights

#1 Contender: Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated in his MMA career and is widely considered the most dangerous contender in the welterweight division. The Kazakh fighter’s combination of elite grappling, exceptional striking, and finishing ability — he finished every UFC opponent before the championship rounds — makes him uniquely threatening. His submission game in particular is world-class. Many analysts consider him the most well-rounded welterweight in the world.

#2: Leon Edwards

Leon “Rocky” Edwards is the former UFC welterweight champion who shocked the world by knocking out Kamaru Usman with a head kick in the fifth round. The British fighter’s patient, technical style emphasizes distance management, sharp striking, and excellent takedown defense. He is a former champion who will likely factor in title fights again.

#3: Kamaru Usman

“The Nigerian Nightmare” Kamaru Usman was one of the most dominant champions in UFC welterweight history, with an extended unbeaten streak that included wins over virtually everyone relevant in the division. He lost the title to Leon Edwards and suffered subsequent defeats, but remains a legitimate threat to anyone in the division. His wrestling, cardio, and physical pressure have few equals.

#4: Ian Garry

Ian “The Future” Garry is one of the most hyped young fighters in the UFC. The Irish fighter’s long-range striking, footwork, and confidence have made him a star in the making. Unbeaten in the UFC, he has been positioned as a future champion by many in the sport. Whether he can handle elite competition at the very top of the division will determine whether the hype is warranted.

#5: Jack Della Maddalena

The Australian fighter has been on a tear in the welterweight division, racking up finishes and demonstrating the power and technique that make him a legitimate contender. His striking is the foundation of his game, and his ability to find the finish has made him one of the most entertaining fighters in the division.

Other Welterweights to Watch

Gilbert Burns: The Brazilian BJJ black belt has been a top-10 welterweight for years, with notable wins over Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson, and others. His submission grappling is world-class and his willingness to fight anyone has earned him enormous respect.

Vicente Luque: “The Silent Assassin” has quietly assembled one of the best records at welterweight. A legitimate finisher with both hands and submissions, Luque belongs in any serious conversation about division contenders.

Sean Brady: The Philadelphia wrestler has been methodically working his way up the rankings with a strong takedown and ground game. His technical wrestling and improving striking make him a difficult stylistic matchup for many welterweights.

The Future of the Welterweight Division

The welterweight division is in transition. Belal Muhammad is a capable champion, but Shavkat Rakhmonov’s rise represents a genuine generational shift — if and when Rakhmonov gets the title shot he deserves, the fight has potential to be one of the most anticipated welterweight matchups in years.

The division also has the unique historical distinction of having produced arguably the greatest UFC champion of all time in Georges St-Pierre. That legacy adds weight to every fight at 170, and today’s stars are competing against that standard with every performance.