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The UFC Welterweight division at 170 pounds has produced some of the greatest champions in the sport’s history. From Matt Hughes to Georges St-Pierre to Tyron Woodley to Kamaru Usman, 170 lbs has a legacy as rich as any weight class in MMA. The current division features a deep field of elite fighters competing for a title that any of several contenders could legitimately claim. Here are the current Welterweight Rankings for April 2026.

Champion

Belal Muhammad — Remember the Name. The Chicago wrestler finally got his moment after years as one of the division’s most consistently overlooked elite fighters. Muhammad’s wrestling pressure, takedown volume, and grinding style may not be the most spectacular in the division, but it has produced dominant performances against elite competition including the finishing of Leon Edwards for the title.

Official Rankings (April 2026)

#1 — Leon Edwards

Rocky is a former champion who delivered one of the most stunning knockouts in UFC history with a head kick to Usman in round 5 of their rematch. Two championship reigns and a rivalry with Usman that defined the division for two years place him firmly at the top of the contender rankings.

#2 — Kamaru Usman

The Nigerian Nightmare’s five-year, 15-fight unbeaten streak stands as one of the greatest runs in divisional history. Two losses to Edwards have complicated his narrative, but his quality as a fighter remains among the highest at welterweight. His wrestling, boxing development, and championship pedigree make him permanently relevant at the top of the division.

#3 — Colby Covington

Chaos is one of the most divisive figures in the UFC but one of the most objectively excellent wrestlers in welterweight history. His Contender status is built on wrestling pressure, cardio, and the ability to maintain pace for 25 minutes at an intensity that breaks opponents. Multiple title fights and wins over champions make him a constant presence at the top of the division.

#4 — Shavkat Rakhmonov

Nomad is one of the most exciting prospects the welterweight division has seen in years. His undefeated record, submission finishing ability, and elite grappling have produced dominant performances. His ceiling appears to be the championship, and his improvement with each fight suggests it is only a matter of time.

#5 — Gilbert Burns

Durinho is one of the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners to compete at welterweight, combining elite submission offense with strong boxing. A championship fight with Usman showed he could compete at the highest level, and his subsequent performances have maintained his top-five status.

#6 — Ian Machado Garry

The Irish welterweight has put together an undefeated UFC run with a combination of slick boxing, footwork, and composure beyond his years. His comparisons to Conor McGregor are surface-level; his actual game is more technical, built on precision and movement rather than power.

#7 — Vicente Luque

The Silent Assassin is one of the most reliably dangerous fighters in the welterweight division. His combination of striking, submissions, and finishing ability at 170 lbs is among the best, and his wins over quality competition have been consistently impressive.

#8 — Sean Brady

The Philadelphia native built one of the longest winning streaks in the division before a loss to Belal Muhammad. Brady’s wrestling and grinding style are elite, and his commitment to competition level has established him as a genuine top-ten welterweight.

#9 — Jack Della Maddalena

The Australian welterweight has been one of the division’s most impressive young fighters, putting together a finishing streak with knockout power and exciting performances. A future title contender who is building his resume with each appearance.

#10 — Khamzat Chimaev

Also ranked in the middleweight top ten, Chimaev’s physical dominance at both weight classes is unique. His welterweight performances have been overwhelming, but long absences have complicated his ranking. When fighting at 170, he may be the division’s most dangerous man.

Division Outlook

The welterweight division in 2026 is in a fascinating moment. Muhammad’s championship, Edwards and Usman seeking to reclaim what they had, and the rise of Rakhmonov and Garry as generational talents creates multiple compelling storylines. The division has always rewarded consistency and technical excellence over flash — and that tradition continues.