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The UFC Welterweight division at 170 pounds is one of the promotion’s deepest and most competitive weight classes, featuring a current champion in Belal Muhammad who claimed the title from Leon Edwards and multiple elite contenders across every fighting style. From elite wrestlers to technical strikers and submission specialists, the welterweight division’s contender landscape ensures compelling championship-level fights for the foreseeable future. Here are the current welterweight rankings for April 2026.

Champion: Belal Muhammad

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad became UFC Welterweight Champion at UFC 304 in Manchester, England in July 2024 — defeating Leon Edwards by unanimous decision in front of Edwards’ home crowd. Muhammad’s wrestling-heavy game, volume output, and exceptional cardio proved too much for Edwards over 25 minutes. His championship story is one of patience and perseverance — he built a long unbeaten streak in the UFC before getting his shot and delivering when it mattered most.

No. 1: Leon Edwards

Leon “Rocky” Edwards remains the division’s most credible title contender despite losing the belt to Muhammad in their Manchester fight. His head kick knockout of Kamaru Usman in 2022 remains one of the sport’s most memorable moments, and his complete fighting game — elite wrestling defense, clean boxing, excellent kicking — makes him dangerous against any opponent. He will almost certainly get a rematch opportunity, and the Muhammad-Edwards rivalry has the makings of a compelling two or three-fight series.

No. 2: Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov is one of the most exciting prospects in the history of the welterweight division — an undefeated Kazakh fighter whose combination of elite grappling and dangerous striking has produced ten consecutive finishes in his UFC career. He hasn’t lost a professional MMA fight and has finished everyone he’s faced in the UFC, including wins over Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Carlston Harris. His ceiling appears limitless and a championship fight seems inevitable.

No. 3: Kamaru Usman

Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman is the most dominant welterweight champion in UFC history, having successfully defended the title six times before losing to Edwards via head kick in 2022. His wrestling-based dominance over the division for nearly five years represented a level of sustained excellence that few champions at any weight class have matched. Though he’s no longer champion, his elite wrestling and championship experience make him a dangerous contender at any time.

No. 4: Gilbert Burns

Gilbert “Durinho” Burns is one of welterweight’s most dangerous submission specialists — a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt whose ground game is among the division’s best. He gave Usman his hardest championship fight before losing by TKO in the third round, demonstrating he belongs in the division’s elite. His wins over Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley represent a strong welterweight resume, and his submission threat makes him dangerous against anyone who ends up on the ground with him.

No. 5: Ian Machado Garry

Ian Machado Garry is one of the division’s most exciting rising stars — an Irish fighter whose combination of clean boxing, precise kicking, and excellent footwork has produced a string of impressive UFC victories. His 17-fight undefeated record and elite technical striking have made him a compelling contender. His ceiling is high, and his next few fights will determine whether he develops into a championship-level talent or plateaus near the top 5.

No. 6: Sean Brady

Sean Brady is a physical, wrestling-based welterweight whose ability to control opponents on the ground and grind out decisions has produced a strong UFC record. His wins over Michael Chiesa, Jake Matthews, and Belal Muhammad (in their first fight, which ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke) have established him as a legitimate top-10 threat. His physical approach and wrestling credentials make him a difficult matchup for technical strikers.

No. 7: Geoff Neal

Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal is a powerful welterweight whose knockout power in both hands makes him dangerous against anyone at 170. He’s beaten Mike Perry, Frank Camacho, and others with impressive power punching, and his physical attributes — natural strength combined with striking aggression — create upset potential in any fight. His consistency has placed him solidly in the top 10 as a legitimate contender.

No. 8: Vicente Luque

Vicente “The Silent Assassin” Luque is one of the division’s most consistent finishers, with multiple submission and TKO victories against quality competition. His combination of pressure striking and submission grappling makes him dangerous in multiple positions, and his willingness to engage in action fights has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.

No. 9: Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates is one of the division’s most exciting emerging talents — a Brazilian with explosive striking that includes devastating head kicks and sharp combination punching. His recent performances have established him as a legitimate top-10 threat, and his finishing ability makes him a must-watch fighter whenever he competes.

No. 10: Michael Page

Michael “Venom” Page is a technically creative kickboxer whose spinning techniques and unorthodox approaches have produced spectacular knockouts throughout his career. The British fighter’s style rewards patience and technical appreciation — his combinations come from unexpected angles and his footwork creates punishing positions for opponents who can’t solve his movement.

Division Outlook

The welterweight division’s championship picture centers on the Muhammad-Edwards-Rakhmonov triangle at the top. Whether Edwards gets an immediate rematch or Rakhmonov is inserted for his deserved title shot will shape the next year of welterweight championship activity. Below that, the division’s depth — particularly Usman’s continued presence and Burns’ submission danger — ensures compelling matchups regardless of who holds the belt.