UFC welterweight title picture explained

Islam Makhachev now sits on top of one of the UFC's deepest divisions, but several dangerous contenders are already lining up for their chance at the welterweight title.

For over a year, the welterweight division has arguably been the most unpredictable in the UFC, and there were no signs that this would change anytime soon. In 2025 alone, the title changed hands twice. First, Jack Della Maddalena pulled off a surprise victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to claim the belt. A few months later, Islam Makhachev moved up from the lightweight division and defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision in November 2025. In doing so, he became a champion in two weight classes.

The Champion and His Next Challenge

Islam Makhachev, considered by many to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter, will defend his welterweight title for the first time on May 15 against Ian Machado Garry. Interestingly, Islam Makhachev actually didn’t want this fight at all. He made it clear on several occasions that he would have preferred to face other undefeated fighters, as those fights would attract more attention. His reasoning was that a victory over Ian Machado Garry would no longer be anything special, since Shavkat Rakhmonov had already beaten him. Ultimately, however, the UFC decided on Ian Machado Garry, presumably because of his recent victories.

Who really deserves the title shot?

That’s probably the most frequently discussed question in the division, and there’s no clear answer.

The UFC chose Ian Machado Garry, and that decision has been heavily criticized. The main argument used here is his only career loss and, of all people, it was against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Many use this very fact as an argument to dismiss him as unworthy. Even the champion, Islam Makhachev, actually preferred to fight Michael Morales. He has a 19-0 record and is the only one of those mentioned here who is still undefeated. From his perspective, a victory over him would have been significantly more valuable for Islam Makhachev.

Then there’s Carlos Prates, who is currently seen as the division’s most dangerous puncher. Among other achievements, he stopped Jack Della Maddalena in the third round on his home turf and is essentially just waiting for his title shot.

Another important name is Shavkat Rakhmonov. His name comes up in almost every one of these discussions, even though he himself hasn’t fought in over a year due to an injury. Theoretically, he remains one of the division’s top contenders, but in practice, he has all but disappeared from the title race.

Fights That Will Shape the Future of the Division

The most exciting scenario probably doesn’t even involve the champion himself.

Both Carlos Prates and Michael Morales have already made it clear that they’d be willing to face each other. It would be a true 50/50 matchup, and the winner of that fight would likely get a shot at the title.

Add to that the return of Shavkat Rakhmonov, and the welterweight division would likely become the most exciting division in the UFC for the time being.

It’s a fiercely contested title race with plenty of criticism, but that’s exactly what the fans love so much.