In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, staying on top is as difficult as getting there. Few divisions have showcased this truth more clearly than the UFC’s welterweight class. Once ruled by a dominant group of fighters — Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, Leon Edwards, and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson — this elite group of former top-five stalwarts now finds itself facing a harsh new reality: collectively, they are 0-13 in their most recent outings.
Let’s break down this dramatic downturn and what it means for the division.
Kamaru Usman: From Welterweight King to Struggling Veteran (0-3)
Recent Losses:
- Leon Edwards (x2) – KO loss in a title rematch and decision loss in trilogy bout.
- Khamzat Chimaev – Decision loss in a middleweight bout.
Kamaru Usman was once seemingly invincible. From 2019 to 2021, he defended his welterweight title five times and looked poised to etch his name alongside the all-time greats. However, his fall was swift. After being knocked out by Leon Edwards in their second fight — a shocking head-kick KO — Usman dropped the trilogy bout by decision. He then moved up to middleweight for a short-notice fight against rising star Khamzat Chimaev and suffered a third consecutive defeat. Once hailed as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Usman is now in an uncharted phase of his career, with his future uncertain.
Leon Edwards: From Champion to Consecutive Defeats (0-2)
Recent Losses:
- Belal Muhammad – Decision loss in a title defense.
- Sean Brady – Submission loss in a contender bout.
Leon Edwards reached the pinnacle by dethroning Usman and defending the belt in their trilogy. His calm demeanor and tactical approach made him a difficult puzzle to solve — until Belal Muhammad did exactly that. Losing the title to Muhammad in a competitive decision was followed by a surprising defeat at the hands of rising contender Sean Brady, who outworked Edwards with relentless pressure and grappling. “Rocky” now finds himself on the outside looking in, with his championship reign a recent but fading memory.
Colby Covington: Chaos Diminished (0-2)
Recent Losses:
- Leon Edwards – Decision loss in a title fight.
- Joaquin Buckley – Shocking TKO loss in a comeback attempt.
Colby Covington’s schtick was polarising, but his skills were undeniable. Known for his cardio and pressure, Covington was a two-time title challenger against Usman and later got a third shot against Edwards — where he looked hesitant and was comprehensively outpointed. After another long layoff, Covington returned to face middleweight-turned-welterweight Joaquin Buckley. The result? A dominant win for Buckley that stunned fans and likely signaled the end of Covington’s days as a legitimate contender.
Gilbert Burns: Warrior Spirit, But Losing Steam (0-4)
Recent Losses:
- Belal Muhammad – Decision loss in a title eliminator.
- Jack Della Maddalena – TKO loss
- Sean Brady – Decision loss
- Michael Morales – TKO loss.
Few can question Gilbert Burns’ willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. But that bravery has come at a steep cost. His recent run of four consecutive losses highlights the brutality of staying active in such a talent-rich division. Burns struggled against rising stars and top-tier grapplers alike, and his most recent TKO loss to undefeated Michael Morales underscores the generational shift happening in the welterweight rankings. At 0-4, the Brazilian may need to reassess his approach or consider retirement.
Stephen Thompson: Wonderboy No More? (0-2)
Recent Losses:
- Shavkat Rakhmonov – Submission loss.
- Joaquin Buckley – KO loss.
Stephen Thompson was once the division’s most unique striker, using his karate-based style to fluster and outpoint opponents. But time waits for no one. His loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov via rear-naked choke showed vulnerability to grapplers, and his KO loss to Buckley — a man known more for knockout power — raised questions about whether “Wonderboy” still has the tools to compete at the highest level.
The Bigger Picture: A Changing of the Guard
This 0-13 skid by the former welterweight elite isn’t just a coincidence — it signals a fundamental shift. New names like Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady, Joaquin Buckley, Jack Della Maddalena, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Michael Morales have stepped into the spotlight, each bringing fresh challenges and styles. The old guard, while still dangerous, is no longer dictating the pace of the division.
In a sport where youth, evolution, and momentum are paramount, the welterweight division is undergoing a generational reset. These 13 losses reflect the inevitable cycle of MMA — where legends fall, and new warriors rise.
Where Do They Go From Here?
Each fighter’s future is now clouded with uncertainty:
- Usman will face Buckley on June 14th in a make or break fight for the former champ.
- Covington will probably look at “dream matches” with Lightweight contenders
- Edwards and Burns might take extended breaks before we see them again.
- Thompson may be nearing his swan song after a storied career.
What’s certain, however, is that the UFC welterweight division no longer revolves around this once-dominant group. Their legacy is intact — but their reign is over.
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