The welterweight division has been thrown into chaos — the good kind — following UFC 322 and UFC Qatar. With Islam Makhachev now holding the 170-pound crown and several key contenders either rising or falling dramatically, the division has never felt more alive. Matchmaking matters more than ever, and the UFC has a golden opportunity to create a clear, compelling path forward.
Here are the fights that make the most sense right now — the ones that would bring clarity, excitement and narrative energy to one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes.
1. Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry — The Most Logical Title Fight
With Makhachev capturing the welterweight title at UFC 322, the question shifted immediately to who’s next? And realistically, the answer should be Ian Machado Garry.
Garry’s win over Belal Muhammad in Qatar proved he’s not just talented — he’s a genuine top contender. Combined with his near-perfect record and growing global profile, he represents the most credible and marketable challenger available. With the 2025 wins over Muhammad and Carlos Prates, the Irishman has put himself head of the pack in terms of who deserves a title shot despite the lack of finishes.
Stylistically, it’s a fun matchup: the grappling and ever-evolving striking of Makhachev versus the sharp, fluid striking and ever-evolving defensive grappling of Garry.
This fight also writes its own narrative — Dagestan vs Dublin, the heirs of Nurmagomedov vs McGregor in a sense. For the UFC, it’s a title fight that practically sells itself.
Why it works:
- Clear No.1 contender
- Massive international interest
- Style contrast perfect for a title fight
- A new chapter for both fighters at 170 lbs
2. Michael Morales vs Carlos Prates — A Battle of the Rising Killers
If you want a fight that could produce the next breakout welterweight star, Michael Morales vs Carlos Prates is the one.
Morales remains unbeaten and continues to improve with every outing, showing both composure and power, especially in his dominant round one knockout of Sean Brady. Prates is a dangerous, explosive talent who has already built serious momentum with emphatic KO wins over Geoff Neal and former division champion, Leon Edwards after his decision loss to Garry. Both South Americans have the skill and upside to challenge for the belt in the future, but only one can take the next step now, which is why I’d love for them to face off now with a potential rematch down the line if one becomes champion.
This is a classic “prospect vs prospect” matchup that promises violence and clarity in equal measure.
Why it works:
- Determines the next big riser at 170
- Guarantees an exciting fight
- Winner becomes a genuine threat to the champion
- Sets up immediate title fight
3. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Belal Muhammad — Redemption in different ways
Shavkat Rakhmonov has long been the division’s dark horse, and with each win he gets closer to fulfilling his potential, however, after accumulating several injuries that have prevented him for stepping in the octagon, the active division has moved past him. Belal Muhammad, despite now being on a two-fight skid after losing the belt to Jack Della Maddalena and most recently Ian Garry, remains one of the most skilled competitors in the weight class and a win over Rakhmonov immediately puts him back in that title picture.
Putting these two together finally could settle a long lasting internet rivalry and put someone one fight away from a title fight.
Muhammad brings volume, cardio and experience at the very top. Rakhmonov brings pressure and finishing ability . It’s a perfect blend of styles that are slightly similar yet so difference. and a fight that forces one into the title scene, and one out.
Why it works:
- Creates a clear title contender
- High-level technical match-up
- Huge stakes for both fighters
- Fans have waited for Rakhmonov to face another elite welterweight
4. Kamaru Usman vs Sean Brady — Old Guard vs New Blood
This is the kind of matchmaking that keeps a division healthy: a former champion with everything to prove versus a rising contender eager for a breakthrough.
Kamaru Usman remains one of the greatest welterweights of all time, but he now sits firmly outside the title picture and needs a big win to climb back. Sean Brady, meanwhile, has surged into relevance, beating elite opposition and showcasing both grappling dominance and growing striking confidence. However, after getting beaten convincingly by Michael Morales at UFC 322, Brady needs to find a way back into title contention and what better way by taking out the former old guard, who wants one last dance at the top of the division.
Brady testing himself against a fighter as seasoned and well-rounded as Usman would confirm whether he’s ready for the true upper echelon. For Usman, it’s a chance to shut down a rising threat and regain some momentum. Usman has consistently stated that he deserves a title shot based off reputation and that could well be the case for UFC President Dana White, but for me, he’s a long way away from another title shot, simply due to the activity of the young blood around him.
Why it works:
- Perfect crossroads fight
- Gives Usman meaningful opposition
- Gives Brady the test he needs
- Stakes are high without bottlenecking title contenders
5. Joaquin Buckley vs Leon Edwards — Power Meets Precision
If the UFC wants a fan-friendly fight with real divisional implications, Joaquin Buckley vs Leon Edwards is the one.
Buckley has reinvented himself at welterweight, combining explosiveness with improved discipline. Edwards remains one of the most technical fighters in the division, and although he’s no longer champion, and has lost three fights in a row, he’s still elite competition and a hard stylistic puzzle for anyone.
This matchup mixes star power, violence potential and competitive significance. A Buckley win would launch him into the top tier once again following his loss to Kamaru Usman in summer. An Edwards win puts him right back on track in the realm of contenders.
Why it works:
- Guaranteed entertainment
- Rankings movement guaranteed
- Helps rebuild Edwards’ claim
- Could elevate Buckley into contender status
Jack Della Maddalena vs Loser of Morales vs Prates
After losing his belt at UFC 322, Jack Della Maddalena needs a smart return — one that keeps him in the mix.
Facing the loser of Morales vs Prates achieves exactly that.
It’s meaningful, fair matchmaking: JDM gets a tough but winnable rebound fight, while the Morales–Prates loser gets a high-profile opportunity to bounce back. All three fighters stay active, relevant and ranked.
Why it works:
- Helps JDM rebuild without rushing
- Keeps rising contenders in big fights
- Adds stability to the division’s mid-top tier
Final Thoughts
The welterweight division is in one of the most exciting transitional moments in years. With Makhachev newly crowned and several contenders hovering just below the summit, smart matchmaking is essential — and the fights above create a roadmap that would elevate both the rankings and entertainment value of the division.
If the UFC wants clarity, excitement and momentum, these are the fights to make.
TheWrestlingFallacy 
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