So you're wondering who is the welterweight champion in the ufc right now. Honestly, it’s a bit of a wild story because the belt has moved around more than a game of musical chairs lately.
As of early 2026, the man holding the gold at 170 pounds is none other than Islam Makhachev.
Yeah, you heard that right. The guy who dominated the lightweight division for years decided he wanted more hardware. He moved up and actually did it. It’s a massive shift for the division that was once ruled by the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Kamaru Usman.
How Islam Makhachev Became the Double Champ
It wasn't that long ago that Belal Muhammad was sitting on the throne after he completely dismantled Leon Edwards at UFC 304. But the fight game moves fast. Belal eventually lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena in early 2025.
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Then came the superfight.
In November 2025, at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, Islam Makhachev stepped up a weight class to challenge Della Maddalena. People were skeptical. Could the smaller man handle the power of a natural welterweight? Turns out, he could. Makhachev secured a dominant win, cementing his status as a two-division champion and the current pound-for-pound king.
The State of the 170-Pound Division
Makhachev is the guy at the top, but the sharks are circling. The welterweight division is probably the deepest it has been in a decade.
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Basically, the "old guard" is struggling. Leon Edwards, the former champ who once seemed untouchable after that head-kick knockout of Usman, has hit a rough patch. He’s currently on a three-fight losing streak after falling to Belal, Sean Brady, and most recently, a brutal knockout at the hands of Carlos Prates. It’s tough to watch a legend struggle, but that's the nature of the cage.
Here is what the current landscape looks like:
- The Champion: Islam Makhachev (The double-belt holder).
- The Top Contender: Shavkat Rakhmonov. He’s still undefeated and scary as ever. He recently beat Ian Machado Garry in a close decision to solidify his spot.
- The Rising Heat: Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. These guys are the "new blood" and they are finishing people left and right.
- The Former Kings: Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad are still in the mix, but they're fighting to stay relevant against these younger, faster killers.
Why This Matters for the Fans
If you've been following the sport for a while, you know the welterweight title used to be about grinding wrestlers. Now? It’s a mix of elite Sambo, high-level Muay Thai, and insane cardio. Makhachev holding the belt brings a new level of technical grappling to the division that most 170-pounders just aren't used to dealing with.
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People keep asking when he'll defend it next. The rumors are pointing toward a showdown with Shavkat Rakhmonov later this year. That is a "shut up and take my money" kind of fight.
What’s Next for the Welterweight Belt?
If you want to keep up with the title picture, you have to watch the upcoming cards in early 2026. The UFC is clearly trying to figure out if Makhachev will stay at welterweight or go back down to defend his lightweight title.
Keep an eye on Shavkat Rakhmonov. Most experts believe he is the inevitable champion. He has a 100% finish rate in almost all of his fights (well, until the Garry fight went to the judges), and his size advantage over Makhachev would be a massive factor.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep checking the official UFC rankings every Tuesday. They shift constantly based on who just got "starched" or who pulled off a last-minute submission. If you're betting or just arguing with friends at the bar, knowing that Makhachev is the current king gives you the edge. Watch the post-fight press conferences—that's where the real match-making happens anyway.