UFC Welterweight Rankings Reshuffle After Rakhmonov Injury

Islam Makhachev's reign as UFC welterweight champion faces an evolving landscape of contenders following a series of injuries and bold declarations from rising stars, as the division's rankings underwent significant changes this week.

The 34-year-old Dagestani fighter claimed the 170-pound title in November 2025 at UFC 322 in New York, defeating former champion Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision in the main event at Madison Square Garden. Makhachev, who relinquished his lightweight belt to move up in weight, has called out two-time former champion Kamaru Usman for his first title defense. Usman, 38, has won just one of his last four bouts, prompting debate among observers about whether he deserves the opportunity over more active contenders.

Adding intrigue to the title picture, undefeated Ecuadorian prospect Michael Morales expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to dethrone Makhachev during a recent appearance on MMA Junkie's Hablemos MMA show. The 26-year-old, now 19-0 in professional MMA, secured his spot as the No. 3-ranked welterweight with a first-round knockout of Sean Brady on the same card where Makhachev won the belt. "I won't show him much respect,"...