Top UFC Welterweights Ranked

When it comes to sheer talent and legacy, few divisions in UFC history have produced the kind of iconic battles and enduring legends like the welterweight division. From the laser-sharp dominance of Georges St-Pierre to the gritty resilience of Kamaru Usman, the list of elite 170-pounders reads like a who’s who of mixed martial arts royalty.

Understanding who truly deserves the title of the Greatest UFC Welterweight Champion of All Time is no easy task. Titles, win streaks, opposition caliber, overall skill setsso many factors are in play. But some champions etched their names in history and forged resumes that fans and pundits can’t ignore. Buckle up as we power through the era-defining kings of the cage in the welterweight ranks.

#1 Georges St-Pierre

Let’s not bury the lede. Georges “Rush” St-Pierre isn’t just the best welterweight of all timehe might be the most complete fighter to ever grace the Octagon.

With nine consecutive title defenses and victories over legends like BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, Nick Diaz, and Carlos Condit, GSP didn’t just winhe engineered comprehensive shutdowns of elite opposition in every department. Wrestling? Clinical. Striking? Surgical. Fight IQ? Einstein would blush.

And when others faded, GSP evolved. His dominance wasn’t built only on physicality but on a masterful understanding of game plans and execution. He retired after a successful middleweight title win, which only further burnishes his Hall of Fame résumé. Every other welterweight enter the conversation starts a yard behind him.

#2 Kamaru Usman

If GSP was the scalpel, Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman was the sledgehammer. Coming up through The Ultimate Fighter, Usman’s MMA evolution hit warp speed after capturing the title in 2019 by rag-dolling Tyron Woodley.

From there, it was a riding wave of brutality. He defended the welterweight throne five times, dispatching high-level threats like Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice), and Gilbert Burns. And let’s not forgetUsman did it all while developing a jab that could humble most middleweights.

His shocking head-kick KO loss to Leon Edwards in 2022 marked a stunning fall from the apex, but nothing erases the reign of dominance he imposed for nearly four years. In another era, he would’ve been the undisputed king.

#3 Matt Hughes

Before GSP and Usman, there was Matt Hughesthe corn-fed powerhouse with a hall-of-fame chin and country-boy grit that turned him into a two-time UFC champion and logging seven total title defenses.

Hughes was a prototype: elite wrestling backed with brute strength. He bulldozed his way through the early 2000s, stacking wins over legends like Royce Gracie, BJ Penn, Frank Trigg, and Carlos Newton. He was the welterweight OG when the UFC was finding its legs, and his style might look vanilla today, but at the time it was the peak of evolution.

And who could forget his iconic rivalry with St-Pierre? He won the firstlost the next twobut those bouts helped usher in a new generation of MMA greatness.

#4 Tyron Woodley

From momentary flash-in-the-pan to one of the most feared knockout artists of his time, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley commanded the division with a rare combination of speed, power, and wrestling pedigree.

Woodley’s title-winning KO of Robbie Lawler was sheer violence, and his defenses against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (twice), Demian Maia, and Darren Till further cemented his status. For a time, Woodley was a puzzle no one could solve. His right hand came with its own weather warning.

Though his decline was steep and swifthe lost four consecutive fights before leaving the UFCit doesn’t erase the years he ruled the division like a tactical tank. Few possessed his ability to neutralize elite strikers and grapplers alike.

#5 Robbie Lawler

Welcome to the blood-and-guts portion of our list.

“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler wasn’t supposed to be a world champion in the UFC’s modern era. His career looked cooked in the late 2000s. Then in 2013, he turned in one of the wildest late-career resurgences we’ve ever seen.

What followed was a title-winning spree filled with violence, cardio, and an iron will. His brawls with Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald, and Carlos Condit are part of the division’s folklore, especially his UFC 189 war with MacDonalda fight etched into MMA’s Mount Olympus of brutality.

Lawler’s technical tools may never have matched GSP or Usman, but his passion and refusal to quit made him an unforgettable champion in the deepest era the welterweights had ever seen.

Honorable Mentions

• Leon Edwards: Still mid-reign, “Rocky” has a lot left to say. His ascentcapped by a perfect head kick against Usmanwas straight out of Hollywood.
• Johny Hendricks: For a hot second, Bigg Rigg looked unbeatable. His slugfests against Lawler and GSP-era miss-fire land him just outside the top 5.
• BJ Penn: Though his legendary status was solidified in the lightweight division, Penn’s stints at 170 (including a title win) deserve a respectful nod.

The Verdict

What makes the welterweight division such a hotbed of greatness is how generational talent seems unavoidable. Each era has given us a distinct champion with their own flavorwrestling dominance, striking precision, or unmatched heart and resilience.

While rankings inevitably stir debateand oh, they willwhat’s undeniable is the richness of this division’s lineage. From GSP’s ghost-like mastery to Lawler’s juggernaut wars, welterweight champions have never let the spotlight rust.

So whether you bow at the shrine of GSP or stand in the shadow of Usman’s fierce reign, one thing’s clear: UFC welterweights don’t just fightthey define eras.

“It’s not just about who had the belt; it’s about what they did with itand how they made us feel while doing it.”

The rankings are in. Gloves are laced. Legends are made at 170 pounds.

HyunSung Park Calls Out

Coming off the biggest win of his UFC career, HyunSung Park didn’t wait long before seizing the micand seizing the moment. Following his gutsy unanimous decision victory over veteran Matt Schnell at UFC Vegas 106, Park surprised both fans and pundits with a post-fight callout that raised more than a few eyebrowsnot because of who he called out, but rather, the randomness of it all.

Tactical Approach, Wild Finish

Let’s start with the bout that started it all. Park isn’t simply a promising South Korean flyweight anymorehe’s a full-blown threat in the division. Facing Schnell, a slick scrambler and proven finisher, Park displayed poise and positional excellence, navigating dangerous exchanges while cracking Schnell with varied combinations. His cardio held up, and so did his composure, earning him a clear-cut win on the judges’ scorecards.

However, the action didn’t stop when the fight did. Moments after his hand was raised, Park turned heads with an unpromptedand admittedly, bafflingcallout that instantly sent MMA Twitter into a frenzy.

“Who?” Becomes “Why?”

Instead of targeting a top-10 contender or calling for a ranked slot himself, Park used his clutch post-fight interview to call out someone entirely off the radar. In a scene that felt equal parts strange and scripted, Park stood in the center of the Octagon and declared, “There’s someone I’ve had my eyes on for a while… and it’s time. Let’s dance, Steve Erceg.”

For context, Steve Erceg had already fought for the title earlier in the yeara short-notice bid against Brandon Moreno that didn’t quite go Erceg’s way but put him on the map. But Erceg isn’t exactly in Park’s crosshairs from a rankings or rivalry standpoint, making the callout seem almost… random?

The School of Style Points

There’s something refreshing about Park’s flavor of promotions. He’s not conforming to the usual cookie-cutter post-fight etiquette. He’s skipping the playbook and going full improv. In fact, that unpredictability is intriguing in a McGregor-esque way: you may not understand it, but you pay attention because it’s different.

Is Park simply hunting a name to fast-track his status from prospect to contender? Possibly. Or maybe he sees something specific in Erceg’s stylea striking-heavy approach that contrasts Park’s well-rounded grind. Either way, the rather “random” nature of the moment made it the day’s main talking point.

“Random” is the New Strategy

MMA fans love drama, and even more than that, they love being confused enough to talk about it. Park just earned his largest audience to date with one carefully delivered lineand it has people wondering not if he deserves a bigger fight, but who deserves to share the spotlight with him.

As for Schnell, the loss marked another tough setback for the veteran, who now finds himself at a crossroads after a flurry of inconsistent performances. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t find any extended rhythm against Park’s dynamic pace and pressure.

The Road Ahead

Park is now riding a [insert current win streak here] streak, and this victory solidifies him as one of Asia’s brightest rising stars in the flyweight division. Between real skill and witty mic game, the 28-year-old is playing chess when others are still playing checkersthough, perhaps, he has his pieces scattered across someone else’s board entirely.

UFC matchmakers have never shied away from rewarding marketable surprises, especially when they come packaged with winning streaks and international fan crossover. Will Park vs. Erceg make it onto a summer card? Or was it just performance art from a fighter comfortable with controlled chaos?

Final Thoughts

HyunSung Park might not be a household name yet, but with stunts like thisand performances that back them uphe’s laying the groundwork for stardom. The callout may have been “random,” but make no mistake: Park’s rise is anything but.

For more coverage of UFC Vegas 106 and updates on fight bookings, follow us @YourMMAJournalist on Twitter and stay locked with MMA Junkie for all the latest.

Chimaev UFC Injury Timeline

For a fighter as ferocious and feared as Khamzat Chimaev, you’d be forgiven for thinking nothing could keep “Borz” out of the cage. Yet, as UFC fans now know all too well, the Swedish-Chechen phenom has spent almost as much time on the sidelines as he has inside the Octagon since bursting onto the scene in 2020. With his long-anticipated UFC 319 title fight against Dricus Du Plessis on the horizon, it’s worth looking back at the obstaclesmore specifically, the injuries and withdrawalsthat have tried (and failed) to halt the Chimaev hype train.

A Meteoric Rise… and a Sudden Pause

Chimaev’s rise was nothing short of supernatural. In just 66 days, he racked up three wins and three performance bonuses, bulldozing opponents with barely a scratch. Fans began calling him the second coming of Khabibwith hands. His blend of wrestling dominance and murderous intent became must-see TV for UFC fans starving for a new heir to the welterweight throne.

But then… crickets. What followed was a stop-start journey full of injury setbacks, visa delays, health scares, and more rescheduled fights than a cursed wedding.

The Timeline of Trials: Chimaev’s Injury Roadmap

• March 2021 – COVID-19 Aftermath nearly ends his career: Chimaev contracted COVID-19 in late 2020 while training in Las Vegas. What followed wasn’t just a mild cough. He experienced lingering symptoms and complications, with things getting so serious that he literally announced his retirement on Instagram in March 2021, stating, “I think I’m done.”
• October 2021 – Withdraws from UFC 267: Slated to return in Abu Dhabi at UFC 267, Chimaev reportedly suffered extended issues related to long COVID. The UFC removed him from the event, citing “health complications,” though official details were murky.
• April 2022 – Shoulder and visa delays hamper momentum: After smashing Li Jingliang in a violent return in October 2021, hopes were high. He was linked to Gilbert Burns immediately. But training interruptions due to visa delays and a nagging shoulder injury pushed the fight to April. Still, he pulled off a war with Burns that cemented his status as the division’s most terrifying rising star.
• October 2022 – UFC 279 reshuffle madness: Originally set to fight Nate Diaz, Chimaev missed weight by a full 7.5 pounds at the UFC 279 weigh-ins. Rumors swirled around a botched weight cut and underlying injury. While no specific injury was confirmed, insiders whispered about a compromised training camp. The incident ultimately forced a reshuffling of the card, and Chimaev ended up steamrolling Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout.
• Fall 2023 – Extended layoff due to injury: Despite clamoring for a title shot, Chimaev went radio silent. UFC CEO Dana White explained the inactivity as due to ongoing medical issues. While rumors ranged from knee injuries to another health scare, the exact nature remained vagueadding to the mystique. Still, Chimaev didn’t fight for the entirety of 2023. Fans grew restless.
• May 2024 – Withdraws from UFC Saudi Arabia main event: Booked to headline UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia against former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker, everything looked set. Then, just weeks before the date, Chimaev pulled out due to illness, scrapping a crucial title eliminator bout. The UFC had to scramble for a new headliner.

Enter UFC 319 – Du Plessis Awaits

Now, it appears Chimaev has cleared the cobwebs and rehab rooms. The UFC officially announced that Chimaev will finally compete for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 319 against current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. It’s a bout two years in the making, and one that fans are praying doesn’t join the long list of scratched engagements that have marred Chimaev’s career.

Du Plessis, known for his own gritty resilience and chaotic striking style, is no walk in the park. The South African is chomping at the bit to welcome Chimaev back and finally put to test the aura that’s been building since 2020.

The Verdict: Real or Myth?

For all the setbacks, what keeps fans invested in Chimaev is the unshakeable belief that when healthy, this man might just be the most dominant force in the sport. We’ve seen flasheswell, more like full-on sonic boomsof what he’s capable of inside the cage. But in MMA, potential is a perishable asset. Only time will tell if these injuries are unfortunate blips or a chronic trend that defines his career.

For now, the countdown to UFC 319 is on. If healthy and focused, Chimaev may finally claim the belt many assumed he’d already own by now. But remember: with “Borz,” it’s never just about who he’s fighting…

It’s about whether he makes it to the cage at all.

Follow the Story

Keep it locked to MMA Mania and UFC.com for breaking updates as we track Chimaev’s journey to UFC 319.

UFC Vegas 106 Picks

Another Saturday night, another slugfest in Sin City. UFC Vegas 106 rolls into the APEX facility in Las Vegas with a card stacked with firepower, rising momentum, and plenty of betting intrigue. Whether you’re in it for the casual chaos or a seasoned bettor double-checking prop plays, let’s dive into the matchups that’ll shake up the rankings, rattle a few chin bones, and potentially pad your wallet.

Main Event: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy

Veteran warhorse Edson Barboza (24-11) squares off against the undefeated British dynamo Lerone Murphy (13-0-1) in a classic striker’s delight. Barboza, now a staple of post-fight bonus packages, isn’t just threatening with kicks that could fell redwoodshe’s a highlight reel on legs. But age and accumulated war wounds don’t lie. At 38, there are real questions about what Barboza has left in the gas tank.

Murphy has been steadily building momentum, showcasing slick movement, sharp counters, and elite grappling defense. He’s not as flashy, but he’s frustratingly efficient. And most importantly, he hasn’t tasted defeat. This fight will be a litmus test for how far he can ascend in the crowded featherweight division.

Pick: Lerone Murphy by decision (+110) – It’s a tough ask to finish Barboza, even on short notice. But Murphy grinds out a clean, calculated win over three rounds.

Co-Main Event: Khaos Williams vs. Carlston Harris

The welterweight clash between Khaos Williams and Carlston Harris promises violence. No feel-out rounds here. If your popcorn isn’t ready from the opening bell, you’ll miss the fireworks. Williams owns jaw-crunching powerhis last performance a one-punch PSA as to why you protect your chin every second of every round. He’s aggressive, relentless, and has a right hand you could sell at auction.

Carlston Harris brings more variety to the game plan: unorthodox strikes, submission threats, and that sneaky underdog aura. He’s nuanced, but he doesn’t quite have the polish to trust at extended ranges with someone like Khaos.

Pick: Khaos Williams by KO (+160) – The nickname doesn’t lie. Khaos brings the thunder and closes the show before the judges get involved.

Other Main Card Bouts to Watch

Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Themba Gorimbo

This one screams grappling clinic. Brahimaj is a submission-savant; a BJJ technician sculpted for ground warfare. Gorimbo, meanwhile, enters with confidence after his backstory won hearts and his last win earned attention. But sentiment doesn’t stuff takedowns.

Pick: Brahimaj to win by submission (+175) – The jiu-jitsu is next level. If he gets it to the mat, this one ends fast.

Adrian Yanez vs. Vinicius Salvador

Adrian Yanez needs a bounce-back, and Salvador’s frantic style might be exactly what he needs. Yanez’s boxing remains crisp and deliberate, while Salvador’s wild outputs leave gaps a sniper like Yanez can exploit all night.

Pick: Yanez by TKO (-140) – Expect clean counters and a highlight finish. Yanez reintroduces himself in the most violent of fashion.

Angela Hill vs. Luana Pinheiro

Never count Angela “Overkill” Hill out. A volume striker with durability for days and cardio that never fades, Hill is the type to win judges over purely on activity. Pinheiro brings grit and some wrestling chops but can be outpaced if she doesn’t control tempo.

Pick: Angela Hill by decision (+150) – Close, scrappy, and competitive. But the veteran’s rhythm and output squeak her by.

Prelims with Hidden Value

• Oumar Sy (-125) vs. Rodolfo Bellato – Sy is unbeaten and has been steamrolling opposition. Bellato is game, but Sy’s athleticism and control should shine at light heavyweight. Take Sy straight up.
• Melissa Gatto (-135) vs. Tamires Vidal – Gatto has more tools and cleaner technique. Vidal can scrap, but this feels like a technical mismatch. Gatto by decision feels like a high-value play.

Underdog Radar: Victor Martinez (+220) vs. Tom Nolan

It’s never wise to write off a dog at this stage of a Fight Night card, especially one as seasoned as Victor Martinez. While Tom Nolan enters with hype and the sheen of invincibility, Martinez has been in the fire and owns that gritty edge that can upset a rising star not used to adversity.

Longshot Pick: Martinez by decision (+400) – For those looking to sprinkle, there’s value in experience here.

Prop Plays to Consider

• Main Event over 2.5 rounds (-165) – Barboza’s durability and Murphy’s methodical style keep this one on the scorecards.
• Khaos Williams inside the distance (+120) – If he wins, he wins violently.
• Angela Hill total strikes landed (Over 95.5) – The most active striker in women’s MMA history? That line is begging to be hit.

Final Thoughts

UFC Vegas 106 might not have the glitz of a pay-per-view card, but for savvy fans and bettors, it’s a buffet of value, breakout performances, and potential division shifts. From featherweights jostling for rankings to power punchers setting off alarms, this card has the makings of a sleeper hit.

As always, stay sharp, keep those parlays responsibly playful, and rememberwhen it comes to betting UFC Fight Night, the undercard is often where the gems lie. Happy betting and fight on.

Rogan Praises UFC Star

Joe Rogan has never been one to hold back his opinions, but when the veteran UFC commentator praises a fighter for setting the benchmark, the MMA world pays attention. This week, it was UFC Vegas 106 rising star Isaac Dulgarian who found himself in the spotlight after a dominant performance that had Roganand fansbuzzing. And no, it wasn’t just about the win.

“That’s how it’s done!” – Rogan on Dulgarian’s Professionalism

During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan singled out Dulgarian’s post-fight demeanor as a template of professionalism every fighter should aspire to follow. In an industry often marred by brash callouts and posturing, Dulgarian’s composed and respectful octagon interview didn’t go unnoticed.

“This guy, Isaac Dulgarian, he just f***ing fought his heart out and came out the other side without screaming about how he wants to murder someone next,” Rogan said. “He was grateful, gracious, humble. That sets the standard.”

At just 28, “The Midwest Choppa” secured another pivotal victory in Vegas last weekend, pushing his record to an unblemished 7-0. But instead of adding fuel to the trash-talk fire or calling for top-10 names, Dulgarianwho trains out of Factory X under Marc Montoyastood tall with integrity and humility in front of the mic.

“I’m just blessed to be here,” Dulgarian said moments after his TKO victory. “I want to keep getting better, learn from this fight, and represent my team the right way.”

Humility Hits Different in 2024’s Fight Culture

Let’s be honestMMA sells on rivalries. Beef, banter, and brashness have long been part of the UFC marketing machine. But in a promotional environment where volume, not values, often dominate headlines, Dulgarian’s quiet confidence and sportsmanship felt refreshingly disruptive.

“Every time someone acts like this after a win, it reminds fans why they fell in love with martial arts in the first place,” Rogan added. “There’s a code to this sport, and this guy gets it.”

Rogan, who’s been commentating for the UFC since 2002, doesn’t throw compliments lightly. So when a young fighter earns a rare spot in his praise parade, it’s worth noting. As much as high-flying knockouts or third-round submission comebacks grab reels, so too can a thoughtful post-fight presence make a lasting impression.

Can Dulgarian Keep It Going?

From a competitive standpoint, Dulgarian is building serious momentum. His aggressive wrestling and ground-and-pound style have overwhelmed opponents, and he’s shown steady evolution in his striking. With the featherweight division stacked with talent, he’s still a few fights away from top-tier contender status, but the upside seems undeniable.

What sets him apart? According to his coaches, it’s the work ethic. According to fans, maybe also the lack of ego. And to Joe Rogan? It’s something deeper.

“He’s a martial artist, man. Not just a fighter. That’s a beautiful difference,” Rogan emphasized.

The Rogan BumpMyth or Momentum?

When Joe Rogan singles you out during one of his podcasts, it’s more than just a compliment. It’s the start of something. Fighters like Paddy Pimblett, Sean O’Malley, and even Islam Makhachev have all felt the winds of Rogan-induced momentum. Sponsors notice. Matchmakers pay attention. Fans hit the follow button.

So what’s next for Isaac Dulgarian? That’s up to the UFC brass, but one thing seems clear: he’s caught the attention of the masses without the need to stir the pot or swing trash talk. And in a sport increasingly starving for authenticity, that kind of integrity might just be the edge he didn’t know he had.

A New Role Model in the Making

As feathers continue to fly in the volatile world of UFC featherweights, Dulgarian may have just landed the most elusive strike of alla fanbase grounded in respect rather than entertainment-only antics.

And with Rogan himself endorsing his mindset, Dulgarian could be setting a new precedent inside the cage…and even more importantly, outside of it.

Photo Credit: UFC / Zuffa LLC

Topuria Slams Makhachev Plans

There’s a new lion prowling in the UFC jungle, and his name is Ilia Topuria. The newly crowned featherweight champion may be riding the high of his dominant title win, but he’s clearly not impressed with every move his lightweight peers are makingespecially when it comes to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions.

“Do Your Job First”

In an interview that’s already making the rounds in MMA circles, Topuria took an unapologetic jab at the reigning lightweight kingpin. “He still has to defend his lightweight belt,” Topuria said bluntly, showing zero hesitation in throwing shade at Makhachev’s apparent intentions to move up for a shot at welterweight gold.

Sure, Makhachev has been lauded as one of the most dominant champions in the sport. With back-to-back wins over Alexander Volkanovski and an iron grip on the 155-pound throne, the Dagestani star has made a strong case for GOAT status. But Topuria’s take is clear: the journey to greatness isn’t just about climbing weight divisionsit’s about cleaning out your division first.

A Champion with Old-School Values

Topuria’s comments come hot on the heels of becoming the new sheriff in the featherweight division after dismantling Volkanovski at UFC 298. It was a performance that announced El Matador not just as a future star, but as someone who may be here for a long reign.

Still, success hasn’t made him shy. Unlike some champions who play the game quietly and politely, Topuria plays it with flair. And fiery opinions.

His criticism of Makhachev wasn’t just a potshotit came bundled with old-school principles that fans love to hear. “You need to defend your title, fight the contenders, not just jump to another division,” he said. Given the growing trend of champions pursuing double-champ status rather than solidifying their legacy within their weight class, Topuria’s words carried real weight (pun intended).

The Double-Champ Craze: Not Everyone’s a Fan

The UFC has seen a surge in fighters aiming to make the leap across divisions, often in pursuit of that mythical double-champ status. Makhachev’s rumored desire to step up to 170 pounds and challenge for the welterweight belt puts him in line behind the likes of Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudoall of whom have etched their names into history by conquering two divisions.

But Topuria appears to be cut from a different cloth. He’s more focused on reigning than expanding. And maybe that’s the kind of energy the sport needs right nowan anchor who believes in discipline, title defenses, and taking on every hungry contender who comes knocking.

Seeds for a Mega-Fight?

Could this exchange be planting the seeds for a future blockbuster? One thing you can never discount in the UFC is Dana White’s love for two things: trash talk and ticket sales.

Should both men keep steamrolling through their divisions, a Topuria vs. Makhachev clashespecially at a catchweightsuddenly feels very real. It wouldn’t be the first time stockpiles of trash talk led to a mega-pay-per-view event (see McGregor vs. everyone).

From a stylistic standpoint, it’s fascinating too. Topuria’s sharp boxing and wrestling-based grappling meeting Makhachev’s suffocating sambo and ground control? Cue the goosebumps.

Focus First, Fight Later

Still, Ilia Topuria isn’t looking to be the villain herehe’s just calling it like he sees it. And in his eyes, Makhachev shouldn’t be thinking about a shiny welterweight crown when there’s still unfinished business at 155.

“You haven’t defended your belt enough times. Clean your division before looking for another belt.” That’s the kind of comment that either sparks motivation or fires back with fury. Either way, the message is sent.

Final Take

Topuria’s words weren’t just spicy soundbites for the headlinesthey reflect a core debate that’s rippling through modern MMA: is it better to dominate one division or to collect belts across two? While the trend leans toward ladder-hopping grandeur, Topuria is planting his flag in the traditionalist campand calling out anyone who plays it the other way.

Islam Makhachev may still reign supreme at lightweight, but if he’s looking up at welterweight, he might want to glance sideways occasionally. There’s a fierce featherweight who isn’t afraid to talk, challenge, andjust maybedethrone kings across divisions himself. But only after defending his title, of course.

UFC 319 Backup Revealed

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of unforgettable Octagon drama, it’s to expect the unexpected – flat tires, surprise injuries, weight cut blowouts, freak accidents, or good old-fashioned chaos. And as the build-up to UFC 319 intensifies, the UFC isn’t leaving anything to chance.

Per reports first published by Bloody Elbow, the promotion has quietlyyet strategicallyset a contingency plan in motion should Dricus Du Plessis or Khamzat Chimaev falter before their highly-anticipated middleweight showdown.

Enter: Robert Whittaker

The man tapped on the shoulder for potential short notice heroics: Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker. That’s rightthe former UFC Middleweight Champion and perennial Top 5 stalwart is officially circling Las Vegas skies, ready to parachute in as the emergency replacement for either main eventer at UFC 319.

Sources close to the UFC confirmed Whittaker’s role as a backup for the July 6 pay-per-view event, which will be held at the T-Mobile Arena during International Fight Weekarguably MMA’s version of the Super Bowl crossed with Comic-Con.

Still in the Mix

Don’t call it a comebackbecause Whittaker never left. The Aussie fan favorite is fresh off an emphatic decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298, showing flashes of the relentless pace and technical precision that once earned him the middleweight crown. That win likely kept him hovering just outside title contention, and now, if fate (or weigh-in woes) intervene, he’s got a clear and direct flight path back to UFC gold.

Why Robert? Why Now?

It’s not hard to see why the UFC tapped Whittaker for the role. He’s the consummate professional, never misses weight, never quits on a fight, and neverevershows up unprepared. At 33, he’s entering the sweet spot where experience meets prime athleticism, and despite previous setbacks to Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis, Whittaker remains, by all analytical measures, one of the most dangerous middleweights on the planet.

In an era of social media brawls and stock-inflating callouts, Whittaker stays refreshingly off-brand. He doesn’t talk trashbut he talks with his fists. And if he’s called up from the bullpen on fight week, there won’t be a moment of hesitation or a pound out of place.

Chimaev vs. Du Plessis: Too Big to Fail?

The upcoming UFC 319 main event was already burdened with pressure. On one side, you’ve got Du Plessis, the new titlist who bulldozed his way through the ranks with a style that defies biomechanics and logic… until you realize he’s undefeated in the UFC. On the other, the all-action, all-hype, borderline-mythical force that is Khamzat Chimaev, who steamrolled through two divisions like he was playing on amateur modeuntil he hit the rocky shores of Gilbert Burns.

It’s a matchup the fans demanded, the UFC orchestrated, andif everyone tips the scale at 185.0will deliver fireworks. But with so much (financially and narratively) riding on this fight, having Robert Whittaker on standby is not just smartit’s essential.

The Backup Fighter Era?

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a high-profile backup emerge quietly in the background. From Michael Chandler shadowing lightweight title bouts to Colby Covington lurking cageside with a mic instead of gloves, the concept of a backup fighter is no longer an emergency measureit’s a built-in safety net for the UFC’s multi-million-dollar enterprises.

And let’s be honestnot all fight weeks go according to script. Sometimes, the real main event is the scale on Friday morning.

Stay Ready, Stay Dangerous

As of now, Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is still greenlit and intact. But should anything go sideways, fans can breathe a little easier knowing a former champ like Robert Whittaker is in the wings, battle-tested and quietly sharpening the tools.

The Reaper waits. Las Vegas holds its breath. And UFC 319 just got even more must-watch.

UFC Vegas 106 Preview

Las Vegas is once again the epicenter of violence this weekend as the UFC returns to the APEX facility for UFC Vegas 106. Headlined by a compelling clash between fan-favorite veteran Gilbert “Durinho” Burns and undefeated rising star Michael Morales, this card is a collision of waves from two very different tides: proven grit meeting untested potential. Buckle up. Saturday night might just hit harder than a Masvidal flying knee.

Burns vs. Morales: Changing of the Guard or Timeless Grit?

Gilbert Burns (22-7) has long been the litmus test for those looking to step into elite welterweight waters. The 37-year-old Brazilian brings a wealth of experience, a bronze-plated grappling resume, and a reputation for absorbing adversity and swinging back harder. Though he’s coming off a tough loss to Jack Della Maddalena, it’s never wise to count him outparticularly when he smells blood.

Enter Michael Morales (16-0), the 24-year-old Ecuadorian phenom who’s ransacking the division with poise and power beyond his years. Undefeated in four UFC appearances, Morales is an intriguing package of athleticism, controlled aggression, and a chilling finishing instinct. But Saturday night is a different beast. It’s his biggest test yet by every metric imaginable. For Morales, it’s not just about staying unbeatenit’s about proving he belongs.

This is the kind of matchup that defines trajectories. Does Morales stamp his place among welterweight royalty? Does Burns hold the gate and show yet another hungry lion how steep this climb really is?

Co-Main Sizzle: Ivana Petrovic vs. Luana Carolina

In the co-main event, we shift weight classes and go global. Norwegian striker Ivana Petrovic is set to toe the line against Brazil’s own Luana Carolina. Petrovic, known for her explosive combinations and granite chin, is seeking to make a statement and climb toward top-15 contention. Carolina, on the other hand, is looking to rebound after a few turbulent performances that cast a shadow on her potential. Both women have something to proveand nothing to lose.

Keep Your Eyes On: They Came to Steal the Show

• Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne – In the land of heavy hands and heavier frames, this heavyweight clash promises violence. Cortes-Acosta brings power with patience, while Despaigne is a Cuban wrecking ball who rarely needs more than a round to clock out.
• Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Themba Gorimbo – Grappling fans, rejoice. Brahimaj’s submission game is both dangerous and dramatic, while Gorimbo steps in carrying momentumand a shoulder chip the size of his homeland of Zimbabwe.

One of the real joys of APEX cards is discovering fighters to watch before the rest of the world catches on. Saturday promises a few breakout performances.

Full Fight Card for UFC Vegas 106

Main Card (ESPN+) – 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT

• Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales
• Women’s Flyweight: Ivana Petrovic vs. Luana Carolina
• Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne
• Welterweight: Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Themba Gorimbo

Prelims (ESPN+) – 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT

• Light Heavyweight: Oumar Sy vs. Tuco Tokkos
• Women’s Bantamweight: Tainara Lisboa vs. Montserrat Rendon
• Strawweight: Eduarda Moura vs. Denise Gomes
• Flyweight: Clayton Carpenter vs. Stephen Erceg
• Bantamweight: Josefine Knutsson vs. Ernesta Kareckaite

How to Watch UFC Vegas 106

The entire card streams exclusively on ESPN+. If you’re one of the few left unscrambled by multiple subscriptions, logging in should be a breeze. Prelims kick things off at 4 p.m. Eastern, while the main card steps up at 7 p.m. ET.

Tip: If you plan to witness Burns vs. Morales go live, get your snacks earlythe APEX cage waits for no man, woman, or bandwidth buffer.

Final Thoughts: Knockouts, Newcomers, and Narratives

UFC Vegas 106 has all the ingredients of a classic APEX bangera high-stakes main event with real rankings consequences, hungry prospects looking to make names, and a few heavy hitters tossed in for good measure. While not stacked with big-name star power, this lineup offers a rich stew of relevance and potential violence. And remember: some of the wildest UFC moments came in these small-room, no-frills environments.

So whether you’re a hardcore fan tracking every shift in the welterweight division or just looking for a Saturday night adrenaline rush, UFC Vegas 106 won’t disappoint. Watch closelythese under-the-radar cards have a knack for birthing the next big star.