Islam Makhachev Ushers in New Welterweight Era as Contenders Jostle for First Title Shot

Key facts

• Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025 to win the UFC welterweight title.
• Makhachev vacated his lightweight belt and moved up to welterweight last year.
• Della Maddalena had won the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad six months before losing to Makhachev.
• Ian Machado Garry is 17-1, with his only loss a five-round decision to unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.
• Michael Morales is 19-0, having finished Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady in the first round in his last three fights.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0) is recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to compete in 2026.
• Della Maddalena faces Carlos Prates at UFC Perth this weekend in a Fight Night main event.
• Makhachev's first title defense is expected in summer 2026, but no opponent or event has been confirmed.

A New Champion Reshapes the Division

Islam Makhachev stands atop the UFC welterweight division after a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena last November, claiming the 170-pound title and becoming the latest fighter to earn championships in two weight classes. The former lightweight kingpin vacated his 155-pound belt to move up permanently, and his performance against Della Maddalena was among the most one-sided of his career. Della Maddalena had seized the welterweight throne six months earlier by defeating Belal Muhammad, but his reign proved brief. Now the Australian looks to rebound this weekend at UFC Perth, where he faces Carlos Prates in a Fight Night main event. A win could propel him back into title contention, while Prates seeks his first shot at UFC gold.

The Leading Contenders: Machado Garry and Morales

Ian Machado Garry, the 28-year-old Irishman, holds a 17-1 record and is arguably the most deserving challenger. His sole loss came via unanimous decision to the unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024 — a fight he took on less than a month's notice and in which he became the only opponent to push Rakhmonov the full five rounds. Since then, Machado Garry has strung together back-to-back victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad. Michael Morales, a 26-year-old from Ecuador, matches Machado Garry's credentials with a pristine 19-0 record. His last three outings have been first-round finishes of Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady — the latter a knockout at UFC 322 that left an indelible mark on the fan base. Both fighters hold significant height and reach advantages over Makhachev, and either would be a credible next opponent.

The X-Factor: Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Injury Layoff

Shavkat Rakhmonov, the 19-0 Kazakhstani contender, remains the division's wild card. He was not at full health when he faced Machado Garry, and subsequent surgery on a significant knee injury has sidelined him indefinitely. The 31-year-old was removed from the contender rankings earlier this year and is still rehabbing; sources indicate he is unlikely to compete at any point in 2026. Rakhmonov's absence creates an opening for others, but his unbeaten record and prior dominance mean he will re-enter the title picture as soon as he is fit. For now, the division must move forward without him.

Former Champion Kamaru Usman Still in the Mix

Kamaru Usman, the former long-reigning welterweight king, remains a presence in the conversation despite limited recent success. His legacy as a dominant champion and his connections within the UFC could grant him a title shot even if his recent performances do not scream meritocracy. This raises a broader question about whether the organization prioritises recent form or historical stature when booking championship fights. Usman's path back to the belt is unclear, but his name alone keeps him relevant as the division's hierarchy takes shape.

Upcoming Fights Will Shape the Title Picture

The UFC has several options for Makhachev's first title defence, expected in summer 2026. Matchmakers can select from the current pool of contenders — Machado Garry, Morales, or even the winner of Della Maddalena vs. Prates — or they can wait to see how other fights unfold before making a decision. If the organisation bypasses both Machado Garry and Morales for a different challenger, anything short of an official title eliminator for either would be a puzzling move. The welterweight division is primed for action, but the balance between rewarding recent wins and respecting legacy will determine who ultimately steps into the cage with Makhachev.

The bottom line

• Islam Makhachev became welterweight champion by defeating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025, adding a second UFC title to his resume.
• Ian Machado Garry (17-1) and Michael Morales (19-0) are the top contenders, each with strong cases for the next title shot.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov, the only unbeaten contender aside from Morales, is sidelined by knee surgery and unlikely to fight in 2026.
• Jack Della Maddalena faces Carlos Prates at UFC Perth this weekend; the outcome could affect the title hierarchy.
• Former champion Kamaru Usman remains a potential challenger based on legacy, despite recent struggles.
• Makhachev's first title defence is expected in summer 2026, but no opponent or event has been confirmed.