Top 10 Best Welterweights in UFC History

The UFC welterweight division has always been one of the most thrilling and competitive divisions in MMA. Since the first champion was crowned in 1998, this division has produced some of the most skilled fighters in UFC history. Many of these athletes are legends, leaving behind legacies that fans will never forget.

Here, we rank the top 10 best welterweights in UFC history based on their performances, influence in the division, and overall MMA careers.

List of 10 Best Welterweights in UFC History

10. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit, known as "The Natural Born Killer," was famous for his aggressive and unpredictable fighting style. While his UFC career ended with more losses than wins, he was one of the most exciting fighters in the welterweight division. Condit was capable of finishing fights through knockouts or submissions, with standout victories over Dan Hardy and Dong Hyun Kim. His three-fight finish streak earned him an interim title shot and solidified his place among the best welterweights in UFC history.

9. Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad is not the flashiest fighter, but he has quietly built an impressive record. Known for his relentless wrestling and endurance, Muhammad uses consistent pressure to wear down his opponents. He ranks fifth in total significant strikes landed in UFC welterweight history. His effectiveness and technical skill make him one of the best welterweights in UFC history despite his understated style.

8. BJ Penn

BJ Penn made history by moving up from lightweight to welterweight. Despite giving up size and reach advantages, Penn won the UFC welterweight title in his debut at 170 lbs, submitting Matt Hughes in the first round. Although he never defended the title due to contract disputes, Penn's versatility and skill ensured he is remembered as one of the best welterweights in UFC history.

7. Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards is known for his resilience and skill. He made history with a spectacular head-kick knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, widely considered one of the greatest moments in welterweight history. Edwards' well-rounded style and impressive record place him among the best welterweights in UFC history, showing that setbacks cannot define a fighter's legacy.

6. Robbie Lawler

Robbie Lawler, nicknamed "Ruthless," is known for his thrilling, high-energy fights. Returning to the UFC after nine years, Lawler captured the welterweight title and defended it in legendary bouts against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. His fearless style and memorable fights cement his position among the best welterweights in UFC history.

5. Pat Miletich

Pat Miletich was the first-ever UFC welterweight champion and a pioneer in the division. Known for his wrestling and submission skills, Miletich defended his belt four times while competing in 11 fights in three years. His influence on the early development of the welterweight division makes him one of the best welterweights in UFC history.

4. Tyron Woodley

Tyron Woodley, known as "The Chosen One," was explosive and powerful during his UFC reign. He won the welterweight title by defeating Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 and successfully defended it multiple times. His speed, knockout ability, and all-around skills place him among the best welterweights in UFC history, even if some fans did not fully appreciate his tactical style.

3. Matt Hughes

Matt Hughes was dominant in the UFC welterweight division for many years. He defended his belt seven times and achieved 35 finishes in 45 wins. Hughes' mix of wrestling and striking made him a complete fighter, ensuring his place among the best welterweights in UFC history.

2. Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman, "The Nigerian Nightmare," dominated the welterweight division from 2019 to 2021. Known for his wrestling and striking improvement, Usman defended his title five times against top fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. His combination of power, grappling, and skill makes him one of the best welterweights in UFC history.

1. Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre, or GSP, is widely regarded as the greatest UFC fighters of all time. He holds records for most title defenses, takedowns, and wins in division history. St-Pierre defeated top fighters like BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, and Sean Sherk. His skill in striking, wrestling, and submissions makes him the ultimate champion and the top of the list of best welterweights in UFC history.