5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC welterweight division
![Colby Covington (left) and Khamzat Chimaev (right) [Image via @needingart on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/cc368-16501936669061-1920.jpg?w=500)
The UFC welterweight championship hasn't changed hands as often as we've seen in other weight classes. It's always been a special division, and has produced many legends and pound-for-pound greats over the years.
Matt Hughes was the divisional monarch for quite some time before Georges St-Pierre took the reins. Tyron Woodley eventually emerged as the next dominant champion before he was dethroned by Kamaru Usman, who's already defended the belt five times. Usman is reportedly set for a sixth title defense later this year and is slated to take on Leon Edwards.
While Usman and Edwards take care of business, the rest of the contenders at 170 pounds will be looking to either advance up the ranks or stake their claim to a title shot. With numerous promising contenders on the rise, the landscape of the division will likely change drastically over the next few months.
Here are five blockbuster fights to book in the UFC welterweight division.
#5. Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Shavkat Rakhmonov is an ominous presence in the UFC's 170-pound weight class. He is the divisional dark horse and most are of the opinion that this Kazakh national will be in the upper echelons of the rankings in the near future.
'Nomad' currently occupies the No.15 spot in the welterweight division. He boasts an unblemished professional record of 15-0 and has finished all of his opponents so far, beating seven by submission and eight by way of KO/TKO.
Rakhmonov has been likened to fellow unbeaten star Khamzat Chimaev lately. They are very similar, as both possess elite wrestling, impeccable submission skills and devastating power in their strikes. The only difference between the welterweight duo is the way they carry themselves. The Kazakhstani’s soft-spoken demeanor is a stark contrast to Chimaev’s outspoken nature.
The UFC has been looking to push Chimaev up the 170-pound ranks at an unprecedented pace, considering his in-cage performances and the way he has resonated with the fans. However, the promotion has a fighter just as good as Chimaev in Rakhmonov.
Shavkat Rakhmonov sends a statement to the division! #UFCVegas47You're looking at a future contender at welterweight 😳
🇰🇿 Shavkat Rakhmonov sends a statement to the division! #UFCVegas47 https://t.co/EtF1WAO0lc
Perennial ranked contender Neil Magny has never shied away from a fight. He remains the only welterweight other than Gilbert Burns to publicly call out Khamzat Chimaev, further highlighting his 'anyone, anywhere, anytime' attitude.
Currently ranked No.10, Magny will be eager to make a move up the rankings down the line. However, his willingness to take on any opponent may hamper his championship aspirations. While it hasn't been officially confirmed by the promotion yet, a Magny vs. Rakhmonov matchup makes sense for all parties involved. They are reportedly set to square off in June.