5 most exciting prospects in the UFC welterweight division right now
![Khamzat Chimaev [Image courtesy of @espnmma on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/49643-16501938297891-1920.jpg?w=500)
Throughout the history of the UFC welterweight division, a dominant champion has emerged as a cut above the rest.
Matt Hughes reigned over the division between 2001 and 2006, barring a loss to BJ Penn, which he later avenged. The American handed over the crown to Georges St-Pierre, who is widely considered the greatest fighter of all time. St-Pierre defended the 170 lb strap nine times before vacating it in 2013.
Tyron Woodley held the belt for three years before losing to Kamaru Usman, whose championship reign continues to this day. During Usman's rise up the ranks at 170 lb, it became clear to those in the know that he was a champion in waiting.
Usman is likely in the final stages of his pro MMA career. Considering his age, knee injuries and accomplishments thus far, most are of the opinion that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has just a handful of fights left in him. As a result, fans have begun to speculate as to who will be the next long-reigning 170 lb champion.
That said, we thought we'd rank the five most promising prospects in the welterweight division at the moment.
#5. Ian Garry (8-0 overall, 1-0 in the UFC)
Ian Garry came into the UFC with a ton of hype. The undefeated prospect was touted as one of the best 170-pounders to emerge out of Cage Warriors, the leading MMA promotion in the United Kingdom.
Garry made his UFC debut at UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden, New York City, last year. The 24-year-old took on Jordan Williams and knocked the American out cold in the first round. In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the Irishman referenced his compatriot Conor McGregor:
“Joe, a wise Irish man once said before me, he stepped in this very cage and he said, ‘We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over.’ And this is the takeover part 2.”
Watch his full post-fight interview with Joe Rogan below:
Garry is an incredibly promising addition to the already stacked 170 lb division. ‘The Future’ has even opted to move to the U.S. for his training camps. In preparation for his bout with Williams, he trained at Sanford MMA, where the likes of Michael Chandler, Derek Brunson and Gilbert Burns train.
Many have drawn comparisons between Garry and Conor McGregor. The combination that Garry used to knock Jordan Williams out was a slick counter-strike, a weapon that McGregor himself has mastered.
