5 matches to make in the UFC welterweight division
The UFC welterweight division has quickly become possibly the most stacked in the promotion. The 170lbs section of the organization is as exciting as ever. Although the champion Kamaru Usman is as dominant as can be, there are plenty of contenders that fans think may have his number.
Conor McGregor believes he should fight Kamaru Usman on his return to action. https://t.co/IfeSvhVMYs
'The Nigerian Nightmare' is undefeated in the organization and has a 20-1 professional record. Usman's a dominant wrestler but has come into his own as of late with his striking. This was on full display in his knockout of Jorge Masvidal in their rematch.
It's hard to tell what the trajectory of the welterweight division is, especially with Conor McGregor looking to leapfrog over the ranks to take on Usman. Regardless of what happens, it'll have fans tuned in.
Here are 5 matches to make at welterweight:
#5. UFC welterweight: Sean Brady vs. Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson is not an easy outing for anyone. Even after being shut down in his past two performances by strong grapplers, 'Wonderboy's as durable as they come and is always a game opponent. Thompson has fought the most dangerous fighters that the UFC could throw at him, and he's only been finished once.
Having fought for the welterweight title twice and coming up short (albeit the first attempt was a draw), he's gone 3-4 since his last opportunity against Tyron Woodley for the belt.
#UFCVegas43"@felderpaul wasn't lying. You are pretty strong."
@MikeMav22 during his fight with Sean Brady 😅 #UFCVegas43 https://t.co/GtC1HPBqq6
On the other end of this is Sean Brady, a 15-0 fighter who's 5-0 in the organization and still only 29. Most recently, Brady won a grueling fight over submission specialist Michael Chiesa, despite a rough end to the match. Thompson currently sits seventh in the UFC's welterweight rankings, while Brady is not far behind him in ninth.
Thompson and Brady may be close to each other in the rankings, but their careers are in opposite places. The undefeated Brady is looking to make his name off of a former title challenger. 'Wonderboy,' on the other hand, is looking to prove that he's still championship material in this talented division.
On paper, this is a favorable matchup for Brady, who is calling for this fight to be booked. Suffocating grappling is the Achilles' heel of the karate-based fighter. However, Thompson was once the fresh new undefeated fighter until he faced UFC veteran Matt Brown. 'Wonderboy,' should he face off against Brady next, could find his career going full circle by knocking off a newcomer and putting himself back into the welterweight title picture.