MMA Rankings > UFC Welterweight Rankings
UFC Welterweight Division Rankings
A review and ranking of the UFC's 170-pound Welterweight division - July 2009 Update
Without a doubt one of the strongest weight classes in terms of pound for pound talent in the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC’s 170lb division is teeming with a pool of dynamic wrestler/striker hybrids whose skills are augmented by their extreme athleticism. While current champion Georges St-Pierre is considered to be the best fighter in the world today, many names on this list have challenged him in the past and may challenge him in the future.
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Georges St. Pierre lost his first title defense at UFC 69 to Matt Serra (pictured), but GSP got his revenge winning the Welterweight belt at UFC 83. |
1. Georges St-Pierre – Having not lost a fight since a 2007 upset loss to former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Serra, GSP is currently riding an impressive five-fight winning streak with dominating victories over top contenders Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, former champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra, and current Lightweight Champion BJ Penn. A man who was once feared predominantly because of his versatile striking arsenal is now considered to be the most dominant wrestler in the sport today, and at an even 28 years of age, he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The co-main event of UFC 100 on July 11 should prove to be his toughest test to date when he takes on Brazilian wrecking machine Thiago Alves in his third title defense.
2. Thiago Alves – Currently riding a seven-fight winning streak inside the Octagon, Thiago “Pitbull” Alves is probably the largest and most powerful welterweight in the UFC, including champion St-Pierre. With dominating victories over Karo Parisyan, former champion Matt Hughes, and Josh Koscheck respectively, Alves has earned himself a shot at the best fighter in the world this week at UFC 100. If his skills are as poised as his confidence, come July 11th, he could present a very legitimate threat to St-Pierre’s throne.
3. Jon Fitch – While he was thoroughly handled in his August 2008 title fight with current champion Georges St-Pierre, Fitch is the only fighter to have gone five rounds with the pride of Canada in UFC history. Add in the fact that he once held the record for most consecutive UFC wins at eight, which included a 2006 TKO victory over current top contender Thiago Alves, and it is easy to see why he is still considered a future threat to anyone holding the welterweight strap. Fitch will get the chance to avenge his teammate’s loss to Paulo Thiago this week when he fights on the main card of UFC 100.
4. Matt Hughes – His Unanimous Decision victory over Matt Serra at UFC 98 in May was not the dominant performance he promised, but the former welterweight champion came away with the W and some renewed confidence in the cage. Look for the Illinois native to be back in the cage sometime this fall for what could very well determine a top contender somewhere down the line.
5. Martin Kampmann – Having already dispatched some worthy opponents in his middleweight days with the UFC, Martin Kampmann leapfrogged many up and coming contenders at welterweight with an April Split Decision victory over the last reigning WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. Kampmann will likely be put in a top contender’s match before the end of 2009 because of that performance.
6. Mike Swick – With a 9-1 record in the UFC and an undefeated 4-0 mark since dropping down to 170lbs, Mike Swick has established himself as a favorite for a top contender’s match before the year is out, possibly against Martin Kampmann. While his last opponent was hardly world-class opposition, Swick has enough reputable names on his resume to warrant some higher-profile matches. 7. Josh Koscheck – Before being knocked out by Paulo Thiago when he was the heavy favorite in their February bout at UFC 95, Josh Koscheck was being groomed for his first shot at the welterweight title held by Georges St-Pierre. A subsequent injury has forced the AKA standout out of action until the fall, but a victory over rumored opponent Frank Trigg in September could put him right back into title contention. 8. Carlos Condit – Before Martin Kampmann spoiled his plans in April, Carlos Condit was considered to be a future top contender to the welterweight title by most hardcore fans. Unfortunately, this young, versatile fighter will have to earn his stripes amongst the big boys when he starts his climb from the bottom of the ranks this year. |
9. Paulo Thiago – This Brazilian newcomer may only have one respectable name on his undefeated resume, but it is quite a good one. If Thiago can repeat his knockout of Koscheck with a similar performance against highly-ranked Jon Fitch at UFC 100, he will have earned his spot close to the top of the division.
10. Dan Hardy – Not everyone agreed with his UFC 99 decision win over favorite Marcus Davis last month, but Hardy is currently 3-0 in the UFC against respectable opposition. He is still a ways off from a shot at UFC gold, but another victory over a top contender could put him right into the thick of all things golden at 170lbs.
Look for Top Ten UFC Rankings to be up the first week of every month from here on out, exclusively on ProFighting-fans.com.
By Steven T. Kelliher
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
Published July 2009
Photo used with permission from the UFC
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