MMA Rankings > UFC Welterweight Rankings

UFC Welterweight Division Rankings

A review and ranking of the UFC's 170-pound Welterweight division - October 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 one of the best fighters in the world today, many names on this list have challenged him in the past and may challenge him in the future. Also be sure to see our MMA Welterweight rankings as we take a look at the top 170 pound fighters in the UFC and other MMA organizations across the globe.

> Check out all of our MMA rankings including our pound for pound rankings online provided by ProFighting-fans.com and buy UFC apparel & clothing!

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 – (19-2) – A winner of six straight and twelve of thirteen, the current 170 pound UFC kingpin looks as good as ever. Other than the drubbing he took from Matt Serra at UFC 69, GSP has been unbeatable the last 4½ years. His last victory at UFC 100 in July proved that he is up for every challenge.

2. Jon Fitch – (19-3) – The owner of an eight fight UFC winning streak and overall record of 10-1 in the organization qualifies him for the runner-up position. The American Kickboxing Academy fighter's only loss of his illustrious Zuffa career was to GSP @ UFC 87. He is tentatively scheduled to fight Ricardo Almeida at UFC 106.

3. Thiago Alves – (16-6) – The “Pitbull” is coming off a loss to champ GSP, where he courageously went the distance. His 9-3 UFC record includes a seven fight streak and victories over former champ Matt Hughes as well as Josh Koscheck and Chris Lytle. Alves is rumored to be fighting Paulo Thiago at UFC 107.

4. Mike Swick – (14-2) – One of the TUF originals, he has never been considered among the elite despite his sparkling resume, until now. Coming off his 2 nd round drubbing of Ben Saunders at UFC 99, Swick is finally getting the credit that he deserves. His 9-1 UFC record is among the highest winning percentages among all fighters. He is riding a four fight win streak into his probable UFC 105 bout with Dan Hardy.

5. Josh Koscheck – (13-4) – After a 9-2 start to his post-TUF career, “Kos” stalled losing two of his next three fights before getting back on track with a 1 st round TKO victory over Frank Trigg at UFC 103. The Pennsylvania native was predominatly a wrestler, however has steadily improved his stand up game. He holds UFC victories over Diego Sanchez, Dustin Hazelett and Chris Lytle.

6. Matt Hughes – (43-7) – The former longtime champion has been stale as of late, losing three of his last five, but was able to sneak by new-found rival Matt Serra at UFC 98. With an organizational record 16 wins to go along with 5 losses, Hughes is not going to be hurried into retirement like other seasoned stars.

7. Paulo Thiago – (11-1) – Prior to losing his UFC 100 match-up with Jon Fitch, Thiago has won 11 in a row, including a UFC 95 destruction of Josh Koscheck. The BJJ black belt has spent most of his time exchanging blows as of late. Thiago is rumored to be fighting at UFC 107 against Thiago Alves.

8. Carlos Condit – (23-5) – The four-time WEC welterweight champ lost a split decision in his UFC debut to Martin Kampmann at a UFC Fight Night event in April. He rebounded this past September when he earned a come-from-behind split decision victory over the very tough Jake Ellenberger. The “Natural Born Killer” has 13 submissions and 9 knockouts in his career; he also has the distinction of having never been knocked out in his career.

9. Dan Hardy – (22-6) – “The Outlaw” has won six straight fights including his first three UFC bouts over Akihiro Gono, Rory Markham, and most recently Marcus Davis. While many thought that Hardy bit off more than he could chew against Davis, he did just enough to squeak by, using his precise striking power and superior defense. The BJJ purple belt is set to fight Mike Swick at UFC 105.

10. Paul Daley – (22-8-2) – “Semtex,” a teammate of Dan Hardy, jumps into the top ten after bullying Martin Kampmann at UFC 103 in September. With just one UFC fight under his belt, Daley has spent time fighting for Elite XC, Maximum FC, and Cage Rage in prior years. The 26 year-old Brit has won three consecutive and four out of his last five overall.

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 Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer

Published October 2009
Photo used with permission from the UFC

More UFC Rankings from ProFighting-fans.com:

Past UFC Middleweight Rankings from ProFighting-fans.com:

July 2009 UFC Welterweight Division Rankings