Matchmaker Monday – what’s next at welterweight after UFC 278?

UFC 278 was a triumphant return to Salt Lake City for the MMA leader. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to take a look at what’s next.

Typically, Matchmaker Monday looks at all the athletes who competed on the most recent pay-per-view. For this edition, however, we’ll be taking a look at the top five of the welterweight division. It’s time to take a look at what fights need to be made and what’s already on the schedule.

DISCLAIMER: this is purely opinion based. Feel free to disagree!

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(c) Leon Edwards (20-3, 1 NC) – UFC welterweight champion

The last minute comeback of Leon Edwards at UFC 278 has immortalised him in the MMA history books forever. The Brit capped off a seven-year journey of redemption with a headkick knockout of Kamaru Usman, claiming the welterweight title in the process. The presence of a new champion gives the title picture a fresh look.

As we’re all expecting, the trilogy match with Kamaru Usman has to be next for Edwards. The former champ is more than deserving of an immediate rematch. The first title defense for ‘Rocky’ has to come in England though. It only makes sense.

(#1) Kamaru Usman (20-2) – former UFC welterweight champion

All seemed to be going well for the defending champion at UFC 278. A sixth successful title defense looked all but inevitable. But at once, Kamaru Usman lost his winning streak, pound-for-pound status and world championship.

If there was ever a person deserving of an immediate rematch, it’s Usman. The former champ held the title for over three years and is, statistically, the second most successful champ in 170lb history. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ needs his shot at taking revenge on Leon Edwards.

(#2) Colby Covington (17-3) – former interim UFC welterweight champion

The only losses that Colby Covington has sustained since 2015 have come in championship outings against Kamaru Usman. Outside of those bouts, nobody has been able to best the Oregon wrestler inside the cage. He seemed to be trapped in a position of working for an unlikely third fight with Usman, but with Edwards now as champion, hope for another title opportunity has been renewed.

With the grudge match between Edwards and Usman all but guaranteed, Covington will need to secure another win before he makes his case for a third undisputed title fight. The winner of Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz will also be in a top contender spot, so that makes perfect sense for ‘Chaos’, when he’s ready to return.

(#3) Khamzat Chimaev (10-0) – UFC welterweight contender

It may have taken a hard-fought win over Gilbert Burns, but Khamzat Chimaev is officially a title contender now. The prospect was scheduled to fight now-champ Leon Edwards in 2020 and 2021, and that matchup could be back on the table, if Chimaev can continue to win.

The Chechen-Swede is booked for his first main event against Nate Diaz at UFC 279, three weeks from now. The consensus is that Chimaev will pick up a win without much hassle in this title eliminator (of sorts). ‘Borz’ presents a unique addition to the 170lb title picture, but a welcome one.

(#4) Gilbert Burns (20-5) – former UFC title challenger

The stock of Gilbert Burns only rose in his instant classic against Khamzat Chimaev, even if he walked away with a loss on the night. The Brazilian is eager to return to the Octagon as soon as possible, and they’re have been many opponents on the horizon for him.

A throwdown with BMF champ Jorge Masvidal has been verbally agreed for early 2023. This fight would serve as a great stage for both men to get back on the redemption trail to another title fight.

(#5) Belal Muhammad (21-3) – UFC welterweight contender

In recent times, Belal Muhammad has been quietly making a case for his first title opportunity in the UFC. The Palestinian has gone unbeaten in his last eight fights and is seemingly on the cusp of breaking into the elite, even if his fighting style does draw some disdain from fans.

His next fight will come against fellow contender Sean Brady at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. With a win, it’s hard to imagine that Muhammad is too far away from a title fight, but we must all ‘Remember The Name’ until then.

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How would you matchmake the top five at welterweight? What other fights do you want to see? Let us know in the comments!