Fans of UFC are asking themselves a lot about the welterweights and who they will be facing in 2026.
Ian Machado Garry currently sits atop the division’s contenders, but after stunning knockout wins, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are both in line as well. However, thousands of fans have spoken on a Bloody Elbow poll via our new Talking Point initiative, and it turns out they don’t want any of them.
In the few weeks following UFC 322 and Makhachev’s victory over Jack Della Maddalena, we polled more than 5,000 fans. Our voters are overwhelmingly in favor of Makhachev returning to his old division instead of facing the 170lb challengers.
Who is Islam Makhachev? Take a look at the life of the world’s best fighter pound for pound
Fans have spoken — and they don’t want any of the recent winners to fight Islam Makhachev
If you’ve been keeping up with MMA for the past few weeks, you’d be forgiven for thinking the entire sport revolved around five welterweight contenders. Garry Prates Morales are all impressive in their recent victories, but our Talking Points Poll of who Islam Makhachev will fight next is a close call.
Just 206 (or 4.07%) of the 5,057 votes cast wanted to see Brazil get his chance after defeating former champion Leon Edwards. Irishman Garry follows with 476 (9.51%), while Morales gets 529 (10.46%).
Is Islam Makhachev pound-for -pound still the number one UFC fighter?
Makhachev, with Merab Dvalishvili et Khamzat chimaev dominating the scene, still takes top spot?
Photo by Ishika Saman/Getty Images
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2025-12-03 03:00:00
