JULY 30, 2024

This past weekend we saw the title reign of Leon Edwards which ends with three title fight victories. His initial victory came in a shocking fashion when down likely four rounds to none, Leon landed a head kick in the 24th minute to claim his title in the second installment of his rivalry with Kamaru Usman. He then got a decision victory in his first title fight once again versus Kamaru Usman in March 2023. At the end of 2023, he defended his title against Colby Covington in a somewhat disappointing battle to end the year.

Fast forward to this past weekend when Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards left people sleepy. A fight that was as expected settled by decision. What was surprising to many (unless you are Sam Herlache) is that Belal got the betting upset victory. A result that leads for fans and even fighters to get less excited for a division that was considered “boring”.

The stage is set for Shavkat Rakhmonov. He is possibly the most likely title holder of the next era of welterweights. He is someone that can cement himself as the face of the next generation. The 29 year old is commonly looked at as the best welterweight in the UFC despite not having the belt. In a division that has seen three straight decisions in title fights, we could be looking at the perfect opportunity to get fresh legs in the title conversation. Along with Shavkat, we have fighters like JDM and Ian Garry that could be ready for a title shot in the next 18 months.

We are also not saying that every future title fight is going to be just new fighters. We will just have the opportunity to have some legendary battles between guys like Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, Jack Della Maddalena, Ian Garry, Belal Muhammad, Islam Makhachev (maybe?). There is some amazing potential matchups now with the next generation being here.