What's at stake

Which fighter holds the UFC welterweight championship on December 31, 2026 determines who begins 2027 as the division's official champion.

That belt influences matchmaking, pay, legacy, and the likely schedule of title defenses and high-profile bouts early in 2027.

Who's in play

Islam Makhachev, Michael Morales, Leon Edwards, Ian Machado Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov are primary contenders named on the ballot.

Also competing for the belt are Kamaru Usman, Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, Ilia Topuria, and Carlos Prates, with UFC matchmakers, managers, and coaches shaping opportunities.

What drives it

Fight outcomes, performance on fight night, and rankings changes are the immediate drivers that create or erase title shots.

UFC booking choices, injuries, medical suspensions, weight-cut problems, cross-division moves, and promotional momentum from major pay-per-views shift probabilities over months.

What to watch

Scheduled title fights, interim-belt matches, and top-15 bouts through 2026 will determine the next challengers.

Watch official fight announcements, upcoming UFC cards and pay-per-views, medical clearance updates, post-fight interviews, and any public scheduling or matchup signals from fighters and the promotion.