NEW YORK — Not so long ago, it would’ve been preposterous to argue that UFC’s welterweight division was more competitive, more talent-rich, and more compelling than any in the sport. But today, how could anyone deny it?

Three of the division’s top five contenders — Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards, and Kamaru Usman — have been its undisputed champion within the last three-and-a-half years. And that doesn’t include the guy challenging for that title this weekend — Islam Makhachev — who just vacated a lightweight belt he successfully defended four times.

Six active, dangerous title hopefuls in their athletic primes — Sean Brady, Shavkhat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, Joaquin Buckley, Michael Morales, Carlos Prates — round out the top-9 and are a combined 27-3 in the UFC since 2023.

An old guard of ga

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