The UFC’s welterweight division, once vibrant and fiercely competitive, has recently experienced a significant slowdown following Islam Makhachev’s championship victory at UFC 322 in November 2025. Despite a wealth of talent poised to compete, the division has seen few bouts in early 2026, as fighters recover, strategize, or remain inactive awaiting their next opportunity. This lull in activity has sparked concern among fighters and fans alike, highlighting the division’s current state of limbo.
Joaquin Buckley calls out fighters and UFC for inactivity
Joaquin Buckley addressed the issue openly during a recent live stream, expressing his frustration with the inactivity in the division. While acknowledging that UFC matchmakers control fight scheduling, Buckley criticized the lack of action despite the presence of top contenders. He stated,
The matchmakers know their job. They know better than me what they doing. But right now, they got the hottest division, and ain’t nobody fighting.
Buckley named key figures across the welterweight rankings, pointing out that many are preoccupied with activities outside the octagon. Champion Islam Makhachev, for example, has participated in wrestleball events and chosen not to pursue an early title defense after an extended training camp.
Other fighters also drew Buckley’s scrutiny. Carlos Prates, a serious contender, has openly joked about partying and indulging in vices despite being in title talks. Ian Machado Garry, who holds recent victories but no upcoming fights, also came under fire. Jack Della Maddalena, the former champion who lost his title to Makhachev, remains inactive as well. Buckley pointed out that Leon Edwards has not secured a win since March 2025 or been booked after his knockout defeat to Prates, adding to the division’s paralysis.
Belal Muhammad, another top competitor, has diverted attention to his WR Meals business while waiting for fight announcements, and even undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov was recently removed from official rankings due to extended sidelining following knee surgery.
Buckley’s criticism highlighted a broader issue of fading momentum and lost time. He emphatically stated,
I don’t know what’s going on. Like, what’s going on with the welterweight division? We got to get things active. Come on now. It’s the truth. So yeah, y’all laughing. These ain’t jokes,
and added,
This s— real. I’m ready to see what we capable of doing match 2026. Because right now, we all wasting time.
Notably, Buckley himself has not fought since a June 2025 loss to Kamaru Usman and remains without a scheduled bout, framing his remarks as a rallying cry for greater urgency rather than mere criticism.
Ian Machado Garry proposes concrete matchups for division revival
Sharing similar concerns about welterweight inactivity, Ian Machado Garry, a prominent contender dubbed “The Future,” has offered a proactive roadmap for reigniting the division. With consecutive wins over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad, Garry contends that momentum—rather than waiting—should dictate matchups to restore excitement and competitiveness.
Speaking via his Instagram account, Garry proposed several fights he believes would energize the division.
Everybody has an opinion on who should fight who next in the welterweight division; here’s mine: Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales because it is two power heavy hitters, and I want to see who comes out on top.
He also suggested a high-stakes bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Kamaru Usman, emphasizing it as a way to test defensive improvements and current abilities rather than a nostalgic matchup.
Looking ahead to the division’s pinnacle, Garry made a bold declaration:
And finally, the world title fight at welterweight: I want to see champion Islam Makhachev defend his belt against the world’s No. 1 contender, Ian Machado Garry. I’m next.
His confidence is backed by recent results and timing, with his only UFC loss coming at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov and victories over several top-ranked fighters.
Garry’s proposed fight card presents a clear blueprint for the UFC to capitalize on existing talent, enabling the welterweight division to break from its current stagnation and regain momentum through meaningful competition.
The division’s current crossroads and potential future
The welterweight division stands at a critical junction as 2026 progresses, with multiple contenders ready but inactive, and champion Islam Makhachev anticipated to return later in the year. Joaquin Buckley’s outspoken demand for urgency and Ian Machado Garry’s matchmaking suggestions both reflect a shared desire for movement and action. Without swift scheduling and hard-fought battles, there is a risk that the division’s momentum will be squandered, leaving fans and fighters alike frustrated.
The following months will be decisive not only for the fighters themselves but for the UFC’s ability to maintain the welterweight division as one of the sport’s premier weight classes. With the depth of talent available, including Carlos Prates, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena, strategic matchmaking and timely bouts could reestablish the division’s excitement and competitive balance.
As such, while the division’s current state raises uncertainty and tension, it also presents an opportunity. Concerted efforts to schedule key fights could transform this period of inactivity into a turning point, revitalizing the welterweight landscape and reaffirming Islam Makhachev’s status as a fighting champion with worthy challengers lined up behind him.
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