These are still in the alpha stages, and there are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific, however some fighters will experience run-over into divisions they jumped in and out of. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, and will only given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon. This is a large reason why I think this is still in the alpha stage.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken. Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 15, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
- Heavyweight will look a bit odd, as it will include those who excelled at open-weight back in the 1990s.
Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
1 | ![]() Last Fight: 5/23/2009 |
43-7-0 |
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2 | ![]() Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
19-2-0 |
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3 | ![]() Last Fight: 5/23/2009 |
33-4-1 |
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4 | ![]() Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
19-3-0 |
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5 | ![]() Last Fight: 1/31/2009 |
18-5-0 |
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6 | ![]() Last Fight: 6/20/2009 |
21-2-0 |
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7 | ![]() Last Fight: 7/20/2009 |
35-9-2 |
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8 | ![]() Last Fight: 6/6/2009 |
23-4-1 |
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9 | ![]() Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
17-6-0 |
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10 | ![]() Last Fight: 6/6/2009 |
20-7-0 |
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1. Matt Hughes (1,274 All-Time Welterweight Points)
The most dominant Welterweight in MMA history. Not much needs to be said here, as he’s spent approximately four years at the top of the division, a streak that was only broken up by his loss to BJ Penn in 2004. With over a decade in the division, Hughes still ranks near the top and seemingly will try to extend his legacy even further.
2. Georges St. Pierre (946)
If there is an heir apparent to the best Welterweight in history, it is Georges St. Pierre. Currently the most dominant fighter in the entire sport, he has gone 12-1 since his loss to Matt Hughes in their first contest. Not only that, but during this 12-1 streak, GSP has had an incredible strength of schedule beating guys like Matt Hughes (2x), Frank Trigg, Sean Sherk, Josh Koscheck, Matt Serra, Jon Fitch, and Thiago Alves, with his only loss to Serra avenged.
3. Sean Sherk (454)
From the #2 position, the point total drops tremendously with a surprising entry at #3. Before Sherk moved to Lightweight, he was a top Welterweight since 2001. Until losing to GSP at UFC 56, Sherk went an amazing 29-1-1 in his MMA career.
4. Jon Fitch (428)
After starting his career at Light Heavyweight, then dropping to Middleweight, Fitch finally settled in at Welterweight where he lost only once, in a unanimous decision loss against St. Pierre. In another couple of months, Fitch should move into the 3rd position on this list.
5. Karo Parisyan (426)
Although Parisyan got off to a rough start against big name competition (two losses to Sherk), he rebounded and became one of the top Welterweights in the sport. The future for Karo is unclear though, and this list is pretty tight, so if he hopes to gain ground, he’ll have to rack up some more quality wins.
6. Diego Sanchez (393)
Diego’s tenure in the Welterweight division appears to have come to an end, but in his relatively limited time, he made a mark starting at 17-0 only losing to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. It would’ve been nice to see him carry on at the weight, but he will now attempt to make a mark at Lightweight.
7. Hayato Sakurai (355)
In the wave of American welterweights, Asians like Hayato Sakurai are often forgotten. And even though he split time at the Lightweight division, Sakurai did plenty at Welterweight while the division was in its infancy.
8. Jake Shields (320)
The best Welterweight never to fight for the UFC or PRIDE? That might come to an end eventually, but you know he’s pretty good if he still found the competition to beat to end up on this list.
9. Thiago Alves (294)
I have to say that this one surprised me, but he’s been in the Top 15 for nearly the last 4 years and has been riding near the top since early 2008.
10. Nick Diaz (227)
Is he a Welterweight now, a Middleweight? That I’m not sure of, but at 26, Diaz has enough time to improve his spot on this list.