The UFC has released updated official rankings for the welterweight division with significant changes. Yaroslav Amosov entered the rankings at number 15, marking his first appearance in the UFC's top-15 welterweight list. Mike Malott jumped into the rankings at number 11, a notable debut position. Meanwhile, Colby Covington has been removed from the top-15 entirely after an extended period of inactivity. These ranking shifts reflect recent performances and the evolving competitive landscape in the 170-pound division. The changes may influence future matchmaking decisions.
The UFC's official welterweight rankings have been overhauled, with Yaroslav Amosov and Mike Malott both cracking the top 15 for the first time while Colby Covington has been dropped from the list entirely following an extended stretch of inactivity.
Amosov enters at number 15, a significant milestone for the 32-year-old Orthodox fighter who carries an imposing 30-1-0 professional record. Standing six feet tall with a 75-inch reach, Amosov is a particularly dangerous grappler, averaging 4.64 takedowns and 4.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His 47 percent striking accuracy rounds out a well-developed skill set that has long made him one of the most complete welterweights outside the UFC rankings.
Malott lands at number 11 in his debut ranking appearance, a strong entry point for the 34-year-old Canadian fighting out of Team Alpha Male. The six-foot-one Orthodox fighter holds a 14-2-1 record and brings genuine finishing ability to the division, averaging 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 48 percent and 3.93 significant strikes landed per minute.
Covington's removal marks the end of an era for one of the division's most prominent figures. The 38-year-old from the United States, training out of MMA Masters, compiled a 17-5-0 record across his career and was a consistent ranking fixture thanks to elite wrestling that produced 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes. His extended inactivity, however, has now cost him his spot in the official top 15.
Why it matters
- Amosov's debut ranking at 15 immediately places him within striking distance of ranked opponents and relevant matchups
- Malott entering at 11 suggests the UFC sees him as a legitimate contender, potentially fast-tracking him toward top-10 opposition
- Covington's exit reshuffles the divisional picture and opens a ranking slot that rewards active fighters
- The changes signal a broader generational shift in the 170-pound division as newer names push through
