The UFC has released updated rankings for the welterweight division. Yaroslav Amosov has entered the top 15 at number 15, marking his first appearance in the official rankings. Mike Malott has jumped into the rankings at number 11, a significant leap for the rising contender. Meanwhile, Colby Covington has dropped out of the top 15 entirely, ending his long tenure among the division's elite. These changes reflect recent performances and the evolving landscape of the 170-pound weight class.
The UFC's welterweight rankings have shifted noticeably, with two fighters entering the top 15 and one long-standing contender falling out entirely as of the latest update released on April 21, 2026.
Yaroslav Amosov makes his first appearance in the official UFC rankings, landing at number 15 in the 170-pound division. The 32-year-old orthodox fighter carries an imposing 30-1-0 record and stands six feet tall with a 75-inch reach. Amosov is a relentless grappler, averaging 4.64 takedowns and 4.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, numbers that rank among the most aggressive wrestling outputs in the division.
Mike Malott enters the rankings at number 11, a strong debut placement for the 34-year-old Canadian fighting out of Team Alpha Male. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, Malott holds a 14-2-1 record and brings a well-rounded offensive game. He lands 3.93 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 1.88 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Colby Covington, meanwhile, has dropped out of the top 15 entirely, ending what had been an extended run among welterweight's elite. The 38-year-old from the United States, fighting out of MMA Masters, finishes with a 17-5-0 record. Known for relentless pressure and volume wrestling, Covington averaged 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes and 3.81 significant strikes per minute across his UFC career.
Why it matters
- Amosov's debut at 15 introduces one of the division's most submission-heavy grapplers into the official contender picture
- Malott entering at 11 puts him within striking distance of the top ten and a potential title-eliminator fight
- Covington's exit signals a generational shift at welterweight, clearing space for the division's newer names to move up
