While the middleweight title changed hands at UFC 162, the welterweight belt remains wrapped tightly around the waist of Georges St-Pierre. But there are several contenders in the 170-pound division prepared to make a run at the division’s gold.
Next in line for a shot at the title is Johny Hendricks, a powerful wrestler who has battered his way to top contention. He will not be included in this list, considering he has already made his run to a matchup against GSP.
The fighters who do make this list, however, are those still on their way up in the division. These welterweights boast the most potential, good standing in the division, a strong body of work and, in most cases, all three.
Please note that this is not a list of prospects who could make a run, considering said prospects likely find themselves a few years out of title contention. Instead, the fighters included are those who could conceivably fight for the belt within the next 12 to 24 months, and preferably sooner rather than later. Here are the top welterweights poised to make a run at the title.