Welterweight fighters have long been celebrated for their optimal balance of speed and power in the world of mixed martial arts and boxing. Within the welterweight division, competitors typically weigh around 170 pounds, presenting fans with a division that is replete with skillful technique, agility, and formidable knockout power. As we celebrate the fighters who have excelled in this weight class, let’s take a look at the top 10 welterweights across both mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing, considering their achievements, skill sets, and impact on the sport.
#10. Donald Cerrone
Starting our list is “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone, a revered name in MMA, known for his versatility and willingness to fight anyone at any time. Although Cerrone has fluctuated between lightweight and welterweight, his time at 170-pounds has seen him deliver some spectacular performances. His combination of Muay Thai striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has made him a fan favorite and a tough matchup for anyone in the welterweight division.
#9. Keith Thurman
Next is Keith “One Time” Thurman. In the boxing ring, Thurman is known for his power and his smart, calculating fighting style. With a professional record that includes multiple world titles at welterweight, Thurman has been a significant player in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions, standing toe to toe with the likes of Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter and coming out on top.
#8. Shawn Porter
Speaking of Shawn Porter, here is a boxer who cannot be overlooked in the welterweight division. Known as “Showtime,” Porter combines relentless pressure with physical strength, often overpowering his opponents with sheer will and stamina. Porter’s fights with elite boxers like Errol Spence Jr. and Keith Thurman are modern classics that showcase the best of what welterweights have to offer.
#7. Robbie Lawler
Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler is a highly-respected figure in MMA, known for his fearsome striking and never-say-die attitude in the cage. His tenure as the UFC Welterweight Champion included a series of wars that are etched in MMA history. His ferocious battling style has earned him the reputation of being one of the most exciting fighters to watch at 170 pounds.
#6. Jorge Masvidal
Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal has been a pro fighter since the early 2000s, but his ascent to the top of the welterweight division came after years of grinding out tough wins. His knockout of Ben Askren in just 5 seconds is the fastest in UFC history and catapulted Masvidal to widespread fame. Masvidal has a street-fighter ethos mixed with a highly technical boxing game that makes him a serious threat to anyone in his weight class.
#5. Errol Spence Jr.
In boxing, Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. is a fighter with few weaknesses. A consummate technician with power in both hands, Spence has dominated the welterweight scene with his skillful approach to the sweet science. Unifying titles and defeating top contenders, Spence continues to prove himself as a pound-for-pound talent.
#4. Kamaru Usman
On the MMA side, we find Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman, whose grappling prowess and improved striking have seen him rise to the top of the welterweight division. As the UFC Welterweight Champion, Usman has shown a remarkable ability to control fights with his wrestling and has developed a reputation for his cardio and fight IQ.
#3. Manny Pacquiao
The legendary Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, although more heavily associated with lower weight classes, has had significant success at welterweight as well. An eight-division world champion, Pacquiao’s speed, power, and unparalleled footwork have allowed him to compete with and beat much larger fighters. His match-ups with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. demonstrate his skill at this weight class.
#2. Terence Crawford
Terence “Bud” Crawford is a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. Excelling in multiple weight classes, it is at welterweight where Crawford has really cemented his legacy. As an undisputed champion, Crawford flaunts a high boxing IQ, exceptional power, and an uncanny ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances, confusing his opponents and leading him to a flawless record so far.
#1. Georges St-Pierre
At the pinnacle of the welterweight division, we find none other than Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. GSP reigned supreme in the UFC’s welterweight division with his extraordinary wrestling, striking, and game planning. His athleticism and constant evolution as a martial artist set him apart from his peers, allowing him to defend the welterweight title 9 times during his illustrious career.
While individual rankings can fluctuate with time and opinion, the tenacity and skill of these fighters are unarguable. Whether in the squared circle of the boxing ring or the octagonal cage of the MMA arena, these welterweights have brought fans to their feet with their incredible battles, technical prowess, and the indomitable spirit that represents the heart of combat sports. These are the warriors that have defined what it means to be at the top of the 170-pound division, their names forever etched in the annals of fighting history.