As UFC 322 approaches, the race for the promotion’s deepest, most competitive division has become a toss-up between bantamweight and welterweight. Both weight classes are stacked with former champions, elite contenders, and upcoming title fights that could shift the balance of power before the end of the year.

Two ex-champions are chasing gold in new territory, adding fresh intrigue to divisions already defined by razor-thin margins and volatile rankings.

The Bantamweight Powerhouse

The 135-pound division has long been the UFC’s sleeper class — technical, fast, and talent-heavy. Now, it’s also the most unpredictable.

Sean O’Malley, the reigning bantamweight champion, remains the face of the division with a blend of charisma and sniper-like striking. But the contenders chasing him are not far behind.

• Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) continues to impose his relentless wrestling pace, riding a nine-fight win streak that includes victories over Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Cory Sandhagen.

• Cory Sandhagen (17-4) remains a perennial threat with one of the most complete striking arsenals in the sport, recently rebounding with a dominant win over Song Yadong.

• Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0), unbeaten and methodical, may be the dark horse — a blend of Dagestani control and striking precision reminiscent of his cousin Khabib’s dominance.

Add to that a surging group of newcomers like Jonathan Martinez and Raoni Barcelos, and the division’s depth rivals any in UFC history.

“The bantamweights are pure chaos,” said UFC analyst Daniel Cormier. “Every top-10 fighter can beat anyone on the right night.”

The Welterweight Renaissance

At 170 pounds, the conversation has shifted from dominance to dynamism. After years of Kamaru Usman’s reign, the division now thrives on unpredictability.

Leon Edwards, who captured and defended his title twice since dethroning Usman, continues to evolve as a complete fighter — tactical, composed, and increasingly dangerous in later rounds.

But the spotlight at UFC 322 turns toward two returning champions:

• Colby Covington, aiming for one more run, faces Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh finisher whose 19-0 record includes 100% finishing rate.

• Kamaru Usman, now testing the waters at middleweight, remains ranked due to his historical dominance — and his absence has opened the door to a new generation of welterweights.

Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad (24-3) has forced his way into the conversation after an eight-fight unbeaten streak. His grinding style and defensive IQ have drawn comparisons to Georges St-Pierre’s precision era.

“The welterweight title picture is wide open,” said UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. “Every fight feels like a title eliminator.”

The upcoming card could tip the balance decisively. A win for Rakhmonov would cement the welterweight division’s case as the most exciting in the UFC — a mix of legacy names and rising killers. But a breakout finish in the bantamweight co-main event between Dvalishvili and O’Malley could easily swing the narrative back.

Both divisions showcase the UFC’s evolution: less about star power, more about depth and global reach.

The Takeaway

Bantamweight represents skill, while welterweight embodies momentum. Both are carrying the UFC’s post-McGregor era with pure competition rather than spectacle.

“It’s the golden age for fight purists,” said veteran analyst John Gooden. “You don’t need trash talk to sell these matchups — the quality sells itself.”

When the cage doors close at UFC 322, fans might not just see new champions. They might witness the crowning of the UFC’s next premier division.