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On Saturday morning (in the United States), two of the planet’s best welterweights faced off in the main event of UFC Perth, when former division king Jack Della Maddalena took on dangerous Brazilian striker Carlos Prates.

A win could bring the former champions back into title contention this year. However, it didn’t take long to see that Prates was the better fighter, and in two-plus rounds, he made it through surgery and dismantled Della Maddalena en route to a TKO victory. With this victory, his name has been included in the discussion of contenders for 2026.

After the UFC Perth main event, let’s see where Prates and Dela Maddalena land in our new UFC welterweight rankings.

10. Joaquin Buckley (21-7)

Joaquin Buckley has faced many hardships during his UFC career. However, most of this was at middleweight. But since he bulked up to 170 pounds last year, the “New Mansa” has won six in a row. Three of these wins came against great players of this era, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington.

His biggest test to date came when he faced division veteran Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta. However, while he is one of the most dangerous strikers in the weight class, the former champ exposed his major shortcomings in a lopsided decision defeat.

9. Shawn Brady (18-2)

Sean Brady has been very impressive during his 10-fight run in the UFC. After a loss against former champion Belal Muhammad three years earlier, he scored three major wins, including a win against another former champion Leon Edwards. However, he ran into serious trouble against heavy-hitter Michael Morales at UFC 322. The knockout loss he suffered may have cost him a title shot in 2026.

8. Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0)

Shavkat Rakhmonov has proven time and again that he can ultimately capture UFC gold. He cemented this fact with a hard-fought victory over fellow rising star Ian Garry at UFC 310. Although he was not the best version of himself, he went undefeated at 19–0 despite battling a serious knee injury.

However, knee problems are becoming a serious problem. The disease sidelined him for the entire 2025. Now, he is expected to miss much of 2026 after re-injuring the joint and requiring another surgery. That’s why he drops down our latest UFC welterweight rankings and could eventually fall out of the top 10 by the summer.

7. Kamaru Usman (21-4)

For six consecutive years, Kamaru Usman set a great standard of excellence as he built a resume that will guarantee him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. He would go on to be known as one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time and one of the best pound-for-pound competitors of his era. However, all good things come to an end.

Still, despite losing three fights, the 38-year-old showed at UFC Atlanta that he is far from over. Earned a very impressive decision win over one of the fastest rising stars in the division. Although he may not fight for gold again, Usman remains an elite talent at 170 pounds.

6. Belal Muhammad (24-4)

Belal Muhammad has long received a lot of criticism for his fighting style, but the impressive results cannot be denied, and it has catapulted him over the top to become the welterweight king in 2024. However, it is extremely difficult to live there, and that is what creates legends.

Unfortunately, after becoming champion, Muhammad suffered two disappointing defeats. The most recent case came against Ian Machado Gary in November. There is no serious doubt that he will ever fight for the title again.

5. Jack Della Maddalena (18-4)

Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has become his country’s second largest MMA exporter. The DWCS contract winner won his first seven inside the Octagon – including five finishes – and earned a title shot in May 2025. In his first shot at gold, he was successful, taking the belt from Belal Muhammad.

However, staying on top has been difficult for the Australian team. In his first title defense, he was soundly defeated by former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Then, despite being in front of his countrymen, Carlos Prates demolished them in May. JDM is firmly out of the title picture in 2026.

4. Carlos Prates (24-7)

Since earning his UFC contract at the Contender Series three years ago, Carlos Prates has been excelling in the Octagon. Win their first four – they all finish. However, he got a bump in the road in April 2025 when fellow title contender Ian Machado Garry knocked him out.

But since then he has bounced back from that setback. Winning three in a row, they have all been eliminated again, and the most recent was a dominant destruction of former division king Jack Della Maddalena. The Brazilian is now a legitimate title contender.

3. Ian Machado Gary (17-1)

Weighing in at 170 pounds, Ian Machado is a notable part of Gary’s new wave of rising stars. He is a very technical striker who is arguably the best self-promoter in the division. He has already achieved many big victories inside the Octagon. However, his biggest victory came in November, when he defeated former division king Belal Muhammad.

By completely shutting down Muhammad’s grappling game in Qatar, the Irishman showed he is more skilled than he is given credit for.

2. Michael Morales (19-0) – Top Contender

Ecuador’s Michael Morales is quickly becoming one of the most feared fighters in the division. After an impressive performance on the regional scene, he won five straight inside the Octagon, including three finishes. However, in their last two encounters, they have defeated two of the best players in the division over the past five years. The most recent occurred at UFC 322 when he shut down a title opportunity with an impressive knockout victory over Shawn Brady.

1. Islam Makhachev (28-1) – Champion

Islam Makhachev has solidified his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time with his wins over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Charles Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant wrestler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the game.

At UFC 322, he made his mark in UFC history when he moved up in weight and became the latest fighter to win titles in two divisions, as he became the new welterweight king with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

If the spring game is any indicator, the Deion Sanders hype machine that once electrified Folsom Field appears to be winding down.

Colorado’s 2026 spring game had a very low turnout, with independent estimates placing actual attendance at about 17,000–18,000 fans, while the school claimed to have 27,772 “claimed tickets” for the free event.

This marks a steep decline from 47,277 in Sanders’ first spring run in 2023. And it also indicates a continuous decline to 28,424 in 2024 and 20,430 in 2025.

colorado spring football

How It Started (2023) vs. How It’s Going (2026) pic.twitter.com/lWiSJmiJBi

– Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) 13 April 2026

From packed stands to empty seats: How Deion Sanders’ Colorado campaign has faltered

The numbers reflect widespread change in Boulder. After a promising 9–4 season in 2024 on the strength of stars like Shadure Sanders and Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes fell to a disappointing 3–9 record in 2025.

The program responded with a massive roster overhaul via the transfer portal – bringing in over 40 new transfers and nearly 60 freshmen overall – leaving only 22 scholarship players from last year’s team.

Students have openly noted that the “honeymoon phase” is over, with one telling reporters that the program “is no longer about anything new and shiny.”

We’re really going to see what Neon Dion becomes this season. A former Buffaloes player recently delivered a brutal public criticism of the head coach, accusing him of prioritizing style over substance. He may be right.

Christian Fauria, former tight end for Colorado and two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots from 1990–1994, appears zach gelb show And he didn’t hold back in his assessment of Sanders’ tenure leading Buffalo.

“I’m not a fan of Coach. I’ll never be a fan of Coach,” Fauria said. “I like the school. It’s not me picking on Deion Sanders – I pick on Joe Gibbs, too. I just don’t like the way he coaches football.”

“I don’t think he’s very talented. I don’t think he can manage the game. I think there’s a lot of flashes, but I don’t think there’s any substance to it.”

Heading into his important fourth season, Coach Prime emphasized that the program is moving forward with a new coaching staff and a new offensive scheme under Brennan Marion. Sanders also has some new energy after dealing with blood clots earlier this spring.

Yet the empty seats and fading buzz raise an obvious question: Has the magic of prime time in Colorado finally reached its peak?

The 2026 season will provide the answer.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

The main event of UFC 327 will feature a 205-pound bout as Jiri Prochazka takes on Carlos Ulberg for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. “BJP” is winning continuously in its last two battles. Rebel Ulberg has won nine consecutive battles through 2022.

How to watch UFC 327: Wolk vs. Ulberg

• UFC 327 will go down on April 11
• The event will take place at the Kasia Center in Miami, Florida
• The card begins at 9:00 PM EDT
• UFC 327 will air live on Paramount+

UFC 327: Wolk vs. Ulberg card

Main Card (9 p.m. EDT)

• Jiro Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg
• Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa
• curtis blades vs josh hokit
• dominic reyes vs johnny walker
• Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. EDT)

• Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico
• Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown
• Mateusz Gamrot vs. Esteban Ribovics
• Tatiana Suarez vs Lupi Godinez

Preliminary Card (5:30 p.m. EDT)

• Chris Padilla vs. Marquel Mederos
• Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vicente Luque
• Charles Radtke vs. Francisco Prado

upcoming ufc schedule

Take a look at the upcoming UFC schedule after this weekend’s card.

UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott (April 18)

The UFC Fight Night headliner will feature the return of veteran Gilbert Burns when he faces Mike Malott in a 170-pound bout. Burns is currently facing defeat in four consecutive matches. His last win came three years ago in April 2023 against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Canadian-born Malott has won six of his last seven contests. The victory of only two of them could be decided.

How to watch UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott

• UFC Winnipeg will close on April 18
• The event will take place at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Canada
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EDT
• UFC Winnipeg to air live on Paramount+

UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott card

Main Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott
• kyler phillips vs charles jordan
• Mandel Nalo vs. Jay Herbert
• Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karin Silva
• Thiago Moises vs. Gage Young
• Dennis Buzucza vs. Marcio Barbosa

Preliminary Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Julian LeBlanc vs. Robert Valentin
• Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Sarikam
• Melissa Crowden vs. Daria Zhelezniakova
• Mitch Raposo vs. Alan Nascimento
• JJ Aldrich vs. Jamie-Lynn Horth
• John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin
• Jaime Siraj vs. John Yannis

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (April 25)

In the main event of UFC Fight Night, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling will face Youssef Zalal in a 145-pound bout. The “Funk Master” is coming off a unanimous decision win against Brian Ortega last August. Only one of Jalal’s last five wins has reached the judges’ scorecards.

How to watch UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal

• UFC Fight Night starts on April 25
• The event will take place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EDT
• UFC Fight Night will air live on Paramount+

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal card

Main Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal
• Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez
• Davy Grant vs. Juan Martinetti
• montel jackson vs raoni barcelos
• Norma Dumont vs. Jocelyn Edwards
• Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri
• Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConnico
• Jaffel Filho vs Lucas Rocha
• Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann
• Mayra Bueno Silva vs Michelle Montague
• Jackson McVey vs. Cedrics Dumas

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

The Chicago Bears made some stealth-solid moves in the offseason, but ultimately took L off the field. They lost a key piece of the front office when Ian Cunningham applied for the Atlanta Falcons GM job, and now the comp pick they’re counting on? Yep… looks like there’s no action to be taken.

Chicago was hoping the NFL would give them a compensatory pick after Cunningham opted out. However, since Matt Ryan is running the show as president of football ops in Atlanta, Cunningham does not technically hold the role of top football authority.

The NFL has just made it official. No compensatory selection. Case closed. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on X, the league told Chicago that their appeal did not remove the chains: Cunningham’s opting out is not eligible for the draft comp, and this is the final whistle on that debate.

The Bears tried to make the case that Ian Cunningham’s move into the GM role with the Falcons should count, but the league was not convinced. Even though Cunningham took over GM duties and showed up in the annual GM photo, the NFL said it was not enough to meet the criteria.

Chicago reportedly played hard even after the league withdrew its 2026 draft order in March (with zero comp picks for them), but the replay didn’t go their way. Now, they head into the 2026 NFL Draft with their original seven picks. Headlined by the No. 25 overall pick and a pair of second-rounders.

No bonus selection. No dole. He was disposed of with just that hand. And now it’s up to the Bears front office to make every snap count heading into draft weekend.

One of the main events planned for WWE WrestleMania 42 has been changed following a creative twist to the previously scheduled Hell in a Cell match.

According to a report from PWInsider.com, internal discussions earlier this year focused on Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre settling their long-running feud inside the steel structure.

However, the company has opted to move in a different direction for the Undisputed WWE Championship, opting to capitalize on the personal history between Rhodes and his former mentor, Randy Orton. The path to this new main event was laid out during last week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Portland, Oregon.

In a chaotic main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to become the three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. The match was filled with interference, including a moment when Jacob Fatu came to stop McIntyre from using a steel chair, allowing Rhodes to connect with the Super Cody Cutter, after which Cross Rhodes picked up the victory.

The change to Orton vs. Rhodes allows WWE to build a storyline spanning over 15 years. As members of the Legacy faction, Orton served as a mentor to the young Rhodes. The match is seen by fans as a “dream bout” that has been teased for years and is now set to headline the first night of the two-night event at Allegiant Stadium.

Despite losing the championship, Drew McIntyre is expected to remain the focal point of the WrestleMania card. Following his defeat, McIntyre has been linked to a possible bout with Jacob Fatu. Here is the current card for the event:

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs Roman Reigns

• Roman Reigns won the 2026 Royal Rumble and chose CM Punk as his opponent, making it one of the confirmed headline matches.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

• Rhodes recently won the Undisputed WWE Championship and will defend it against Orton, who earned the opportunity by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

Liv Morgan vs. Women’s Champion Jade Cargill

• Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, guaranteeing a title match at WrestleMania.

Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown criticized the Beverly Hills Police Department on Saturday for shutting down a panel he hosted during All-Star weekend. After Sunday’s game, according to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Brown dismissed a statement issued by BHPD during his post-game media availability.

“I’m hurt by the statement made by Beverly Hills, as if we applied for something and didn’t get it, and yet we got it done.” [and] We were disobedient,” Brown said after the NBA All-Star Game. “I know how to follow the rules. I’m smart enough to follow the guidelines. It seemed like no one wanted whatever we were doing to continue because out of everything we were doing, it seemed like I was the only one who got shut down.

Brown claims the event was quiet, filled with fans, social media influencers and NBA players like the Celtics All-Star forward.

Brown didn’t hold back when he called out his ex, the Beverly Hills Police, on Twitter.

He wrote, “Beverly Hills is so trash I’m offended, here was a great panel with a great guest about the future of the culture, people worked hard for this, how dare you guys.”

“For a little more context, police came to shut down Jaylen Brown’s panel in Beverly Hills around 7 p.m., claiming he didn’t file the proper permits,” Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints reported on X.

“I know I play for the Celtics, and I know we’re in L.A. But hey, I didn’t think y’all would do this to me,” Brown posted on social media via a video of him interacting with police who were dispatched to the event.

Statement from Beverly Hills PD regarding Celtics’ Jaylen Brown.

Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown revealed a lot over All-Star weekend, including a potential career opportunity with the UFC, and how his program was unexpectedly shut down by Beverly Hills Police. According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, the following statement regarding Brown’s event was released by BHPD.

“On Saturday, February 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) responded to an event taking place at a private residence in the city’s Trousdale neighborhood. An event permit had been applied for and denied by the city due to previous violations associated with events at the address,” the statement said.

“Despite the fact that the permit was denied, the organizers still decided to invite hundreds of guests, despite knowing that this was not allowed to happen. BHPD responded and shut down the unpermitted event.”

Brown disputed this account from the Beverly Hills Police Department and said he believed he was targeted by city police.