5 fights to make in the UFC welterweight division with Kamaru Usman injured

#2. Colby Covington vs. Belal Muhammad

Covington and Muhammad have a combined record of 48-6 (1 NC)

The UFC may feel that Belal Muhammad is not a big enough name yet to put in such a big-time fight. However, in truth, Muhammad's current winning streak leaves very few opponents that make sense for him. Covington likely needs at least one more win to re-enter the title picture at 170 lbs, so this could be a good fit.

Colby Covington may have defeated Masvidal last time out but his 0-2 record against Kamaru Usman means there's little demand for a third fight currently. He's also hasn't beaten a fighter on a winning streak since 2018 so this seems like an appropriate test.

Muhammad may not be the most well-known but he is a top-five welterweight on a eight-fight unbeaten run. If Covington is not going to change weight division and doesn't get a big-name fight against someone like Dustin Poirier, this is the fight to make.

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#1. Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev - interim UFC welterweight championship

Edwards and Chimaev have a combined record of 30-3 (1 NC)

Leon Edwards appeared like he had finally done enough to secure a shot at Kamaru Usman and his undisputed title. However, with 'The Nigerian Nightmare' out injured, the division must move on without him for the moment. Therefore, Edwards absolutely must be involved in any interim title fight that is made.

As for the other spot in the bout, it also can't go to anyone other than Khamzat Chimaev. The Swedish fighter may be the hottest star in the sport, having stormed to a perfect 11-0 record and jumped up to the top of the division. Whilst he looked somewhat human against Gilbert Burns, he still found a way to win.

These two men are clearly the most deserving fighters should an interim title fight be made. Edwards is unbeaten in 10 fights, Chimaev is unbeaten in 11 fights and both fighters have proven they are two of the most elite fighters in the world at 170 lbs. This is the fight to make if Kamaru Usman is sidelined for any longer.