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#2. Kamaru Usman – current UFC welterweight champion (1113+ days)
Current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is having a historic UFC title reign that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. He defeated Tyron Woodley in 2016 and has since moved to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. His reign is ongoing, but he is only the second person to hold the welterweight championship past the thousand-day mark.
During his reign, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has defended the title on five occasions. He defeated former training partner Gilbert Burns, and rivals Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington, twice.
His bouts with Burns and Covington were significant as he showcased his resilience. After almost being knocked out by Burns, he regrouped and took over the fight on his way to a third-round TKO win. His bouts with Covington were classics and saw him be truly tested in the octagon. It’ll be interesting to see what Usman accomplishes next as he’s still in the prime of his career.
#1) Georges St-Pierre – UFC welterweight champion (2064 days)
Georges St-Pierre’s second reign as welterweight champion cemented his legacy as the greatest welterweight in UFC history. He defeated Matt Serra by second-round TKO to avenge his loss and regain the welterweight championship. His remarkable reign lasted for 2064 days and saw the Canadian become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
‘Rush’ defeated a who’s who of the sport in his second reign as welterweight champion. He defeated then-lightweight champion BJ Penn in the promotion’s first champion vs. champion bout. He also defeated the best fighters from Strikeforce after Zuffa purchased their competitor.
St-Pierre defeated Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields and at the same time ended his impressive 15-fight winning streak. He followed that up by defending it against interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit and former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz. After defending it against Johny Hendricks, he relinquished the title and took a hiatus from MMA.
