Yaroslav Amosov Makes His UFC Debut
Former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov will enter the UFC welterweight rankings in the 15th spot, displacing longtime contender Colby Covington. This move follows his successful UFC debut on December 14, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 73, where Amosov secured a first-round submission victory over Neil Magny. The welterweight division is one of the UFC's most competitive, making any ranking shift significant.
Amosov, a Ukrainian fighter, is set to begin his new chapter in the UFC with this immediate ranking. He takes the position from Colby Covington, who has competed in the UFC since August 2014 and holds a record of 12 wins and 5 losses across 17 bouts. Covington's last victory came in March 2022, with subsequent losses to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley.
Next Fight and Future Prospects
Yaroslav Amosov's next fight is scheduled for May 9 at UFC 328 in Newark, where he will face Joel Alvarez. Amosov's Bellator contract concluded in September 2024, clearing the path for his full UFC campaign. A win against Alvarez would be a crucial step toward establishing himself among the division's elite.
Amosov's impressive debut and rapid ascent into the rankings highlight his potential as a major force in the welterweight division. Displacing a perennial top contender like Covington signals a notable shift in the division's competitive landscape. His upcoming bout presents a key opportunity to solidify his standing and continue his climb toward title contention in the world's premier MMA organization.