Where to next?: Sorting out UFC's welterweight division

After what seemed like months of the UFC's top welterweights avoiding any action and hoping to be gifted a title shot, the 170-pound division is starting to move forward.

Over the past two UFC events, five of the promotion's top-10 welterweight contenders added to their record, and an interim title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington is approaching on June 9 at UFC 225. The winner of that fight will likely battle Tyron Woodley for the real belt when the champ returns from a shoulder injury.

The problem for many top welterweights remains the same. They want a title shot and aren't going to get it without knocking off at least one more contender. Using the UFC's rankings as of this writing, we projected the potential next step for each contender coming off a recent bout.

1. Stephen Thompson

Record: 14-3-1 | Last result: Loss vs. Till by UD | Last 5 fights: 2-2-1

Thompson was already in a rough spot after failing to capture the welterweight crown during back-to-back fights against Woodley in 2016 and 2017. His loss to Till, when Thompson took a risk to fight the England native in front of a home crowd, ended in a controversial decision and was described as a robbery by some.

At this point, "Wonderboy" needs to string together at least two wins, and stepping outside the top 10 may be the reset he needs. A meeting with the winner of UFC Singapore's main event between Donald Cerrone and Leon Edwards on June 23 would be perfect, as either fighter presents an intriguing matchup.

5. Kamaru Usman

Record: 17-0-1 | Last result: Win vs. Maia by UD | Last 5 fights: 5-0

Usman is reportedly the most avoided fighter in the UFC, partially due to a frustrating fighting style, and also because of his anti-promotional post-fight interviews. The "Nigerian Nightmare" hasn't done himself any favors by claiming he fought at 30-percent health in January, and that he broke both hands fighting in May.

He trash talked fellow wrestler Covington at an April press conference. A title win by Covington at UFC 225 could make it difficult for Usman to book him next, but a loss would give the 31-year-old a perfect opportunity to change his reputation.

Viewers haven't embraced Covington or Usman. Liking a fighter is easier when he's a little too honest about his health, whereas calling the people of Brazil "dirty animals" makes it difficult.

If Covington wins his next fight, Usman might have to be thankful Neil Magny called him out on Sunday.

6. Demian Maia

Record: 25-9 | Last result: Loss vs. Usman by UD | Last 5 fights: 2-3

Maia may be one of the top Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters, but the wrestlers in the division have figured that out. The 40-year-old went 0-3 against Woodley, Covington, and Usman in his last three bouts, and was 0-for-49 in take-down attempts during that stretch.

If Maia is willing to take some time off to wait for the right opponent as he nears retirement, a late-2018 fight against Robbie Lawler could be ideal for both veterans. Lawler sits third in the rankings, but hasn't fought since losing to dos Anjos in December, when he tore his ACL. He's been in a firefight during almost every tilt over the past five years, and is best suited for a matchup against a more technical opponent like Maia after his long layoff.

8. Darren Till

Record: 17-0-1 | Last result: Win vs. Thompson by UD | Last 5 fights: 4-0-1

Till showed he's on the same striking level as Thompson in their bout. But with such a close, disputed, and uneventful match - along with a missed weight cut - the win doesn't carry as much meaning as he would have hoped.

Till said after the fight he thinks his missed weight cut excludes him from getting a title shot next, but the 25-year-old is still ready for the entire division.

Till could bring some clarity to his standing among welterweights by squaring off with seventh-ranked Jorge Masvidal. He won't have any problem being the bad guy against Till, whose interviews and fighting are equally appealing to fans.

9. Neil Magny

Record: 21-6 | Last result: Win vs. White by TKO | Last 5 fights: 3-2

Magny made a smart call out on Sunday, showing he's not afraid of Usman after beating Craig White. The 30-year-old is on a two-fight win streak, though the story of both contests was more about the shortcomings of his opponent.

He should take a fight with Usman if it's available. But if not, a matchup with Santiago Ponzinibbio would help to separate him from the pack. Ponzinibbio is 10th in the rankings and on a six-fight win streak after a victory over Gunnar Nelson.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)