Splitting welterweight

Discussion in 'MMA - Mixed Martial Arts' started by speeds, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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    The Assoc. of Boxing Commissions has recommended more weight classes be added to the unified rules of mixed martial arts, specifically 165-, 175-, 195-, and 225-lbs. The latter two seem less likely but the former two are a possibility in the coming years. 165 would either be designated super lightweight or welterweight with 175 being welterweight or super welterweight.

    165 would seem to benefit the tweener welterweights like Nate Diaz, Drew Dober, Gleison Tibau, Jorge Masvidal, Donald Cerrone, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Rafael dos Anjos, etc. 175 would benefit the light middleweights, Robert Whittaker, Johny Hendricks, Kelvin Gastelum, etc.

    Creating another title in a relatively thick weight class seems more practical than the UFC's additions of men's flyweight and women's featherweight.

    DFW recently shot down the idea but, you know, not really a reliable source.

    What say you?
     
  2. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    I really like the ideas of a 165 and a 175 weight class. I don't think we need a 195 weight class right now.

    DFW also said women would never fight in the UFC and look at them now. 155, 165, and 175 seems like a great idea.
     
  3. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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    http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/ufc-new-weight-classes-anticipates-more-divisions

    Jeff Novitzky is on board.


    “UFC supports the offering of additional weight classes as initially outlined in CSAC’s ’10-point plan’ and now adopted by the ABC,” the statement read. “UFC recently unveiled the implementation of two new female weight classes at 125 and 145 pounds, respectively, as the global brand now offers competition at four 10-pound increment weight classes. By adding these additional divisions, UFC believes it is providing more weight-specific options for UFC athletes to promote safer weight management goals.

    “UFC also anticipates that regional talent, who are regularly scouted and imported to UFC’s roster, will soon be robust enough to support these additional weight classes with world-class talent that will eventually be promoted by the global brand.”

    The new divisions, which include 165 pounds (super lightweight), 175 pounds (super welterweight), 195 pounds (super middleweight), and 225 pounds (cruiserweight), present alternatives for fighters who often cut a large amount of weight to fit into the current divisions. They also reduce the possible weight disparity between combatants in the heaviest classes.
     

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