The "Ten Pound Proposal"?

A hot topic in the MMA world right now is whether or not the UFC should institute new weight classes. As the frequency of catch weight 195 lbs. fights rises , think Franklin vs. Belfort or Franklin vs. Wanderlei, some wonder if the UFC might be considering adding a 195 lbs division. Many feel that adding weight divisions will lead MMA into the muddled waters that boxing is mired in. Critics of adding division believe that it will confuse the fans and add complexity to already entangled rankings in the divisions. However if done correctly adding weight classes will be benefit both fans and fighters.

Here is my proposal. (It is not really mine. I stole it from Gorgeous George of MMA Junkie Radio.) It is simple. A weight class every ten pounds. The WEC is already adding 125 lbs., they already have 135 lbs, 145 lbs. and 155 lbs. The UFC should eliminate the 170 lbs division and swap it for a 165 lbs and a 175 lbs divisions. The 185 lbs already exist and adding a 195 lbs wouldn't be too difficult. They have the 205 lbs. class and it should be followed by a 235 lbs class. The heavy weight division should be for those giants residing between the 235- 265 weight.

The "ten pound proposal" would allow fighter to fight at their more natural weights. Fighters making big cuts down to 170 could fight with more strength- not having to cut all the way down to 170. Some fighters have already voiced their desire to fight at the 195 lbs class if it came into existence. Guys who cut way down to 185 ,but are too small for the 205 class would fit in nicely in the 195 lbs. class. Allowing fighters to fight at a weight that is more comfortable for them could lead to better fights.

The biggest change is adding the 205-235 lbs class. Often it has been said that this sport is still in the "leather helmet" days of its existence. The sport is changing right before our eyes. As MMA grows and gets more mainstream there has been an influx of the athletes who are big, big guys who are also really athletic. These fighters have replaced the beer belly brawlers of the first wave of MMA fighters (think Tank Abbot) and the smaller, faster technique driven second wave (think Randy Coutre or Frank Mir). This new, third wave of heavyweights like Brock Lesner and the ex NFLers on season ten of TUF seems to be the future of the heavyweight division. What these Goliaths lack in experience they make up in sheer enormity and athletic ability.

The 205-235 division would give new life to lot of fighters who are too big to ever think about making 205 but unable to fight in the cage against behemoths cutting weight to make 265 and coming into the cage at 290 of muscle. As the heavyweight division stands now you have 235 lbs. guys fighting against 285-290lbser. Often this is just too much weight disparity. Imagine Brian Bowles fighting Nate Marquart. Would anyone consider that fight with its 50 lbs weight disparity a fair fight?

More weight classes means more belts, more championship fights and even more exciting match ups. As the UFC grows and puts on an ever increasing roster of shows, these new weight classes will help stack cards and give more fighters a chance to demonstrate their abilities. The "ten pound proposal" is a win/win for fans and fighters.