Media Diego Lopes says that the UFC is no longer allowing champions to move up a weight class without vacating their title

[Sean Chowdhury]

This is a more likely explanation than the 5'6 featherweight struggling to make 145 even though he had no issues making weight in the past. UFC probably told Ilia he has to vacate if he wants to move up

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

UFC reads Sherdog confirmed.

 

[WoozyFailGuy]

His coach confirmed in December he would be moving up due to the difficulty cutting weight.

He is a short arse, but is built thick. Weight cutting isn't simply about height, otherwise Jalin Turner would be dead.
This is a good move by the UFC. While the simultaneous champ idea sells a card, it holds up two divisions almost every time. I like this much more.

 

[Sean Chowdhury]

His coach confirmed in December he would be moving up due to the difficulty cutting weight.

He is a short arse, but is built thick. Weight cutting isn't simply about height, otherwise Jalin Turner would be dead.

he is only 1 pound more than volk on fight day who has no issue making weight, I don't buy it

 

[MrBlackheart]

I mean is there that much more prestige of holding 2 belts simultaneously vs being a 2 weight class champ?

 

[tornado362]

Good, I prefer this change. Maybe champs will now defend

 

[Mammothman]

Unless you are a mega star

 

[flektarn]

Holding up a division is whack tbh. It would be a good change.

 

[Mohawk Banditó]

No dis to Diego, but I'm not sure that's information he would be getting first or even second hand. More likely an assumption him or someone on his team is making, considering the circumstances of this shot.

Maybe Ilia just expressed zero interest in ever returning to FW, but other champs in the future who might entertain the idea of pulling a Nunes in defending both might still be granted the chance, long as they're not super populated divisions like LW to WW

 

[jeff7b9]

Translation:


None of the current champs are big enough draws to receive the Conor/BJ special treatment and shit has clearly gone off the rails with every champ talking about getting a shot at a 2nd belt with barely any defenses. (sometimes literally none)


However, if someone in the future can pull a mil ppv buys or more, then we will do what makes us money.

 

[EndlessCritic]

Definitely sounds like a rule the UFC will stick by, and not a bullshit explanation they give on an ad hoc basis.

 

[joy2day]

Unless you are a mega star

This. We know the UFC has different rules for different people (boxing?), and this "rule" will be no different.

It's kind of like the old NHB banner- "There are no rules."

 

[RockyLockridge]

great news if true

 

[WoozyFailGuy]

he is only 1 pound more than volk on fight day who has no issue making weight, I don't buy it

Making the weight =/= having no issues making the weight.
I don't know what you (and others) are confused by. His coach and Ilia confirmed he gets up to 190lbs between the fights. The guy is big for FW which is why he generates so much power, even if he is a midge. Some people are built thicker than others, GSP talked about this.

 

[GrantB13]

Good. It's boring now. I say they allow it after 5 defenses because it's still a way for an established champ to expand their career, but only if they defend both. Although if they get injured it would stall both anyway. Regardless, it's about time they get rid of this crap.

 

[Sean Chowdhury]

Making the weight =/= having no issues making the weight.
I don't know what you (and others) are confused by. His coach and Ilia confirmed he gets up to 190lbs between the fights. The guy is big for FW which is why he generates so much power, even if he is a midge.

I think he is lying, 5'6 guy getting up to 190 would make him fat, Islam himself said he doesn't get bigger than 182-183 off camp but Ilia is supposed to be 190 between camps?

 

[Michael Wetzel]

If Alex wins his next fight and wants to fight Jones I doubt UFC will make him vacate the LHW belt.

 

[WoozyFailGuy]

I think he is lying, 5'6 guy getting up to 190 would make him fat, Islam himself said he doesn't get bigger than 182-183 off camp but Ilia is supposed to be 190 between camps?

Ilia probably carries slightly more muscle relative to height and like to eat good between fights.

Javi was surpised by it, too.

 

[JonnyBonesPharmacist]

Diego Lopes........and..NEW

 

[Darkavius]

So does this supposed change effect someone like Weili (3 defenses), Pantoja (3 defenses) and Islam (4 defenses)? You could easily make a an argument that Pantoja could move up and challenge Merab since his division would have nothing after the Kara-France fight and he shouldn't be stripped.