I think they should move LHW weight up to 220 lbs

[Luffy]

If lhw will move to 220 and middleweight to 200, what do you think the fighters that can make 205 will try to do?

Oh shit leave middleweight at 185 then. 185 -- 220 -- 260 is how I had thought it.

Ofc some heavyweights may choose to fight in LHW as 220, but still, that would be generally "smaller" heavyweights. I think the smaller heavyweight right now that competed the last time was Stipe and JJ... HW weight, but JJ leaning to the smaller HW and Stipe, a moderate HW. The thing is, it wasn't being easy for JJ to beat the scales in his last fights as has been stated by sources from the UFC, part of why he decided to move up. He's naturally 104kg ... He weighed 108kg vs Stipe I guess, must have fought at ~ 110kg. Stipe was like 112kg... I think as of now, it'd maybe be better (if he were young) to compete as a hypothetical 100kg, tho nowadays HWs are big guys. Derrick Lewis (120kg), Sergei Pavlovich (120kg), Ngannou was formerly that weight too (or more), Aspinall close to 120kg.

Stipe and Gane could be ones (when Stipe was active) who could consider making 100kg as they're 110kg ~ 112kg... But perhaps not, as it may be less beneficial, because I doubt all the weight can be recovered and it leads to muscular stress and all, dropped resistance rather than not cutting and fighting guys ~ 7kg heavier...

But more to the point, most heavyweights are ~ 120kg, so I don't think it'd really affect the HW competition too much.


One thing tho that I think should be changed is getting weight back... If there is a weight it needs to be beaten, it's just for shows when fighter get a solid pounds back... I mean, it'd be more fair, even if there is a risk of failing right at the spot, to weigh 5 minutes before the fight...

 

[FreedomCricket]

They should bump them all.

FLW = 130
BW = 138
FW = 148
LW = 162
WW = 177
MW = 195
LHW = 215
HW = Open

 

[hoevan]

I think they should increase the weight limit for the Light Heavyweight division up to 220lbs. Right now, Middleweight is capped at 185 lbs, Light Heavyweight at 205 lbs, and Heavyweight at 265 lbs. That’s just too big a gap between LHW and HW imo.

A lot of LHW fighters today are bigger guys who can still make 205 lbs, but it’s becoming a struggle for many of them. I feel like we’re in an era of bigger LHWs, and it would make perfect sense to increase the LHW limit to 220 lbs.

Take fighters like Jon Jones and Alex Pereira, for example. They’re both naturally around 230 lbs... and that’s basically the new standard for LHW now. Even Jiri Prochazka, who’s closer to a natural 205 lbs, still weighs around 220lbs when he’s in shape and nearing a fight, so he’s not much smaller either—he still cuts weight to make 205 lbs, 220 lbs being his most natural weight.

Jan Blachowicz is another example. He’s more like Jon Jones and Pereira in terms of weight, likely even more, with his optimal weight ranging somewhere around 230–238 lbs. Dominick Reyes is a bit more like Prochazka, likely 220–225 lbs naturally, so he’s also cutting weight to make 205 lbs.

Even Khalil Rountree, who’s considerably shorter than most LHWs now, still has a thick, stocky build. I’d guess his natural, most optimal weight is close to 220 lbs based on his interview, detailing how much he cuts, so for him, cutting to 205 lbs or bulking to 220 lbs (he's most likely naturally 215 lbs or so) would probably feel about the same, as an his weight during the fight night is estimated to be ~ 217lbs... Magomed Ankalaev, on the other hand, is probably 225–230 lbs, which makes him one of the bigger guys too.

The point is, most Light Heavyweights now have an optimal weight that’s around 220 lbs, with many being at or above 220 lbs naturally. So, having a 220 lbs limit for LHW would make a lot of sense.

They could also move Middleweight up a little—maybe to 200 lbs—to create more breathing room between 185 lbs and 220 lbs. I’m not as familiar with the weights of Middleweights, so I’m not sure about the specifics there. But when it comes to LHW, it really seems like 220 lbs would be the ideal limit.

Right now, the difficulty of cutting to 205 lbs is what’s pushing some fighters to move up to Heavyweight, where they can skip the weight cut stress—but then they’re fighting in a division with a 265 lbs limit.

So while guys like Ankalaev, Jan, Jiri, Hill, Pereira, and Jon Jones could fight at 220–235 lbs, they’d be at a huge disadvantage if they had to face natural Heavyweights who are 250–260 lbs or more like natural frames... Most HWs don't even cut weight because the limit is big, they weigh naturally close or just at the limit. That’s a problem, and adjusting the limits would help balance things out to make LHW feel more like a middle term between middleweight and HW imo... It seems the bridge is ok from welterweight to middleweight to LHW, but then there's a disproportionate bridge from LHW to HW...

I think a lot of LHWs should stop being pussies and fight in their natural divisions. I think most would be more successful at HW.

 

[HHJ]

Male fighters the same size would have a way better chance because they're better at fighting, you pink-haired feminist.

Calm down, Colby it's not that serious

 

[HHJ]

The main reason HW is so much worse in MMA than boxing is 205 being too high. CW or 200 didn't traditionally exist in boxing the 2nd biggest division was 30 pounds lighter at 175. Thats why HW in boxing was such a big deal and why in MMA its been a joke.

It hasn't been a joke. Hw was awesome for a long time. It's just in a down period now

 

[ferrisjso]

It hasn't been a joke. Hw was awesome for a long time. It's just in a down period now

"HW was awesome for a long time".

I don't think this is accurate. With the exception of that time 125 almost got cancelled HW has been the worst division for nearly 20 years.

 

[HHJ]

"HW was awesome for a long time".

I don't think this is accurate. With the exception of that time 125 almost got cancelled HW has been the worst division for nearly 20 years.

Naw

 

[Dreyga Hates You Sherbums]

The significant gap between the light heavyweight (205 lbs) and heavyweight (265 lbs) divisions in mixed martial arts (MMA) can be attributed to the natural weight distribution among the male population and the limited number of athletes who naturally fit into higher weight categories.





According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average weight for adult males in the United States is approximately 199.8 pounds, with a standard deviation of around 30 pounds. This indicates that the majority of men naturally fall within a weight range of roughly 150 to 220 pounds, aligning with MMA weight classes such as lightweight (155 lbs), welterweight (170 lbs), and middleweight (185 lbs). Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/average-weight-for-men.





As body weight increases beyond 220 pounds, the proportion of individuals naturally fitting into higher weight categories diminishes. The CDC reports that only about 6.9% of American men have a BMI that would correspond to a weight of over 240 pounds, assuming average height. These individuals are even rarer when adjusted for the fitness level and athleticism required for MMA. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_adult_07_08/obesity_adult_07_08.htm.





In MMA, many fighters engage in extreme weight-cutting practices to compete in lower weight classes. Fighters who naturally weigh between 205 and 225 pounds often cut weight to compete as light heavyweights (205 lbs), as competing in the heavyweight division against larger opponents (230-265 pounds) could place them at a disadvantage. This leaves the heavyweight division populated largely by athletes who either cannot cut down to 205 lbs or are less conditioned middleweights and light heavyweights who compete at heavier weights due to excess body fat.





Additionally, larger athletes are often drawn to other sports such as football or basketball, which typically offer greater financial incentives and fewer health risks. For instance, the average weight of an NFL player is around 245 pounds, and these athletes rarely transition to combat sports. Source: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/index8c79.html.





The scarcity of truly elite, naturally large heavyweights creates challenges in maintaining a deep talent pool for this division. For example, UFC’s heavyweight roster frequently struggles to reach 30 active fighters compared to over 80 in lightweight or welterweight divisions. Source: https://www.ufc.com/stats.





Introducing additional weight classes between 205 and 265 pounds, such as a cruiserweight division, would require a sufficient number of athletes to populate these categories competitively. However, given the limited pool of natural heavyweights and light heavyweights, creating more divisions would likely dilute the talent and reduce the quality of competition in each class.





The existing structure accommodates the natural distribution of athlete sizes and ensures competitive integrity while reflecting the demographics of the general population. This gap between light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions is a practical necessity given the rarity of athletes who naturally fit into the higher weight ranges.

 

[ferrisjso]

Naw

Name a period HW wasn't a bottom 2 male weight class.

 

[HHJ]

Name a period HW wasn't a bottom 2 male weight class.

Never looked at it that way. Always had big respect for HW div. Its in a down period right now for sure though.

 

[Bend NvR Break]

Control weight cutting better and make the 225 pound cruiserweight division.
If UFC actually implemented OneFC type weight cutting rules almost every fighter would move up a weight division and a lot of fighters would move up 2 weight classes.
I'm waiting for a retired UFC fighter with kidney issues to try and sue the UFC because they were forced to compete in a weight class that was dangerous for the fighter to make.

 

[Bend NvR Break]

I think they should increase the weight limit for the Light Heavyweight division up to 220lbs. Right now, Middleweight is capped at 185 lbs, Light Heavyweight at 205 lbs, and Heavyweight at 265 lbs. That’s just too big a gap between LHW and HW imo.

A lot of LHW fighters today are bigger guys who can still make 205 lbs, but it’s becoming a struggle for many of them. I feel like we’re in an era of bigger LHWs, and it would make perfect sense to increase the LHW limit to 220 lbs.

Take fighters like Jon Jones and Alex Pereira, for example. They’re both naturally around 230 lbs... and that’s basically the new standard for LHW now. Even Jiri Prochazka, who’s closer to a natural 205 lbs, still weighs around 220lbs when he’s in shape and nearing a fight, so he’s not much smaller either—he still cuts weight to make 205 lbs, 220 lbs being his most natural weight.

Jan Blachowicz is another example. He’s more like Jon Jones and Pereira in terms of weight, likely even more, with his optimal weight ranging somewhere around 230–238 lbs. Dominick Reyes is a bit more like Prochazka, likely 220–225 lbs naturally, so he’s also cutting weight to make 205 lbs.

Even Khalil Rountree, who’s considerably shorter than most LHWs now, still has a thick, stocky build. I’d guess his natural, most optimal weight is close to 220 lbs based on his interview, detailing how much he cuts, so for him, cutting to 205 lbs or bulking to 220 lbs (he's most likely naturally 215 lbs or so) would probably feel about the same, as an his weight during the fight night is estimated to be ~ 217lbs... Magomed Ankalaev, on the other hand, is probably 225–230 lbs, which makes him one of the bigger guys too.

The point is, most Light Heavyweights now have an optimal weight that’s around 220 lbs, with many being at or above 220 lbs naturally. So, having a 220 lbs limit for LHW would make a lot of sense.

They could also move Middleweight up a little—maybe to 200 lbs—to create more breathing room between 185 lbs and 220 lbs. I’m not as familiar with the weights of Middleweights, so I’m not sure about the specifics there. But when it comes to LHW, it really seems like 220 lbs would be the ideal limit.

Right now, the difficulty of cutting to 205 lbs is what’s pushing some fighters to move up to Heavyweight, where they can skip the weight cut stress—but then they’re fighting in a division with a 265 lbs limit.

So while guys like Ankalaev, Jan, Jiri, Hill, Pereira, and Jon Jones could fight at 220–235 lbs, they’d be at a huge disadvantage if they had to face natural Heavyweights who are 250–260 lbs or more like natural frames... Most HWs don't even cut weight because the limit is big, they weigh naturally close or just at the limit. That’s a problem, and adjusting the limits would help balance things out to make LHW feel more like a middle term between middleweight and HW imo... It seems the bridge is ok from welterweight to middleweight to LHW, but then there's a disproportionate bridge from LHW to HW...

A lot of the LHW of the golden era would be HWs today.
Rampage - 250 walk around
Chuck - 240 walk around
Forrest - 250 walk around
Tito - 250 walk around
Randy - 235 walk around
Shogun - 235 walk around

Just to name a few.

Remember they had legal use of diuretics to help them make weight. Diuretics are illegal to use now and result in a PED suspension. You take today's standards and put them on yesterday's UFC and everyone moves up weight classes.

 

[Daniel Henry]

Since we throwing ideas around UFC should add a heavyweight division for females 220+. Dana won't have any trouble filling out that roster just go to any Walmart during the day.

 

[BroScienceTalkatWork]

random old threat got recommended —- just want to point out that you could make 220 and fight at like 255

So now you’ve basically taken all the HWs down to Ligjt HW and created a sumo division. Oh except there’s still a weight limit in that division