Lightest weight class that could beat a legit HW

[Ramon Antonio]

Heavyweights are supposed to be the baddest men when it comes to fighting. However, we've seen smaller HWs dominate bigger HWs, and we've even seen people from LHW coming up to beat HWs.

The idea that bigger is better doesn't seem to hold true in lots of these fights. So provided they use a smart game plan to win the (point) fight. What is the lightest weightclass (and which fighter) that you could see beating a top 5 HW?

Bonus: what do you think would happen if 135er or 145er would employ a strict hit and run tactic against a HW to try and outpoint them. Let's say they just go for like 5 punches / kicks a round, and circle / run for the rest of the fight. Would they get caught?

 

[LockardTheGOAT]

Welterweight or Middleweight, but it would take a really elite fighter.

Woodley could probably do it if he landed flush enough times before his gas tank ran empty.

 

[HwoarangStyle]

Welterweight or Middleweight, but it would take a really elite fighter.

Woodley could probably do it if he landed flush enough times before his gas tank ran empty.

first dude i thought of. woodley has crazy power and is fast as fuck. could definitely give cormier a good scrap. but cormier is a small heavyweight, wonder what woodley would do against stipe.

 

[Weuylf]

Everything big mws and up is basically HW so that's my answer.

 

[Thenewguysnm1]

I genuinely believe Woodley would beat DC

Romero and Mousasi at middleweight, i think that’s about it

 

[Ramon Antonio]

Welterweight or Middleweight, but it would take a really elite fighter.

Woodley could probably do it if he landed flush enough times before his gas tank ran empty.

Actually now that you say that, that reminds me of Melvin Manhoef vs. Mark Hunt. Insane power / speed.

 

[Shcooby Dooby Doo]

Someone like Tyron Woodley could probably beat a heavyweight like Cyril Asker.
After that, doubt anyone else in WW could pull it off. Anyone lower is a tall (pun intended) ask.

 

[VVarhead]

The 115 pound girl who tapped @PrideJitZoo

 

[Andre Xiong]

Define legit HW

HMC and Butterbean are legit HW fighters

 

[SEGA]

Welterweight.

A welterweight is 185-195lbs.

 

[Azzy]

I think BJJ would be easier to use to get the win than a KO from someone smaller. Unless you mean a KO win.

Someone like Maia or Ryan Hall could get a win if they managed to evade big shots.

 

[Fesaine]

bantamweight or even some flyweight like cejudo or Dj could beat a heavyweight like greg hardy. They're just so much faster and so much more skilled.

 

[Estudante]

I think BJJ would be easier to use to get the win than a KO from someone smaller. Unless you mean a KO win.

Someone like Maia or Ryan Hall could get a win if they managed to evade big shots.

maia has outgrappled heavyweights in bjj. if he managed to latch on one of these guys, he'd probably get them down and they gas very quickly.

 

[Buff]

ManhoefWeight.

 

[Ramon Antonio]

Define legit HW

HMC and Butterbean are legit HW fighters

In the opening post I defined it as a top 5 HW.

 

[Sapp]

I genuinely believe Woodley would beat DC

What makes Woodley more formidable than Rumble? LHW Rumble was so much more dangerous than Tyron in virtually every respect.

 

[Ramon Antonio]

What makes Woodley more formidable than Rumble? The Rumble who DC fought was so much more dangerous than Tyron.[

Wrestling / fight IQ / patience.

 

[MCS]

Some LW's have the power, but would lose grappling, meaning they'd have a puncher's chance. To have enough size and strength in the clinch is the decider, imo, since then they could beat a top HW several times. Hendo was badly outmatched in grappling exchanges in both Nog fights, but also had one good move against Fedor and did well in the clinch before that. Hendo hasn't shown the best TDD, but if he chooses he's hard to move. He's also had other wins at HW. So I'd say MW.

 

[legatoblues]

Saku (183lb no cut) v Randleman (former UFC HW Champ) must be the real world record, yeah?

Legit interesting thought though. There are a few examples to look at:

Does 205 DC still beat HW Stipe?

What about TJ v Cejudo? Is 135 TJ v 135 Henry a different fight? Do they trade wins endlessly at 125 v 135?

I can't stand the concept of weight cutting. Let's hope we see the end of it one day soon.

 

[DonFrye4Life]

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