The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is planning a major shake-up by introducing a new weight division. The UFC currently boasts eight men’s weight classes in the men’s category, spanning from flyweight to heavyweight.
Since its inception in 1993, the UFC originally featured only two weight divisions: heavyweight and lightweight. The heavyweight division, reserved for fighters weighing over 205 pounds (93 kg), stood as the premier category, showcasing the raw power and excitement of the sport’s early days.
In 1997, the light heavyweight division was introduced, catering to fighters up to 205 pounds (93 kg), broadening the opportunities for athletes to compete in a slightly lower weight class.
Four years later, in 2001, the UFC further diversified its weight classes with the addition of the middleweight and welterweight divisions for fighters up to 185 pounds (84 kg) and 170 pounds (77 kg), respectively. This expansion aimed to provide a more comprehensive structure, allowing athletes to face opponents closer to their size.
Subsequently, in the same year, the lightweight division was established for fighters up to 155 pounds (70 kg), completing the initial quartet of weight classes. These foundational divisions formed the backbone of the UFC’s weight structure.
Following the establishment of the lightweight division in 2001, the UFC continued its expansion of weight classes to enhance competitive opportunities. In 2010, the featherweight division was introduced, accommodating fighters up to 145 pounds (66 kg).
The bantamweight division was inaugurated in 2010, catering to fighters up to 135 pounds (61 kg). These additions reflected the UFC’s commitment to fostering talent across various weight categories and promoting more diverse and competitive matchups.
Finally, in 2012, the UFC solidified its weight class structure with the establishment of the flyweight division, featuring fighters up to 125 pounds (56 kg). This addition completed the initial set of eight weight divisions in the UFC, providing a comprehensive framework for athletes to showcase their skills across a range of weight categories.
Over 10 years have passed since the UFC introduced a new weight division, and speculation suggests this wait might soon come to an end. UFC star Rafael Fiziev claims a new weight category is in the works.
According to Fiziev, the UFC is set to introduce a 165-pound (75 kg) weight class, bridging the gap between the lightweight and welterweight divisions and reducing the weight disparity.
Fiziev stated, “This is not a rumour; this is already for sure as far as I know. I heard that this is already true and even though they have already fought, they even identified something there, I heard. Yes.”
Conor McGregor, who has previously competed at featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight in the UFC, could be one of the contenders to challenge for the newly created super-lightweight division. He might also have the opportunity to make UFC history by winning titles in three weight divisions.
