Issue 084
January 2012
The MMA stars who are fighting outside of their natural weight divisions
Frankie Edgar
In Brief
UFC lightweight champion and renowned overachiever.
Option
Standing at just five-foot-six and walking around at the weight he fights at, the New Jersey native would have no problem cutting to 145lb.
Benefits
Would reduce a consistent size disparity he faces. The move could also add longevity to his career as he takes a lot of power strikes at lightweight.
Position
He is undeniably the champion, however, his incredible heart has so far seen him overwhelm his challenges rather than dominate.
Future
Though he has spoken of dropping to featherweight, he seems to be taking an ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it approach’ and will remain until someone can make the size difference count.
Fedor Emelianenko
In Brief
The man, the myth, the legend, who was considered the baddest man on the planet for over a decade.
Option
His recent losses show how the sport has evolved and proved that size does matter. A drop to light heavyweight could revitalize his career and add another chapter to his legacy.
Benefits
Wouldn’t be giving up over 50lb to his opponents come fight night.
Position
Fedor has achieved everything but a UFC heavyweight belt. However, three consecutive defeats indicate a time for change.
Future
Uncertain. He recently fought fellow veteran Jeff Monson under the M-1 banner in Russia.
‘Shogun’ Rua
In Brief
Former UFC light heavyweight champion and one of the best strikers in the game.
Option
A transition from light heavy to middleweight would give Joe Silva a field day and would see Rua turn up to weigh-ins with abs rather than love handles.
Benefits
Shogun would be a big middleweight and the move could potentially set up a superfight with world number one Anderson Silva.
Position
The former champ remains a threat to anyone in the division. However, he looked very small compared to Jon Jones in their recent title clash.
Future
Looks like he will stay at light heavyweight for the time being due to his destruction of Forrest Griffin and renewed title hopes.
Thiago Alves
In Brief
Former title challenger with clinical Muay Thai.
Option
Jumping to middleweight would save him having to drop around 30lb before a fight.
Benefits
More time in the gym and less time in the sauna could lead to higher-energy performances.
Position
Under the guidance of Mike Dolce, he has managed to consistently make weight lately, but the drastic cut has affected his performances as he’s only won two of his last five.
Future
Looked strong and disciplined against Papy Abedi last time out, but still required a second trip to the scales in order to make welterweight.
Yoshihiro Akiyama
In Brief
Always-entertaining Japanese superstar.
Option
Shedding an extra 15lb for the weigh-in would be possible and would better suit his short and stocky stature.
Benefits
He will have better opportunities to show his skill set against opponents with a similar frame.
Position
His knockout loss to Vitor Belfort capped a three-fight losing streak. He was given an ultimatum by Dana White: move down in weight or face being released.
Future
He recently announced he will drop to welterweight, keeping his UFC boss happy and giving the fans exciting fights to look forward to.
Demetrious Johnson
In Brief
True to his nickname, ‘Mighty Mouse’ is a small yet powerful and dynamic wrestler.
Option
A move to flyweight would instantly make him the biggest star in the division due to his bantamweight success.
Benefits
Would become one of the bigger guys at flyweight and would be no longer punching above his weight.
Position
Despite losing to champion Dominick Cruz, Mighty Mouse remains a big name in the division with notable wins over Miguel Torres and ‘Kid’ Yamamoto.
Future
As long as he wants to fight under Zuffa he will have to remain at bantamweight until the new flyweight division is inevitably instilled into the UFC.
Jake Shields
In Brief
Gracie jiu-jitsu specialist who still looks to add a UFC belt to his collection of world championships.
Option
Though his previous stint at middleweight was considered temporary in order to sign for bigger fights, it’d make sense for him to revisit the division due to his former success.
Benefits
Returning to the weight that saw him dominate the likes of ‘Mayhem’ Miller and Dan Henderson could instantly put him into the title picture.
Position
His successful yet lackluster win over Martin Kampmann stands out as a reason to call it a day at welterweight.
Future
Coming off an unsuccessful title bid against GSP and crushing TKO defeat at the hands of Jake Ellenberger, a change in weight class could well be on the cards.
