Is it time for the UFC to rethink the weight classes?

[Next Big Thing]

In boxing, with the exception of the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, the lower weight classes are separated by 5 or 6 pounds whereas in the UFC there's a 15 pound jump from lightweight to welterweight and welterweight to middle weight.

Having fewer weight classes when the sport was still growing made sense, but now that it's grown should the weight classes get changed up for the sake of competition and fairness?

I feel like there are guys like Matt Serra, who at 5'5 is more of a lightweight but doesn't have the bodytype to cut 15 pounds , who would benefit from this and be competitive. B.J. is another guy. I think his bodytype makes it hard for him to cut down to 155, especially at his age, but until the Hughes fight he hasn't had much success at welterweight either. Just a thought, but maybe he too would benefit from a weight class in the middle of those two?

[IC Champion]

I'm not in favour of competely rehauling the division, though another 1 or two probably wouldn't be a bad thing, if it were done properly. Maybe closing the distance a bit in wight in the classes between 155 and 205.

[Jura]

Don't some people show up during the night of the fight a little more than the day of the weigh-in? Like Mustache McBeardo is weighed in at 155 and on fight day he weighs 162?

[The Mask]

there isn't enough depth at the moment to do it, i don't think.

[Funky Fly]

Yeah, need more guys first. WEC merger should help a bit, but I'd bet on it happening between 155 and 170.

Between 170 and 185, I'm not so sure. It would definitely give GSP another weight class to dominate.

[AJ]

I'm think the weight divisions are fine as it is. Part of what is good about MMA is that there aren't a million belts to keep track off. That and having most of the top fighters under one brand.

[Stickman]

I'm think the weight divisions are fine as it is. Part of what is good about MMA is that there aren't a million belts to keep track off. That and having most of the top fighters under one brand.

Yup,

The more belts there are the more watered down the divisions come. I do think the weights should be adjusted to accomodate for a division between say 200 and 215 though.

[Kris P Lettus]

The weight classes aren't decided on by the UFC.. They were early on when the ufc first used them at UFC 12 in 1997 to quiet haters like McCain (gloves came in at 14 I believe).. The athletic commissions came up with modern weight classes in 2001 when mma became completely sanctioned..