UFC NEWS: UFC Set To Announce Flyweight Class This Weekend
It seems the smaller the package, the bigger the bang. At least that seems like what the UFC is thinking as it plans to announce the addition of the 125 lbs. weight class to the organization this weekend. And what better time to add a new weight class of “smaller” fighters than after an extremely successful TUF season that featured the organizations newly acquired featherweight (145) and bantamweight (135) classes.
UFC president Dana White confirmed that the featherweight class should officially be announced within the next few days. This addition will mark the UFC’s eighth weight class.
“It’s happening,” he said. “I told you guys it’s happening, and it’s happening.”
White discussed the plans and announcement of the weight class further at yesterday’s UFC on FOX 2 press conference. And when he was asked when the official announcement would come he explained, “This weekend. I should have something by this weekend.”
There is no doubt in my mind that the success of “TUF 14,” which was the first-ever season to feature 135-pound bantamweights and 145-pound featherweights, swayed the UFC’s decision to have a 125 lb. weight class. The talks of such a class being added to the organization have been going on for about a year, but with the overwhelming success of the TUF 14 season it seems that the UFC feels that the timing is finally right for the flyweights to have a place in the world’s largest MMA promotion.
Diego Brandao won the “TUF 14″ featherweight crown and stole much of the season’s hype and firepower. However, John Dodson, turned a lot of heads on his way to winning the season’s bantamweight crown. And what many people don’t know is that Dodson has spent most of his MMA career at flyweight, where he is world-ranked.
So, the addition of the flyweight class is going to open a ton of doors for many of the world’s top flyweights and smaller current bantamweights, like John Dodson.
Tachi Palace Fights plays home to a majority of the top 125-pound fighters, such as Ian McCall, Darrell Montague, Jussier da Silva and Ulysses Gomez, all of whom have expressed some interest in one day competing in the UFC.
There are also many fighter’s in the UFC’s bantamweight division who could make the drop, including Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson. However, White is leaving the choices up to the fighters.
“I’m not moving down anybody down,” he said. “Those guys can make the decisions themselves, what weight division they want to fight in. But I have a feeling that 125-pound division is going to be as nasty as (155) and (170). There’s going to be a lot of talent there.”
White also explained how this could open the door for further international-recruiting efforts.
“At 125 pounds, I think you’re going to see a lot of Hispanic and Asian fighters now coming to come compete at that weight,” he said. Well, if the saying “the smaller the package, the bigger the bang” hold true, 2012 is going to start off with an enormous eruption!
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Benavidez vs Mighty Mouse for the vacant belt?. This division is gonna be awesome its good that they are bringing fighters overseas for this division hopefully they can get Tachi fighters like Ian Macall too.
Possibly a tournament? 8 x 125 pounders?
Or just go with 2 contender matchups and the winners scrap for the belt.
Well now I can finally say they won’t be spreading themselves too thinly with UFC events in 2012. Now that the 125lbs division secured, all we need now is women competing in the UFC.
As long as they don t down the boxing path having Junior titles etc between weight classes.
Doubt that will happen
well, they’re needs to be ALOT more well known women fighters before dana will add the female division im looking forward to it as well, ive watched some of the strikeforce female fights and my god those chicks are cutthroat!
Benavidez, Mighty Mouse, John Dodson and if they pickup new guys Ian McCall and Urushitani will be the top contenders.
this is awesome for the sport. More divisions the better.
im loving it..im just excited to see the fly weight as i was to see bantam and feather..UFC is really expanding and giving us a chance to see the best at all sizes..
Can Demetrius make that move before his next fight with Wineland, or no? I don’t see him beating Wineland, and think he’d be smart to bail if possible
what a fag you are bitch
WTF? You, a GSP fanboy, who is rocking another man’s initials as your sign on, calling me a fag for stating an opinion? C’mon, bitch, get ya mind right.
Uncle creepy is gonna get his belt and the glory..
this
Mixed league MMA. Allow the women to fight the men if they choose to. I’m all about equality.
Ok I am curious to see Uncle Creepy get “his weight class”. Freddy Boy Villa might have a thing or two to say about that
great more boring little guys with no power that run around and try look flashy like dominic cruz…and more shit cards with 135 125 guys to take up space…ufc is getting very watered down,,,i use to rent every card,,now it seems there are 3 or 4 shit cards then 2 or 3 good cards ..i only rent every 2nd or 3rd now…i dont find the lighter weights entertaining,,,and dominic cruz style is a waste of energy and hard to watch….i hate the small guys,,,i find cris cyborg the 145 women champ more entertaing then 135 …and i think she could hang with most the tiny men there too
Faster, highly technical fights; As an MMA fan, how could you not love watching those types of fights. Trying to make it seem like all fighters at 135 and below are punch and run type fighters just sounds stupid
They have legit fighters in lower weight classes that put on awsome fights. If you just like the big name guys an LW an up weight classes an don’t like spending your money, just wait a couple months an watch ufc unleashed on spike. That way you don’t have to waste your money on “renting” a ppv lol