SUMMARY
- Recent rumors indicate that the UFC is planning to launch a 165-lbs division.
- The rumors, debunked as a hoax also suggest Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler would headline UFC 300
UFC 300 is arguably not just the most important UFC event of the year, but the entirety of the promotion’s history. In what have been 30 extremely fruitful years, the promotion has brought fans some of the most entertaining fights and the biggest stars on the planet.
However, with its third centennial event fast approaching, there is a growing expectation from fans to witness something truly special. In the lead-up to the event, fans have already received numerous announcements. Owing to President Dana White’s weekly reveals, the card is gradually shaping up to be a solid night of action.
Here’s how #UFC300 is shaping up so far 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oaqjxR8pvk
— UFC (@ufc) January 26, 2024
With that said, there is still the all-important question regarding the main and the co-main event of the night. Considering the innumerable rumors floating about, the most recent one indicates the creation of a brand-new 165-lbs division in the UFC. Although the rumor has been dispelled and cast off as a viral hoax, this is not the first time such an idea has been floated about.
Many fighters have called for a 165 lbs division in the past
Naturally, considering the stark 15-lb difference between the lightweight (155 lbs) and the welterweight division (170 lbs) there have been many fighters asking for a middle ground. As such, numerous fighters have echoed their wants, unfortunately to no avail. Although other MMA organizations, namely Eagle FC have implemented the idea, UFC President Dana White has firmly rejected it.
Notably, fighters like Donald Cerrone, Jorge Masvidal, and Kevin Lee are some of the few fighters who have been itching for a 165-lb division. At the same time, fighters like Conor McGregor, Rafael Dos Anjos, Justin Gaethje, and more would have willingly jumped to be a part. One big noticeable detail here is the fact that most of these fighters have often shifted between the aforementioned divisions.
All things considered, the rumors regarding the 165-lbs division do not seem too far-fetched. Whilst fans would be up for it, the fighters would be the ones benefitting the most. Despite White’s firm stance on the matter, he could be forced to give in, feeling the need to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
Potential match-ups at the 165 lbs division in the UFC
With that said, the entire ordeal would make for a lot of changes. Firstly, there would be a whole host of lightweight and welterweight contenders ready to make the change. At the same time, it would be a major hassle for the promotion to navigate and arrange such a division.
Even if such a feat transpires, it would pose another headache if fighters wished to move up from or into the division. On the bright side, there would be one more title up for grabs and some very worthy contenders in line for it. Right off the bat, a Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler title fight to inaugurate the division would get a lot of people excited.
UFC 300
Dana will announce an update to the mens weight divisions. 165 and 175 will be new weight classes and 170 will be removed.
McGregor vs. Chandler will headline the card and fight for the 165lb title pic.twitter.com/9v77IadpeB
— Casual MMA (@casualmmainc) January 26, 2024
Similarly, matchups like Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz or Colby Covington, a Jorge Masvidal return against McGregor, or even RDA vs. Gilbert Burns would become a real possibility. Unfortunately, a lot of these matchups will likely never take place. Barring a sensational turnaround on the matter, fans can only sit and wonder what could have been.
