Conor McGregor’s next fight could be birth of much-needed 165-pound weight class

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will duke it out at UFC 303 on June 30.

Conor McGregor’s next fight could be birth of much-needed 165-pound weight class

Michael Chandler anticipates competing against Conor McGregor for a title at 165-pounds (via Imago)

The wait for Conor McGregor‘s return to the octagon is finally over. As announced by Dana White at the post-fight UFC 300 press conference, McGregor will take on Michael Chandler at UFC 303. The current understanding is that the fight will take place at welterweight, which is 170 pounds. However, this could change as the rumors of a new weight class at 165 pounds are brewing.

There has been speculation that the UFC is planning to add new weight classes soon. This could comprise 165 and 175-pound divisions. As such, ‘The Notorious’ could fight for the inaugural 165-pound title at UFC 303 against Chandler.

Conor McGregor: The face of the new 165-pound division

If the rumors of the new 165-pound division are to be believed, there would be no better fighter than McGregor to hype it up. The new weight class, which is generally considered the super lightweight division, will need a big face to promote it. Failure to do so could be catastrophic for the new inclusion. Veteran, Daniel Cormier is of the same belief as he said this on a podcast:

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If you do 165, it has to be Conor. You’re introducing a new weight class – it has to mean something. You can’t have two normal fighters introducing the weight.
Daniel Cormier via Funky and the Champ
Conor McGregor: the face of the new 165-pound divisio
Conor McGregor: the face of the new 165-pound division (Via Imago)

Currently, ‘The Notorious’ is the biggest UFC star in the world despite the long absence from the game. Moreover, his opponent would be more than glad to fight for a title on top of already securing a big paycheck. Many would still consider McGregor the face of the UFC, therefore, it only makes sense for him to be the face of the new division.

Could Conor McGregor become the first 3-division champion in the UFC?

If this goes through and McGregor comes out on top against Chandler, it would make him the first 3 division champion in the UFC. ‘The Notorious’ always likes to make a splash wherever he goes, and there would be no bigger statement than becoming a champion in 3 separate divisions.

Dana White and Conor McGregor
Dana White and Conor McGregor (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

White, who has often talked about McGregor’s stardom will also have this in the back of his mind. Especially, after UFC 300, the CEO would always look for ways to top the last big thing.

The new weight class would prevent dreaded weight-cutting

The rumored 165-pound weight class could be a boon for fighters like Charles Oliveira, Aljamain Sterling, Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Beneil Dariush to name a few. These fighters have been victims of horrible weight cuts resulting in detrimental effects on their health.

Islam makhachev and Charles Oliveira
Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira (Image via IMAGO)

Especially, for fighters in the 155-pound division a jump to 165 would be a much easier prospect than going to 170-pound.

The new weight classes could solve the issue of overcrowding

Currently, the UFC has too many fighters in the lightweight (155-pound), welterweight (170-pound) and middleweight (185-pound) divisions. As such, the introduction of the 165 and 175-pound divisions could easily solve this problem. Moreover, veteran referee, ‘Big’ John McCarthy has also advocated for the same.

I think Dana would like to have the extra weight class because it only helps him in putting championship fights on his pay-per-view cards. It's always the matchmakers, the matchmakers are the ones that go 'Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, don't screw up my weight classes because, you know, you're gonna water them down.
John McCarthy via Weighing In
John McCarthy
John McCarthy (Image Courtesy – The Sun)

He further opined that White might be in favor of this new introduction. This is because it would allow him to put most if not all title fights at PPV events. However, it’s the matchmakers that would oppose such inclusion for fear of diluting the already existing weight classes of talented fighters.

Therefore, there is an argument to be made for the new weight classes both from the perspective of the promotion and the fighters. Hopefully, it soon becomes a reality that benefits the UFC as a whole.

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