Dana White asked to make new 165-pound weight class around Conor McGregor according to ex-double champ

Daniel Cormier wants the winner of Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor to be the champion of the new division.

Dana White asked to make new 165-pound weight class around Conor McGregor according to ex-double champ

Daniel Cormier wants the UFC to put in a 165 pound division with inaugral championship fight between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor (via Imago)

Former UFC double champ, Daniel Cormier has an ambitious pitch for the promotion. He wants Dana White to create an entirely new 165-pound “super-lightweight” weight class. Cormier wants the headlining act to be the massive upcoming fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. It’s an intriguing idea from the expert analyst.

On a recent episode of his show, Cormier advocated for finally introducing a division to bridge the gap between lightweight and welterweight. This would be the new 165-pound division. He then pitched crowning Conor McGregor and Chandler as the division’s inaugural champions. 

If they’re going to do a 165-pound division, it should have a name attached to the weight class that is so big that it draws people’s attention. Conor McGregor being that name… these guys would then fight for the super lightweight championship of the world.
Daniel Cormier via The Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast
YouTube video

The timing and matchup are perfect to launch the new weight as per Cormier. McGregor’s highly-anticipated return after over two years sets up massive visibility. Chandler has been clamoring for a marquee fight of this magnitude. Currently, the fight is set to take place at welterweight.

FS Video

There’s no denying Daniel Cormier‘s idea would be a blockbuster introduction for the new weight. McGregor’s notorious flair for the dramatic would immediately add luster and credibility. Add in Chandler’s explosive fighting style and reputation, and the super-lightweight division would have two household names flying the flag from day one. It’s a creative idea that UFC brass must at least consider.

Chael Sonnen disagrees with Daniel Cormier’s assessment

Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen have been two opposing sides on their shared podcast. On a recent episode of their show, Cormier floated the idea of the UFC creating a new 165-pound “super-lightweight” weight division. He said that the winner of Chandler vs. McGregor should be the debut champion for this weight class. But Sonnen wasn’t on board with his co-host’s proposal.

Chael Sonnen diagrees with Daniel Cormier
Chael Sonnen disagrees with Daniel Cormier (via The Mac Life/ MMA Fighting)

Sonnen wasn’t feeling that same punch-drunk excitement over a new belt like Cormier. He questioned whether McGregor and Chandler’s recent losing streaks made them worthy of crowning a new champ. Sonnen also questioned their wish to stay in the organization. 

There is no 165-pound belt coming. History of the UFC and psychology of Dana White says that ‘I don't give anybody a world title opportunity that is coming off losses let alone multiple’...These aren’t the right guys.
Chael Sonnen via The Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast

Adding weight classes isn’t so simple. Regulators would need to approve it. Promoters would have to renegotiate fight contracts and purses. It’s a real headache, even if the idea has merit. Whether the UFC listens is another matter. But DC v.s Sonnen trading heated barbs over hypotheticals? That’s pure entertainment value right there! Even when they disagree, these two make for must-see TV banter.

In case you missed it: