Shouldn't MMA add another lower weight class?

Question

MMA should look at boxing and see how great some of the lower weight classes can be. Look at Manny Pacquio the most exciting fighter in all of boxing, he started his career at 106 lbs but is now up to 130. Pride and UFC need a minimum weight divison. Let the guys 5 feet tall in on the sport. What do you all think is there a low enough divison in Pride and UFC?

Answer 1

There are lower weight classes in MMA. The UFC only promotes as low as 155lbs, at the moment, but the UFC isn't the be all and end of MMA.

The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts which were passed by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission in 2000, and which are the rules that govern most MMA in the US, define the following weight classes.

Flyweight: 125 lb
Bantamweight:135 lb
Featherweight: 145 lb
Lightweight: 155 lb
Welterweight: 170 lb
Middleweight 185 lb
Light Heavyweight 205 lb
Heavyweight: Over 205 lbs

That's just in the US as well. For instance the SHOOTO organisation in Japan specialises in lighter weight fighters.

Also the WEC, which is also owned by the UFC's parent company Zuffa, promotes a bantamweight division which has an upper weight limit of 135 lbs (the division has a lower limit of 126 lbs.) .

Answer 2

Look at Sean Sherk: 5 ft 6 and he was in the 170 lbs class. Whether your 5 ft or not, getting to 143 isnt that hard. Im 5 ft 3 and i weigh about 160 (mostly muscle). All you need to move up to 155 is lift weights.

Answer 3

Yes I do. Although the light heavyweights and heavyweights get the most attention, I like watching the 155 lbs division. There is a lot of action and quickness.

Answer 4

155 is light enough. MMA has taken a look at boxing for a long time. Thats why MMA is growing so fast, and boxing is sinking so fast.

Answer 5

I think they need a flyweight division.