Long time UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes it would be a great idea for the UFC to implement a new men’s 165-pound division.
This past Saturday, former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson revealed that the UFC is planning to introduce a new men’s 165-pound weight class in 2019.
According to Thomson, the promotion is set to close the doors on its men’s flyweight division (125lbs) following the conclusion of UFC 233. Shortly after it is expected that the UFC will introduce a new men’s 165-pound division.
Joe Rogan discussed the rumor on his recent edition of the JRE Podcast with UFC veteran Yves Edwards.
I also stated the same thing about 170 moving to 175 @joerogan in my comments. Which will give us a champion every 10lbs up to 185. We will not see a 195 weight class because the talent pool isn't strong enough to support it like it is at 155, 165, 175. Just my $.02 pic.twitter.com/xfuCd5lzMt
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) December 6, 2018
“Well, Josh Thomson just said recently that he thinks the UFC is getting rid of the 125-pound division and they are going to put on a 165-pound division.” said Rogan. “Which I think is very interesting. If (The UFC) do a 165, then I would like them to switch 170 to 175lbs. I think that is wise. I don’t think it would be wise to have a 165 and a 170. But I do think a 165 and 175 is great.”
Joe Rogan’s guest, Yves Edwards, agreed with the notion.
“I agree. I think every ten pounds is great.”
“Ten pounds is good across the board,” Joe Rogan continued. “I think across the board if we added every ten pounds – a weight class. I mean, a lot of people don’t like the boxing thing. There is so many champions and so many weight classes. But, who f*cking cares! Who cares? Who cares if there is a welterweight and then a super welterweight? Who cares that it is only seven pounds difference? It is more fights. Its more champions. It is more champion vs. champion. I mean don’t you want to see that? I want to see that.”
If the UFC was to implement a new men’s 165-pound weight class, there would likely be numerous notable fighters willing to make the move to the division.
Names that immediately come to mind are former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Jorge Masvidal, Kevin Lee, Michael Chiesa and last but certainly not least Georges St. Pierre.
Do you agree with Joe Rogan that it would be great for the UFC to implement a new men’s 165-pound weight division? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!