A proposed solution to the weight class differences in MMA.

FightDoctor · 05:13 AM

As most ppl know there are different weight classes used throughout the MMA world. The most talked about are the differences in weight classes between PRIDE and UFC. So, let's take a look at this.

UFC

155 lb
170 lb
185 lb
205 lb
HW

PRIDE

73kg = 161 lb
83kg = 183 lb
93kg = 205 lb
HW

What's obvious here is that while the top three weight divisions match up, the lower weight classes do not. This makes it impossible to compare certain fighters with their peers in other orgs. PRIDE's 73kg division basically splits the difference between the UFC's 155, and 170 divisions. So, we cannot compare fighters in these weight classes nearly as accurately as we can in others. It's clear both organizations want to have some uniformity in the differences between divisions. PRIDE weights' jump by 10kg = 22lbs, while UFC weights jump by 15 until there's the 20lb jump between 185 and 205. The following is my proposal for standardizing the weight divisions, and why I think it works best.

Non-american / American

65kg = 143.3lbs -- 145lbs
70kg = 154.3lbs -- 155lbs
75kg = 165.3lbs -- 165lbs
80kg = 176.4lbs -- 175lbs
85kg = 187.4lbs -- 190lbs
95kg = 209.4lbs -- 210lbs
above 95kg -- above 210lbs

In both systems the numbers are nice and round, and as you can see translate quite well. There is a maximum of 2.6lbs difference between the two systems. At the lower weights the divisions are separated by 10lbs only because it's a higher percentage of their overall weight. As the fighters get heavier the difference gets larger. This system would allow for the best fights I believe. Unfortunately I don't think we'll ever see it adopted. Under this sytem there are more title fights, and a greater possibility of a fighter owning two or more titles in separate divisions. And last but not least these divisions are close to many of the divisions in Shooto, which has been around the longest.

WYLDE CHYLDE · 09-06-2006, 05:59 AM

Nice systemn, but I dont know if anybody will use it.

lallinho · 09-06-2006, 06:08 AM

Sorry to say that Pride's weight classes clearly coincide with who they want to be champ.
i.e Gomi and Hendo

biggy1 · 09-06-2006, 06:14 AM

That's the best way to deal with it.I would send and argument to big orgs if I were you.No sarcasm.

axecutioner · 09-06-2006, 06:19 AM

Here's the best solution: Japan and the rest of the world adopt U.S. customary units of measurement and then Pride adopts the UFC's weight classes.

LOST>PRISNBREAK · 09-06-2006, 06:19 AM

Nah there would be too many weight classes just like boxing

keep it how it is

KingG · 09-06-2006, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lallinho

Sorry to say that Pride's weight classes clearly coincide with who they want to be champ.
i.e Gomi and Hendo

I guess the 10kg difference between each weight class must just be a coincidence then.

Supraboytt · 09-06-2006, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lallinho

Sorry to say that Pride's weight classes clearly coincide with who they want to be champ.
i.e Gomi and Hendo

Wrong and your sig is not funny in the least.

FightDoctor · 09-06-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supraboytt

Wrong and your sig is not funny in the least.

He's not making up that stuff in his sig, that's a well known fact.

laz0001 · 09-06-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FightDoctor

He's not making up that stuff in his sig, that's a well known fact.

Ha ha, knowitall owned!!! (I didn't know that actually, but do now). THere mustn't be too many weight classes. 5 at most, and i pretty much agree with the way the UFC have done it, though i do get confused between middle and welter sometimes...