Why does the UFC HW division have a weight limit at 265 pounds?

Michalczewski · 07-15-2006, 10:30 PM

I know that the Athletic Comission and not the UFC sets the rules but why is there a top limit to the HW division? Am I wrong or is the boxing HW division unlimited when it comes to weight? I don´t really see the point of limiting the UFC HW division to 265 pounds. So far there has not been a single fighter that was over 265 that has been TOO successful against real/good fighters. The ones that comes to mind are Tom Erikson and Bob Sapp and they haven´t exactly dominated their opponents... When a guy is over 240 usually the weight doesn´t help him, rather it works against him. It is strange to limit the heaviest division in any sport. None of the big sports have a weight limit at the last division, as far as I know... (Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, Kick Boxing, Thai Boxing...) Are there any real reasons for a limit at 265? The way I see it is that there is no advantage beeing 250+ pounds. Sapp is the perfect example of the cons of huge muscle mass, it makes you slow and clumsy and really F***s up your cardio while it does not give you a strenght advantage that is useful in an MMA fight. Fujita and Sapp are similar kinds of fighters and Fujita clearly showed that pure muscle mass is not winning any fights.

Sylvia is probably the most successful fighter right now that is close to the weight limit but that (unfortunately) is more due to the sorry state of the UFC HW division and lack of any able competition, not due too the weight "advantage". Just look at how real fighters have handled the big/fat boys in Pride with ease. Zulu, Erikson, Akebono, Giant Silva and a few others are getting killed almost every time they step into the ring, facing 50+ pounds lighter competition.

TheNatureBoy · 07-15-2006, 10:37 PM

To answer your question, there is not a weight limit for HWs in boxing. Not sure about UFC reasoning behind the limit. It could change if they get some decent HWs then bring in an Akebono as a special attraction fight to show what skill can do versus size.

I know Kung Fu · 11:04 PM

Because the UFC doesn't want some freak of nature as their HW champion. Ex: Sapp, Giant Silva, Tim Sylvia...

bobjones · 07-15-2006, 10:41 PM

read my lips....no fat kids allowed!

LockCracker · 07-15-2006, 10:44 PM

yeah cause it was the ufc's choice. you really want a no limit? what possible good could happen from it.

seldomTap · 07-15-2006, 10:47 PM

bring back manny Yarborough...thats entertainment

Munch_Caldwell · 07-15-2006, 10:47 PM

I think it is NSAC rules. could be wrong though

B.A. Baracus · 07-15-2006, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockCracker

yeah cause it was the ufc's choice. you really want a no limit? what possible good could happen from it.

No limit means, no if and or butts...anyone can step in the cage/ring and prove themselves.

Scrapper2 · 07-15-2006, 10:58 PM

If some 400 lbs guy is good enough to beat the top UFC HWs then he should be the champion. I don't think that would be the case. I think the best fighters in the world would prove to be in the 235-260 lbs range. But it seems wrong to me to deny very large people the right to earn a living in the UFC if they're good enough to compete. The reason there won't be a super heavyweight division is because it would in some way undermine the heavyweight division and Dana doesn't want that. The heavyweight champion is supposed to mean something.

I know Kung Fu · 07-15-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seldomTap

bring back manny Yarborough...thats entertainment

lol, agreed.