Good things come to those who (change) weight

The other day, I wondered about Georges St-Pierre’s MMA future and the possibility of his moving up a weight class. That got me wondering whether or not some other fighters out there should consider a jump or cut in weight.

Here’s a list of fighters who would benefit most from a weight change. The main factors to consider: body type (is it conducive to a weight change?) and division (would they have a better chance in a new division?).

JOSE ALDO

This is a selfish pick. I’m not positive that jumping up to lightweight would help the dominant Jose Aldo, who reminds me of a miniature Anderson Silva. But it sure as heck would entertain us fans to see him in the UFC. And it would do wonders for his profile.

THIAGO ALVES

This Muay Thai mauler reportedly walks around at 210 pounds despite fighting at 170. He goes to war on his body to make weight for every fight. Since Georges St-Pierre rules 170 and several other contenders are blocking his path, maybe Alves would have better success at middleweight? He has enough striking power to do damage there.

DEMIAN MAIA

The world’s best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner simply can’t keep up with physical specimens like Anderson Silva and Nate Marquardt, both of which manhandled him. He has a wiry frame that looks more like a welterweight’s than a middleweight’s. Since Maia likely cuts no weight to make 185, I have to think he could fight at 170 and give up much less of a strength advantage.

BJ PENN

I was disappointed to see Dana White give BJ Penn a rematch for the UFC lightweight title. Penn has nothing left to prove at 155; he’s already viewed by most as the best ever in that weight class. Why not return to 170? He could fight grudge matches with Matt Hughes and GSP or give a new challenge to another guy who’s beaten almost everyone there is at 170: Jon Fitch.

CAIN VELASQUEZ

This is easily the most controversial pick. After all, Velasquez is undefeated and set to battle Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title this October. But the heavyweight division has become one better suited to giants – 265-plus pounders like Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Frank Mir and Roy Nelson. Velasquez’s frame just isn’t as big. He could be a monster at light heavyweight if he could ever cut down to 205 pounds.

 About Grant Brothers Boxing & MMA CLUB: Located in the heart of North York, Grant Brothers Boxing & MMA Gym offers world-class Boxing, BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, Sambo, Wrestling, MMA and UFC training at real-world prices.  Classes are taught by certified coaches with classes for men, women, children, adults, beginners and advanced.  Private lessons and boxercise classes are also available. Areas serviced include North York, Etobicoke, Toronto, Scarborough, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Brampton and Mississauga.

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