The UFC is contemplating a significant alteration to its official rankings system, considering expanding the existing categories from 15 fighters to 20 in each division. This potential change is being explored in response to the challenges faced in the welterweight class.
UFC CEO, Dana White, along with the organisation’s matchmaking team, is actively discussing this expansion. The catalyst for this potential adjustment appears to be the welterweight division, which currently has all its top 15 fighters booked for fights.
White elaborated on this potential shift during a recent press conference for the “Contender Series.” He stated, “The welterweight division would be a good example. We’re in matchmaking, and literally, the whole division in the Top 15 have fights. One of the things that we talked about last week in matchmaking was now extending our rankings down to 20 instead of 15. We have almost the whole welterweight division lined up with fights right now.”
However, there are potential challenges associated with this expansion, particularly in divisions like flyweight, which already consist of a limited pool of 15 fighters. This presents a dilemma, as fighters like David Dvorak, ranked No. 15 in the flyweight division, have struggled with recent losses, resulting in a record of 3-3 inside the Octagon.
What this means is that for the flyweight division, an inverse adjustment may be needed where the top ranking would be reduced to 10 or so. Otherwise, increasing to 20 may just reduce the prestige that comes with being top-ranked.
The UFC might need to address these challenges by either bolstering its roster with additional fighters or maintaining the rankings at 15 fighters in divisions where expanding to 20 may not be feasible.
Ultimately, this potential shift in rankings categories underscores the ever-evolving nature of the UFC and its ongoing efforts to adapt to the unique dynamics of each division within the organisation.
Leon Osamor
