5 times UFC fighters changed divisions and achieved success
UFC fighters want to win. So once things start to go south and they can't make sense of why they're losing, they often field their available options to reinvigorate their career. Some mixed martial artists take the difficult decision to change gyms in the hope that the solution to their problems is a new team of coaches.
In other cases, however, fighters competing under Dana White's banner made the ever-popular decision to change their weight class. Yet, this isn't always due to fighters encountering failure in their current division. Sometimes, other variables leave them with no choice but to ply their trade in a new division.
Such variables could be a fighter trying to avoid a potential matchup with a close friend. This seems to be the primary motivation behind Aljamain Sterling's future featherweight plans. While doing so hasn't always been the instant success that fighters hope it will be, this list covers their successful journeys.
#5. Demian Maia, former UFC middleweight/welterweight
Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard Demian Maia started his career as a middleweight. His exceptional grappling skills carried him into an infamous title fight against all-time great Anderson Silva. Silva spent more time taunting his opponent in the cage than fighting.
Fun Fact: Demian Maia is the only Welterweight to stay in the Top 10 UFC rankings since their inception #UFC #MMA @demianmaia https://t.co/gNKCTv6DZw
The display by 'The Spider' was so disgraceful that UFC president Dana White left his cage-side seat in disgust. After failing to capture a middleweight title or secure a second crack at the divisional throne, the BJJ ace made a much-needed change and debuted in the promotion's welterweight division.
His first three fights at 170 lbs were successful, but he subsequently had a brief two-fight skid. Fortunately, his luck changed as he embarked on a seven-fight win streak that saw him earn a crack at welterweight gold. While he came up short, he subsequently broke the record for the second-most submissions in 170 lbs history.
#4. Gilbert Burns, UFC welterweight
Another Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom who changed weight classes, Gilbert Burns is a standout fighter in the welterweight division. While he is regarded as an elite mixed martial artist, this wasn't always the case. Once upon a time, 'Durinho' was a struggling lightweight who lost to the likes of Dan Hooker via KO.
His run at 155 lbs left a lot to be desired, prompting him to make the switch to welterweight. Upon finding a new home at 170 lbs, he helmed a six-fight win streak that saw him earn wins over BJJ legend Demian Maia and former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Shoutout to Gilbert Burns.
There’s not many fighters ranked #2 that are willing to fight someone outside the top 10.
We’ve seen so many Welterweights squat on their spot in the last few years.
Gilbert is a real fighter. He always lays it all on the line. https://t.co/5Tp49XXVJV
His long stretch of consecutive wins earned him a crack at the then-defending champion, Kamaru Usman. Despite rocking 'The Nigerian Nightmare' and finding some success in the pair's striking exchanges, 'Durinho' was eventually TKO'd in the third round after failing to recover from his foe's onslaught.
From losing to Dan Hooker to earning a title shot and subsequently beating divisional staples like Stephen Thompson, 'Durinho' has found new life at 170 lbs.
#3. Dustin Poirier, UFC lightweight
It's difficult to imagine how Dustin Poirier ever managed to fight at featherweight. He is a massive 155'er who outsizes former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. This is part of the reason behind his struggles at 145 lbs. He was far too diminished by the weight cut to perform to the best of his abilities.
As a 155'er, his punching power peaked and his skills reached new heights. He began incorporating the Philly Shell. He rolled with punches and deflected them with his shoulders, elbows, and the top of his head while returning fire with counterpunches. This made him a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
Dustin Poirier wins the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship by unanimous decision over Max Holloway https://t.co/mS1AVjGkGw
His run in the 155 lbs weight class saw him defeat former undisputed champions like Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, and Conor McGregor (2x). He also defeated former interim champion Justin Gaethje in a Fight of the Year winner. His success led to his interim title win against the great Max Holloway.
He has never managed to capture undisputed gold but has challenged for lightweight supremacy twice. He currently holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC lightweight history.
#2. Daniel Cormier, retired UFC heavyweight/light heavyweight
Daniel Cormier began his career as an undefeated heavyweight with every tool to capture the 265 lbs crown. The only thing standing in his way was his close friendship with teammate Cain Velasquez, who just so happened to be the UFC heavyweight champion at the time.
This prompted 'DC' to cut weight and debut in the light heavyweight division in pursuit of a fight with hated rival Jon Jones. Two fights later, he faced 'Bones' for the 205 lbs title but came up short after suffering a convincing unanimous decision loss. However, after his rival was stripped, 'DC' captured the vacant title.
Nov3.2018
Less than 11 months after defending his Light Heavyweight title,
Daniel Cormier defends his Heavyweight title when he finishes Derrick Lewis https://t.co/A0vygtWnp9
He defended it twice before the second bout with Jones. While he initially lost, a positive PED test led to Jones' win being overturned into a no-contest, causing Cormier to be reinstated as champion. He secured a third title defense, this time against Volkan Oezdemir, before making a triumphant return to 265 lbs.
In perhaps his greatest-ever performance, 'DC' defeated Stipe Miocic to capture the heavyweight crown and enthrone himself as a UFC double champion.
#1. Jon Jones, UFC heavyweight champion
Before UFC 285, Jon Jones hadn't set foot inside the octagon in over three years. His last bout before his hiatus was a closely-contested win against Dominick Reyes, marking the former 205er's final light heavyweight title defense. The next step in his journey as a mixed martial artist was to aim for the heavyweight throne.
JON JONES IS THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD 👑
#UFC285 https://t.co/YGrWkvuGa2
'Bones' has spoken about debuting in the heavyweight division since Cain Velasquez first became the division's champion over a decade ago. Unfortunately, as time passed, it seemed like Jones' promises of a career at 265 lbs would never see the light of day.
But as 2023 arrived, he finally made the switch to heavyweight and challenged former interim champion Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title. Within two minutes, 'Bones' secured a takedown and submission win to claim the 265 lbs crown in what was arguably the easiest win of his career.