UFC Is Reportedly Making Necessary Moves To Dissolve Men’s 125-Pound Division
In 2012 UFC debuted the flyweight division, which has been ruled by Demetrious Johnson when he won the four-man tournament finale after defeating Joseph Benavidez via split decision. Johnson who did 11 consecutive title defenses lost his reign as UFC flyweight champion when Henry Cejudo dethroned ‘Mighty Mouse‘ via split decision at UFC 227 earlier in August.
Despite being a champ for a long time, Johnson never able to pull the big numbers on PPV. He and other flyweight contenders never financially benefit the UFC. Due to of that reason Johnson never got an opportunity to headline any big event. Rumors have been running since this year that UFC likely eliminate 125-pound class. Johnson never committed to moving up in the division, but the former champ was open to fighting Cody Garbrandt and TJ Dillashaw for a 135-pound title, but things never came to fruition due to non-lucrative paycheck.
Last month news broke that promotion is trading Demetrious Johnson to One Championship for undefeated Ben Askren. After that UFC is working closely to shutting down men’s flyweight division and likely cutting down the bulk of fighters in that class.
According to Flo Combat, promotion plans to shut down the division as early as the end of this year and will keep selected fighters who can move to the bantamweight division. Jose Torres is also one who will eliminate from the company, took to social media and confirm the news earlier today.
Im the 1st to be let go. I didnt get to finish my UFC contract with 2 fights left because they are cutting most of my division n not giving some of us a chance to bump up n prove ourselves like myself. So now it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. Good luck small guys!
Im the 1st to be let go. I didnt get to finish my UFC contract with 2 fights left because they are cutting most of my division n not giving some of us a chance to bump up n prove ourselves like myself. So now it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. Good luck small guys! pic.twitter.com/lUMijsRoDm
— Jose Shorty Torres (@ShortyTorresMMA) November 7, 2018
As far as flyweight champion, Henry Cejudo is expected to challenge Bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw next.
Do you think UFC made a right move to close the men’s flyweight division?
