5 UFC fighters that should consider changing weight classes

Fighters determining their true weight class in the UFC is much more complex than people think. With weight-cutting being an ongoing issue, it's become difficult for some fighters to figure out at which weight they'll have the most success in.

There have been fighters who have missed weight in championship fights and have paid the price later on. There have also been those who've avoided weight-cutting entirely but ended up undersized on fight night.

Many factors can lead to fighters deciding to either move up or down a weight class. One of the more apparent reasons is a fighter's diet in the lead-up to a bout. There have been those that have cut too much weight and, as a result, depleted their body.

Age is another factor in why some fighters change weight classes. Depending on the fighter, they may experience difficulties cutting weight once they reach a certain age. Furthermore, some may decide to move down as they feel they cannot remain competitive in a heavier weight class.

This list will look at five fighters who should consider changing weight classes.

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#5. Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo

Deiveson Figueiredo - UFC 255: Figueiredo v Perez

Starting off the list is former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. The Brazilian has admittedly had tough weight cuts to make 125 lbs. At age 33, Figueiredo may be leaning towards a move to bantamweight in the next couple of years.

To Figueiredo's credit, he has only missed weight once in his career - against Joseph Benavidez - and hasn't made that mistake since. Although he only missed weight once, he has been hospitalized due to a weight cut as recently as last year. After his draw with Brandon Moreno, it was confirmed that Figueiredo was hospitalized the night before the bout due to complications from weight-cutting.

During a pre-fight media interview for his rematch with Moreno at UFC 263, Figueiredo described what his difficult weight-cut was like:

"I was bad. Not physically bad, but my head was shaken already. I starved for two days, not drinking water well for days. The fight happened thanks to [my coaches] and a doctor friend of ours that was here for the event," said Deiveson Figueiredo via MMAfighting.com

Deiveson Figueiredo is known for his devastating knockout power at flyweight. The Brazilian consistently imposed his will on his opponents en route to a UFC flyweight championship. After Figueiredo lost his title to Brandon Moreno at UFC 263, it seemed as though he'd be moving to 135 lbs. Instead, Figueiredo accepted the trilogy bout with the Mexican for a chance to reclaim the UFC flyweight championship.

If Figueiredo defeats Moreno, he will likely evaluate the top contenders in the flyweight division and defend his title. With former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt now set to compete at flyweight, he could be the next challenger.

If Garbrandt is successful in his flyweight debut, Figueiredo may push for the UFC to book a fight with him. That way, Figueiredo can defend his flyweight title against a ranked bantamweight and continue adding to his legacy at 125lbs. In the meantime, Figueiredo can wait for the bantamweight title picture to sort itself out and then potentially move up and challenge the champion.

#4. Former UFC Ultimate Fighter winner Kelvin Gastelum

UFC Fight Night: Cannonier v Gastelum Weigh-in

Another UFC fighter who should consider changing weight-classes is Kelvin Gastelum. The former TUF winner has had his fair share of issues at the weigh-ins during his career. After missing the 170lbs welterweight limit on a few occasions, Gastelum decided to move up to 185lbs and compete at middleweight.

Initially, Gastelum's move to middleweight looked like the right move. Gastelum held his own and defeated top middleweights, including Michael Bisping and Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza. Gastelum eventually earned a title-shot against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Gastelum fought well, but lost by unanimous decision in a fight that was later awarded Fight of the Year.

Since Gastelum's title-shot against Adesanya, he has gone 1-4 and could be at a crossroads in his UFC career. It looks like there's a size discrepancy between Gastelum and the other top middleweights. With that in mind, a move back down to welterweight could be for the best.

Looking at the welterweight division, Gastelum matches up well with many of the fighters and could thrive at 170lbs. Ultimately, his training camp and nutrition will be a key indicator of his potential at welterweight.

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#3. Former UFC Ultimate Fighter winner Tony Ferguson

UFC 262: Tony Ferguson v Beneil Dariush

Tony Ferguson is another UFC fighter who should consider changing weight-classes. The former TUF winner has been one of the top lightweights in the world for years. After three straight losses though, it may be time for Ferguson to move back to welterweight.

After an incredible 12-fight winning streak that solidified his legacy in the lightweight division, Ferguson was defeated by Justin Gaethje. Ferguson famously cut to 155lbs for his canceled bout with then-lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, which ended up being costly.

At this stage of Ferguson's career, the move to welterweight could reinverate him. Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos is a great example of a fighter who benefited from a move up to 170lbs. RDA moved up after losing to Ferguson and ended up fighting for the interim welterweight championship. He came up short, but he arguably extended his career when he decided to move up in 2017.

#2. Former UFC middleweight title-challenger Paulo Costa

Paulo Costa - UFC 241 Cormier v Miocic 2

Another UFC fighter that should consider changing weight-classes is Paulo Costa. It's safe to say that after the events that transpired last week, Costa should be competing at light heavyweight. He came into his fight week too heavy and unable to cut down to 185lbs. This resulted in his middleweight bout with Marvin Vettori being changed to a light heavyweight bout on short notice.

UFC president Dana White was not happy and stated that Costa will now be competing at 205lbs. However, it was reported that Costa's coaches are still holding out hope that he could get another chance at middleweight. 'The Eraser' looked much healthier and performed better in his light heavyweight bout and should strongly consider 205lbs for the future.

Costa could earn a light heavyweight title shot quicker than he can a middleweight title shot because of his loss to Vettori. If Costa picks up an impressive win in his next light heavyweight bout, he could get into title contention. Costa matches up well with the top 10 light heavyweights, so it may come down to who his opponent is.

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#1. Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega [Photo credit: @briantcity - Instagram]

Topping this list of UFC fighters that should consider changing their weight-class is Brian Ortega. 'T-City' is currently one of the top featherweights in the UFC. However, after losing his second title fight, it might be time for Ortega to move up to lightweight. Ortega looks like he cuts a considerable amount of weight to make 145lbs and would benefit healthwise from a move to 155lbs.

Ortega hasn't ruled out moving to lightweight or welterweight in the past and could be better suited to these divisions. There are also comparisons to current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who began his UFC career competing at featherweight. Oliveira then moved to lightweight after back-to-back defeats, and has since won 9-straight fights and the vacant lightweight championship.

Ortega is more than capable of replicating Oliveira's success with his size and exceptional grappling ability. Only time will tell if Brian Ortega makes the move to lightweight. It would be interesting to see who the UFC were to match him up with first.