5 UFC fighters that should consider changing weight classes

#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.