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Despite the UFC's resistance to host fights that don't fall under a specific weight class, there are superstars who have fought at a catchweight. Catchweight fights often occur for different reasons, and many are unplanned and abrupt. However, sometimes the fighters in question simply prefer to fight in an undefined weight division.
Catchweight bouts are regularly used in combat sports, and do not adhere to a traditional weight class. The frequency of catchweight bouts occurring was much higher back when there were fewer weight classes available to UFC fighters. When the Ultimate Fighting Championship began in 1993 there were no predefined weight classes.
In fact, it wasn't until 1997 that predefined weight classes were established. The UFC implemented two weight classes at UFC 12. They grouped fighters in either the lightweight or heavyweight categories. In 2001, the UFC adopted weight classes in accordance with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.
Following UFC 31, the promotion amended their previous weight classes and added the current weight class structure. With gradual developments, the UFC has become the top fighting organization in the world. Today, let's examine five UFC superstars you didn't know competed at catchweight.
#5. Nick Diaz fought at a 180-pound catchweight
Nick Diaz had two Strikeforce catchweight fights within four months of each other. 2009 was a year of two tough battles for the Stockton native. First, Diaz was tasked with fighting UFC middleweight Frank Shamrock. It took two rounds for the 209-diplomat to score a TKO victory against 'The Legend'. After the fight, Diaz would double down and take another bout at the 180-pound catchweight.
After establishing his name versus Shamrock, Diaz's next UFC challenge was against former WEC light heavyweight champion Scott Smith. Diaz had just competed at lightweight a year before his two catchweight bouts. It was surprising to see the superstar fighting opponents who were usually three weight classes separated from him.
The fight against Smith was a wild three-round affair. The early goings saw Diaz teeing off on Smith. Diaz later managed to submit Smith with a rear-naked choke in the third round.
#4. Former UFC champion Chris Weidman
Many are surprised to realize that former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman took back-to-back catchweight bouts in the Ring of Combat. Taking place in Atlantic City, N.J., Weidman earned a submission victory in his professional debut against Reubem Lopes.
Chris Weidman returned for another catchweight bout at 190-pounds in 2009. The fight occurred roughly two months after his successful debut. The former UFC middleweight champion was tasked with fighting Mike Stewart in his second professional MMA fight.
Chris Weidman utilized clinch tactics to exhaust the arms of his opponent. After securing a double leg takedown at Ring of Combat 24, it became clear that Weidman would utilize his patented top pressure to score a TKO.
Weidman fought two catchweight bouts before entering the UFC. While he would go on to become the undisputed titleholder at 185-pounds, the 'All American' paved his way having started with catchweight fights. After taking 185-gold from Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman rose to UFC stardom by defending his title on three occasions.
#3. Former UFC champion Quinton Jackson
The legendary Quinton Jackson had his share of catchweight fights. As a matter of fact, the former UFC light heavyweight champion had three catchweight bouts. Jackson missed weight for the first time, thus Ryan Bader came to terms to meet 'Rampage' at a catchweight of 211-pounds.
The extra weight certainly hindered Jackson's ability to maintain pace as he was handily outscored in a decision defeat against Bader. Following his loss to Bader, the former UFC star would once again taste defeat at the hands of upcoming UFC title challenger Glover Teixeira. Less than two years after that, Quinton Jackson would fight in another catchweight bout.
In 2013, 'Rampage' did the unthinkable. The outspoken UFC athlete stuck to his guns and left the UFC once his contract was completed. Not only did Jackson sign with Bellator upon entering free agency, he also snapped his three-fight losing skid in a catchweight bout.
Facing Joey Beltran, the former UFC light heavyweight champion made short work of the now-Bare Knuckle FC champion. Jackson's round one TKO finish against Beltran set his career back on track. 'Rampage' was reaching new levels of stardom as he fired off a five-fight winning streak.
Catchweight bouts are often criticized for having less of an impact overall. However, they appear to benefit fighters from time to time - take Quinton Jackson's success as evidence.
#2. Former UFC champion Rich Franklin
Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin also competed in several catchweight contests. Having defended the UFC's 185-pound strap twice, Rich Franklin's methodical approach to MMA has always been intriguing to observe.
Prior to his UFC success, 'Ace' took on karate expert Lyoto Machida in 2003. The two fought at a catchweight of 214lbs. Rich Franklin was finished by a nasty front kick which was followed up with a volley of punches to seal the deal.
Franklin would compete in his next catchweight contest against Wanderlei Silva. The Brazilian is glorified for his ability to move forward and brawl with the best athletes around the globe. In the end, Rich Franklin would find success in the 2009 contest against Silva with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory.
Just three months removed from besting Wanderlei Silva in a calculated slugfest, Franklin took on rising sensation Vitor Belfort at a 195lbs. At UFC 103, the two headlined the main card with a catchweight fight. Franklin was unable to withstand the heavy artillery that Belfort was equipped with and suffered a round one knockout loss.
#1. Did UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski fight at catchweight?
The answer is yes. In November 2017, Alexander Volkanovski fought Shane Young at a 150-pound catchweight. Of course, it should be noted that Young took the contest on roughly a week's notice. In addition, it was Young's debut with the UFC. While the soon-to-be titleholder utterly dominated the contest, he was unable to finish Young.
The UFC would prefer fights to fall within one of their predetermined weight classes. However, since it was a short-notice replacement, an exception was made. Little did the world know how big of an Australian star Alexander Volkanovski would turn out to be.
Alexander Volkanovski was pegged as the biggest favorite on the card. The fight night bout took place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Normally, it seems like the UFC avoids catchweight contests, however in this case, the unusual circumstances permitted the fight.
While the UFC offers an array of weight classes, it seems catchweight bouts are becoming a throwback to the past. Even so, modern gladiators like Alexander Volkanovski only care about gold and dominance, and his last fight against Brian Ortega proved that.
