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#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.
