5 matchups to make if there was a 165 pound weight division in the UFC

A 165 pound weight division in the UFC has been discussed on and off for some time now. Many fighters have voiced their desire for such a weight division over the years. There are some who believe their ideal fighting weight is between the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Given the demand, other promotions have begun adding 165 lbs divisions. A notable example is Khabib Nurmagomedov's promotion Eagle FC. They've also signed former UFC star Kevin Lee, who has repeatedly expressed his desire for such a division to compete in it.

The lack of this division has seen a number of fighters compete at both lightweight and welterweight over the course of their careers. Some of the biggest names in the entire sport have done so, including Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and more.

Creating a division at 165 lbs would create a number of fun matchups between current lightweights and welterweights. Here are five matchups to make if there was a 165 lbs weight division in the UFC:

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#5. Ian Garry vs. Paddy Pimblett - UFC 165 lbs division

Garry and Pimblett both made their octagon debuts in 2021

Ian Garry and Paddy Pimblett established themselves as two of the brightest prospects coming out of the UK & Ireland in 2021. Both men burst onto the scene with first-round knockout wins that got plenty of people talking. Seeing which of these rising stars would come out on top would be a real treat for fans.

Pimblett competes at lightweight and has even fought at featherweight in the past. However, given the size he has swelled too since his last fight, only having to cut it down to 165 would likely be a welcome change.

Garry fights at 170 lbs and has competed at middleweight in the past. That being said, he doesn't appear to have any issues making 170. Given he's 24 years old, he would likely be able to make 165 without too much of a problem

Pitting these two against each other would be somewhat of a dream fight for the European fans. It would decisively tell us who the next star from the UK & Ireland will be.

#4. Donald Cerrone vs. Jim Miller II - UFC 165 lbs division

Cerrone and Miller have a combined UFC record of 35-28 (2 NC)

From two of the newest UFC stars to two of the oldest — Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone lead the company in terms of most fights and most wins. Seeing these two opponents fight would be a big deal. It makes a lot of sense to ensure they are both as healthy as possible, not making them cut all the way down to 155 lbs.

Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone has jumped between the lightweight and welterweight divisions for years now. He therefore appears to be the ideal candidate to fight at 165 lbs.

Miller is more of a true lightweight but has fought at welterweight in the past and has also had multiple catchweight bouts that were closer to 165 lbs. He also isn't quite as big a star as 'Cowboy' and so would likely fight with a little more weight on happily in order to secure this rematch.

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#3. Gilbert Burns vs. Rafael dos Anjos - UFC 165 lbs division

Burns and dos Anjos have a combined UFC record of 32-15

These two Brazilian stars would benefit from a 165 lbs division more than others. They have both put together amazing careers competing at both lightweight and welterweight. A bout between these two fighters, particularly if it were to take place in Brazil, would be a massive matchup.

Rafael dos Anjos is a former lightweight champion who has also competed for welterweight gold. He has proven himself to be an elite competitor in both divisions with octagon records of 14-7 at lightweight and 4-4 at welterweight.

Gilbert Burns has similarly performed well in both weight divisions. He is 6-1 at welterweight in the octagon and recently challenged for the title against Kamaru Usman. At lightweight, he went 7-2 with the promotion. This bout would provide a great way of deciding who the 165 lbs king of Brazil ought to be.

#2. Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson - UFC 165 lbs division

Diaz and Ferguson have a combined UFC record of 30-15

Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson are two of the most popular stars on the UFC roster. They also both have experience competing at both lightweight and welterweight. With Diaz now fighting at 170 lbs and Ferguson at 155 lbs, having them meet in the middle for this huge fight makes a lot of sense.

Diaz won a lightweight season of The Ultimate Fighter, has gone 11-5 in the octagon at that weight and once challenged for the title in that division. At welterweight, Diaz is 4-5 in the octagon but now calls that weight class home. Competing at a slightly lower weight could give him an advantage.

Incidentally, Ferguson won a welterweight season of The Ultimate Fighter but has fought at lightweight ever since. With that being said, 'El Cucuy' has repeatedly said he'd be open to fighting at 170 lbs, so a 165 bout here makes a ton of sense. These two have teased this bout in the past, so fingers crossed we do get to see it.

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#1. Colby Covington vs. Dustin Poirier - UFC 165 lb division

Covington an Poirier have a combined UFC record of 31-9 (1 NC)

Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier have a legitimate dislike for each other that would make this fight a must-see. The former teammates have been taking shots at each other online and given they have each teased moves to each other's weight division in the past, why not make that fight at 165 lbs?

Covington has spent his entire career at 170 lbs, winning the interim title and repeatedly challenging for undisputed gold. However, while he has stated he is unwilling to cut to 155 lbs at the moment, 165 lbs would presumably be appealing to him.

Poirier began his career as a featherweight before moving up to lightweight. He's had a lot of success there, including an interim title and multiple fights for the undisputed gold. After his recent loss to Charles Oliveira, 'The Diamond' indicated he would be interested in competing at 170 lbs, so a 165 lbs fight makes sense.