5 UFC fighters that would be best suited for a 165lb division

#2. Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson

Like Dustin Poirier, former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is at an interesting crossroads in his career. He joined the promotion in 2011, when he won TUF as a welterweight. After winning TUF, he moved back to lightweight, where he has fought for a decade.

‘El Cucuy’ has had a spectacular career and is one of the best fighters to never become an undisputed lightweight champion. Before his loss to Justin Gaethje, he was riding a 12-fight winning streak that included wins over many former champions. After three straight losses to Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush, there have been many questions surrounding his future in the promotion.

With his past success competing at 170lbs, a move to welterweight was viewed as possible. However, a similar argument could be made that he'd have trouble against the larger 170-pounders in the division. He's a fighter who falls into the category of being a big lightweight and an undersized welterweight. Moving on from 155lbs could rejuvenate his career and is another reason why a 165lb division would be beneficial.

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#1. Former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington

UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2

Colby Covington would arguably benefit the most if the UFC introduced a 165lb division. The former interim UFC welterweight champion has successfully competed at 170lbs without cutting much weight.

‘Chaos’ had mentioned in multiple interviews that he prefers fighting at his natural weight because of the long-term effects of weight-cutting. Following his title loss to Kamaru Usman, he responded to whether he’d compete at lightweight.

“I'd rather fight at my natural weight-class and show the world that you don’t need to cut weight to be the best in the world. You just got to show up and fight and prove that you’re the best,” said Colby Covington during the UFC 268 post-fight press conference.

If Covington were to cut down an extra 5lbs and compete at 165lbs, he could be dominant. His skillset and wrestling background, which was on display against Usman, could make him a tricky fighter to beat. It also wouldn't be a drastic change like cutting an extra 15lbs to make the lightweight limit.