Lyoto Machida and 4 Other UFC Fighters That Should Drop Down a Weight Class

With the introduction of the featherweight weight class, a number of lightweights are cutting weight to compete. Kenny Florian dropped down and almost immediately received a title shot, Ross Pearson and Dennis Siver will compete at featherweight at UFC on Fuel 2.

It has worked for other weight classes, such as Brian Stann rising up the ranks at middleweight. So here are five fighters that could benefit with cutting a few pounds.

Lyoto Machida

At UFC 140 Lyoto Machida became yet another victim of Jon Jones. With the stacked light heavyweight division that includes Dan Henderson, Rashard Evans, Phil Davis and Shogun Rua just to name a few, another title opportunity is unlikely. A drop to middleweight and The Dragon would be in the title picture immediately.

After Chael Sonnen, future challengers are limited to Mark Munoz and Michael Bisping. A win over one of these men and Anderson Silva would find himself in one of his hardest matchups to date. With his counter striking, underrated ground game and with size on his side we may find ourselves a new champion.

Pat Barry

One of the most exciting fighters to watch, see no further than the fight with Cheick Kongo, 'HD' has become a favourite among fans. Unfortunately for Barry, exciting fighters do not always return results, as the fight with Cheick Kongo. The man also stands at 5'11", his last opponent Steven Struve stands at 6'11". With the monsters such as Alistair Overeem, Frank Mir and Shane Carwin dominating the division the man doesn't stand a chance no matter how quick he is.

If he cut enough weight and muscle to drop to 205, Barry would be even quicker and actually bigger than most of his opponents. With his striking and a little bit of improved takedown defence, Pat Barry would be a very interesting component of the light heavyweight division.

Chris Leben

Yes Leben is one of the major fighters in the middleweight division, yes he recently defeated Wanderlei Silva and Akiyama. In saying that, the man has no chance against the big wrestlers like Munoz and Sonnen. Not to say he wouldn't put up the fight, he would! But he does not stand a chance against the big men of the division.

With his recent urine sample that earned him a year off, a leaner Crippler would be an intriguing addition to the welterweight division in 2013. Imagine a finisher in the welterweight division, Leben could take it to the likes of Fitch and Shields.

Spencer Fisher

For Spencer Fisher, dropping down a weight class may save his UFC career. Fisher has lost four out of his last five fights, and for most fighters that means goodbye UFC. If he were to follow his former lightweight compatriots in Ross Pearson and Dennis Siver (who he both lost to) it may be enough to earn a couple more fights.

The move would add further depth to the featherweight division, and a guy with Fisher's striking and heart may be able to make some noise. A fight with Ultimate Fighter winner Diego Brandao will soon see if a weight cut is a possibility while gauging the potential of Brandao.

Frankie Edgar

Edgar has always been a small lightweight, but through his boxing, wrestling and resilience he has captured the title. At UFC 144 Edgar will defend his lightweight title against Benson Henderson. If he were to defend his title against Henderson, and see off a possible challenge of Nate Diaz and Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez, a move to featherweight may be on the cards.

It is well documented that Edgar makes weight without too much trouble. A move to featherweight would be much the same Edgar, but only bigger. It is not outlandish for Edgar to hold two titles in two different divisions. Fight fans everywhere would flock to see Edgar versus Aldo.