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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Kenny Florian may have been the first high profile UFC lightweight to make the drop down to the new UFC featherweight division, but he's not going to be the last.
Tyson Griffin is following suit following three straight losses in the lightweight division. The longtime UFC lightweight revealed on his personal website that he is making the drop this year.
"I’ve got some big plans for 2011, and unfortunately they’re put on hold right now, but those plans are to move to 145 [lbs] and make a run for that belt," Griffin said. "So you can see me at a new weight class looking stronger and better than ever hopefully."
Griffin is currently recovering from knee surgery before he can return to training. He's lost three straight fights, to Evan Dunham, Takanori Gomi and Nik Lentz. The most recent loss was a controversial split decision loss at UFC 123 in November.
Penick's Analysis: It's a good move for Griffin. He's not the biggest lightweight, but he's had a lot of success over the years in the division. Dropping to featherweight will be a good move for him and will give him a chance to rebuild his career. He'll be an exciting addition to the 145 lb. class, and there are sure to be a number of other lightweights following in Florian and Griffin's footsteps throughout the year.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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