After flirting with the idea of a drop down to the light heavyweight division following his recent T/KO defeat at the hands of Travis Browne, UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub officially confirmed the move on the latest episode of his podcast, The Fighter and the Kid. “The plan is – and I will seal-approve this… The plan is 205, and I will fight in 2015,” said Schaub. The loss to Browne made it two in a row for Schaub and marked his fourth by T/KO. He initially planned to take some time off, get one more fight in at heavyweight and then make the drop down to 205 pounds. However, it’s clear that after further time spent thinking, processing and planning, the 32-year old has realized that the sooner he makes the move, the better off he will be. “Light heavyweight is the plan, people” firmly confirmed Schaub. I am happy with Schaub’s decision to make the move down to light heavyweight, and even happier that he is making it happen now as opposed to later. I think the move down for “Big Brown” is a win/win for him. There are many heavy hitters at 205 pounds, but I don’t think the knockout will be nearly as big of a concern for Schaub in this division. That means the odds of him getting finished (even by submission) will decrease, and at the same time, he will likely see an increase in his own finishing rate, considering size and power advantages he will have over opponents. “Big Brown” has been taking it slow in the gym; he has not been doing any sparring, but he still grapples and is currently part of Lyoto Machida’s training camp, helping the Brazilian prepare for his five round main event bout against Luke Rockhold at next month’s UFC on FOX 15. Still active, Schaub plans to get in full-training mode soon and looks forward to his light heavyweight debut, though he has no potential opponent in mind. Playing the role of matchmaker, I would pair “Big Brown” up with Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante for his 205-pound debut. Not only do I think that potential bout makes sense, but I think it would be a ‘Fight of the Night’ candidate and I for one wouldn’t miss it. Schaub can’t wait to get back in the Octagon and have his hand raised. He even romanticizes about his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, who had a real heart-to-heart with The Ultimate Fighter season 10 veteran following his latest loss. “I’m gonna get on the mic, stare Rogan directly in the eyes, and go, ‘are you surprised?’ That’s what I’m gonna do. That’s all I think about,” joked Schaub. Generally weighing around 240-pounds, Schaub will work his way down to 225-pounds, from which point he will begin his weight cut. “Big Brown” hopes to start making noise in the UFC’s light heavyweight division within the year, and fight fans look forward to his Octagon return.
