After suffering back-to-back defeats in the Octagon, Dustin “McLovin” Hazelett’s UFC career became the topic of speculation. While some predicted that a consecutive defeats could have lead to his ouster from the organization, it appears as though Hazelett will remain with the UFC for the time being.
According to Hazelett’s coach, Strikeforce lightweight fighter Jorge Gurgel, Hazelett is still with the UFC, despite being knocked out by Rick Story in the second round of their UFC 117 fight.
“[UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva’s going to have him back,” Gurgel said.
Though he remains in the UFC, Hazelett will be making a career move in the form of a cut to lightweight.
“He’s actually dropping to 155lbs. again, and I think it’s going to be a good move for him,” Gurgel said.
Hazelett previously competed at 155lbs. against Diego Saraiva at UFC 67. Hazelett won the match via unanimous decision.
“If he jumps to 155, he’s going to be a handful for anyone,” Gurgel said.
Although Hazelett is slightly built at 6’2″, Gurgel says that the cut should not be particularly difficult for “McLovin.”
“I figured he’d grow into a man’s body and that it would be extremely difficult for him to fight at 155, so he started fighting at 170lbs., but he walks around at 173lbs.,” Gurgel said. “I walk around at 180 and I’m only 5’9″.”
Gurgel added that “Now that we know that Dustin’s normal weight is 173 to 175lbs., we’re going to do everything we can to scientifically drop him off to 155lbs. so that he can maximize his performance at 155 and we’re going to go from there.”
Neither the date nor an opponent for Hazelett’s return to lightweight has been announced.