Aaron Simpson Headed in for Surgery Then to a Drop to Welterweight

A cut down to 170 pounds sounds like a pretty good idea to former Arizona State wrestler Aaron Simpson; so he will now officially make the move.

Simpson, who fought at the inaugural UFC on Fuel event in Omaha, Neb., in February, lost a decision to Ronny Markes and remarked afterwards that he was considering a move from middleweight to welterweight.

While Simpson had success during the fight with Markes, the Brazilian’s overwhelming size and power continued to be a problem for him throughout the 15-minute bout.

Now the decision has been made, according to Simpson’s manager David Martin of the Martin Advisory Group, who confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that Simpson would be taking his next fight at 170 pounds.

During his time as an All-American wrestler at Arizona State, Simpson competed at 177 pounds, coming in fourth in the 1998 NCAA finals, and eighth place in the 1996 finals.

Now the former wrestler turned fighter will drop down to 170 pounds and begin competing in the UFC’s welterweight division.

Prior to that time, however, Simpson will head to the doctor this upcoming week to have elbow surgery to repair some damage before heading back into the training room to return to action.

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