UFC heavyweight claims modern fighters are unfairly compared to pre-USADA era

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Mario Pinto thinks the UFC heavyweight division will improve next year.

Joe Rogan recently expressed concern for what he considers the weakest weight class in MMA.

A few weeks later, Mario Pinto made a memorable first impression by knocking out NFL veteran Austen Lane. That debut has started to build some momentum around him, and he is quickly becoming a name to keep an eye on.

The 27-year-old is one of several new signings Dana White has brought in to inject some energy into the division.

Mario Pinto defends the heavyweight division

Pinto thinks there is plenty of misplaced criticism directed at the division he competes in.

The undefeated prospect feels a lot of the negative comparisons come from looking back at an era without strict drug testing.

When asked by Bloody Elbow about his weight class sometimes being labelled as shallow, Pinto replied: “I think it’s good, man. I think the division is getting overlooked.

“A lot of people are trying to compare the heavyweights now to the heavyweights before. Especially pre-USADA era, it doesn’t make sense. The guys there, they were different, they were juiced to the gills. They were like superheroes.”

“Right now, in the heavyweight division, we’ve got a lot more well-rounded guys.

“The heavyweights are evolving. They aren’t just trying to slang and bang and knock each other out, they are being more tactical,” Pinto claimed.

He then added: “Obviously, the delay when [Tom] Aspinall was waiting for [Jon] Jones didn’t help the division. Nothing was going forward.

“But I think there are exciting times coming. People are overlooking the new hybrid heavyweight that’s coming. I think we are going to see some exciting things.”

Tom Aspinall backs Mario Pinto’s views

Back in September, Tom Aspinall pushed back against the idea that the heavyweight division lacks depth.

He argued that while today’s fighters might not have the same star power as past names like Brock Lesnar or Cain Velasquez, the overall skill level is just as strong.

The Briton said to Bloody Elbow: “As far as name value, yeah, it’s probably not as good now as it’s been before.

“But I think the level of the guys is really good, actually. There’s a few new signings coming in, and I think it’s gonna be an exciting few years for the heavyweight division.”