Tyson Griffin dropping to UFC featherweight division

Once a top contender in the UFC lightweight division, there had been speculation about whether Tyson Griffin (14-5) would drop down to the 145 division following the UFC-WEC merger.

Having lost his last three fights, Griffin will do exactly that. He announced the news on his official website.

Griffin also said that he’s nursing a knee injury (torn meniscus), and will have to wait a few weeks before testing his knee in the gym.

“I got some big plans for 2011,” he said. “Unfortunately they’re put on hold right now. Those plans are to move to 145 and make a run at that belt.”

Griffin came into the UFC sporting an undefeated professional record and wins over Duane Ludwig and Urijah Faber. He won his UFC debut over David Lee at UFC 63 but then dropped a decision to current champion Frankie Edgar.

After the Edgar loss, Griffin won six of his next seven — including a split decision win over Clay Guida — before losing consecutive bouts to Evan Dunham, Takanori Gomi, and Nik Lentz.