Quote from lv444 on Jul 3^rd, 2009, 9:27am:

 
Different belt.
 
1. The originals were based off the 2 layer art which had the 4 weight classes on the side plates.
2. The new ones are based off the 3 layer art which just says UFC Champion on the side plates.
3. Original just had gold tip. New ones have the layered UFC logoed tip.
4. Originals were made by Fig Inc. No one has named the company who is making these new ones, but it was confirmed it was NOT Figures Inc.
 
I had a friend hold a production sample in person and he said it was pretty bad quality. Apparently UFC went out and had these made on their own without consultation from anyone in the belt business.
 
Either way, it should bring down ALL the prices of UFC replicas, but I think in the long run, the originals with the weight class designation will regain their value.
 
Still great chance for anyone who didn't want to pay $800-1000 for them 2nd hand. Although I'm glad I sold my 4 when I did.

I saw the new UFC belt at the fan expo today. Looks the same quality wise, just has the variations in style such as the different stones, different side plates and ufc logo on the gold tip. I prefer the main plate on mine but would prefer the generic UFC logo side plates instead of my LT Heavyweight Champion ones