UFC weight classes explained

If you’re new to the UFC then you may not be aware of the weight classes involved. Simply put, weight classes are used in MMA to make sure that fights are as equal and fair as possible. Having said that, the UFC didn’t use weight classes during the earlier days of its promotion. Furthermore, not every MMA promotion uses the same weight classes that the UFC does. But more on that later. In this article, we shall look at the UFC weight classes in greater detail.

Men’s UFC weight classes in order (lowest weights to heaviest in KG)

• Flyweight – 56.7KG or under

• Bantamweight – 61.2KG or under

• Featherweight – 65.8KG or under

• Lightweight – 70.3KG or under

• Welterweight – 77.1KG or under

• Middleweight – 83.9KG or under

• Light heavyweight – 93KG or under

• Heavyweight – 120KG or under

This means that if you weighed 56.8KG then you’d have to compete as a Bantamweight. In the UFC, you are allowed to weigh in the night before the fight. If you’re over the limit then usually the fight is canceled, or a percentage of your pay is given to your opponent (based on their preference). This is why some fighters partake in brutal weight cuts, so they can rehydrate in time for the fight the day after. This is a tactical move but not every fighter does this. Anyway, weight cutting in MMA is a completely different topic for another time.

As a result, the UFC looks down on those that miss weight as it is highly unprofessional and can cause problems with the schedule. In terms of ‘allowances’ for people slightly overweight, this doesn’t exist and in this sense, the UFC is pretty strict when it comes to weight categories. Of course, it would be unfair to start accepting allowances.

Women’s UFC weight classes in order (lowest weights to heaviest in KG)

• Strawweight – 52.2KG or under

• Flyweight – 56.7KG or under

• Bantamweight – 61.2KG or under

• Featherweight – 65.8KG or under

As seen, there are significantly fewer weight categories for female UFC fighters. In fact, there are literally half the categories available. Not only this but the spectrum of weights is only spread across 14KG, whereas with men it’s over 60KG. This brings us to our next question…

Should there be more weight categories for women in the UFC?

In fairness to the UFC, many combat sports often have similar weight categories that offer more variety for men, as opposed to women. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this is often the case with competitions such as ADCC which has a bigger pool of male talent and weight classes.

At the same time, there is clearly quite a big issue with the women’s weight divisions in the UFC. Specifically, it doesn’t allow for fighters to weigh more than 65.8KG which is quite strange. You could argue that there would be a big enough pool for an under 69KG category. In general, there are quite a few women who are naturally around this size.

Nonetheless, it looks like this is a non-starter seeing as the UFC have never entertained the idea. Never say never though, as the UFC is still growing and its weight classes were even smaller before Ronda Rousey was the first Bantamweight champion back in 2013. With this in mind, it’s possible that another weight category could be added, one day.

Before 1997, the UFC didn’t use weight classes

The UFC first aired in 1993 but it wasn’t until 1997 that it introduced weight classes. Until then, you could get people weighing 70KG fighting men that weighed 100KG. This was in line with its company image at the time which was based on fewer rules and was closer to self-defense fighting. For instance, at one point, groin strikes and headbutts were perfectly legal. Since then, the UFC has changed its image.

Regarding the weight class introduction, this happened in UFC 12 and has been in place ever since. On the one hand, it can be exciting to watch a David vs. Goliath fight every now and then. On the other hand, it’s arguably quite dangerous and at times it can be quite boring if the larger fighter wins with ease.

Once again though, this is an example of how the UFC has changed its stance on weights over the years and has arguably become more professional as it has grown older. Until 1997, there was one UFC belt and more grand prix style events, whereas after it led to more fragmented weight categories and splintered divisions.

Is it possible to compete in different weight classes in the UFC?

Another growing trend in the UFC is to see fighters compete in different weight classes. This was first done by Conor McGregor who simultaneously held the featherweight and lightweight belts at the same time. Such was his dominance and draw to the sport that Dana White allowed him to compete in a separate weight category after already securing one belt. This only created further publicity and helped elevate the UFC’s popularity even further.

Since then, Amanda Nunes also captured two UFC belts at the same time, whilst Israel Adesanya also tried to do the same but failed in a higher weight class. As you can imagine, this is a very difficult accomplishment and is not an easy feat.

Not every MMA promotion uses the same weight system as the UFC

As mentioned earlier, not every MMA promotion is the same and many have their own unique set of rules. For instance, here are the men’s Bellator weight categories as an example.

Men’s Bellator weight classes in order (lowest weights to heaviest in KG) H3

• Bantamweight – 61KG or under

• Featherweight – 65KG or under

• Lightweight – 70KG or under

• Welterweight – 77KG or under

• Middleweight – 84KG or under

• Light heavyweight – 93KG or under

• Heavyweight – 120KG or under

As seen, there are slight differences when looking at the Bellator weight categories compared to the UFC categories. In general, there are only a few pounds difference. However, there is also one key difference. This is because Bellator only has seven weight categories, whereas the UFC has eight. Unlike the UFC, Bellator’s lowest weight class is the Bantamweight division and it doesn’t have a Flyweight class. There may be many reasons for this but ultimately Bellator is allowed to do what it wants in terms of implementing its own rules. Similarly, other promotions such as PRIDE, KSW, and ONE will all have their own individual takes on weight classes.

A list of the best ever UFC fighters in their weight classes

• Khabib Nurmagomedov – Lightweight: During his time as a UFC lightweight fighter, Khabib went undefeated and retired from MMA with a perfect 29-0 record. Not only this but he rarely ever lost a round and was dominant within his weight class. As a result, he was seen as a boogeyman within his division.

• Kamaru Usman – Welterweight: For years Kamaru Usman had one of the longest undefeated streaks in the UFC and was the welterweight champion for a very long time. He also proved that wrestling was highly effective when it came to grinding out gritty victories.

• Jon Jones – Light heavyweight: Despite being a controversial figure, Jon Jones is seen by many as the MMA GOAT. This is because it’s arguably harder to win more at the higher weight classes. Despite this, Jon Jones made fighting in the light heavyweight class look easy.

• Georges St. Pierre – Welterweight: GSP was arguably one of the first real stars in the UFC and was the first to successfully combine striking with wrestling. As a result, he dominated the welterweight division and set the blueprint for future champions such as Kamaru Usman.

• Amanda Nunes – Featherweight and Bantamweight: As previously mentioned, Amanda Nunes was champion in two separate categories. She was arguably the first ever woman to truly dominate in the UFC and had a fearsome reputation.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The UFC has a total of eight different weight categories for men and a total of four different weight categories for women. These range from 52.2KG all the way up to 120KG at the other end of the spectrum.

Hopefully, this article has highlighted the difference in weight categories and helps explain how it works. Remember, the UFC is its own standalone promotion and although it’s very popular, it isn’t the only MMA promotion available either. With this said, its weight classes aren’t definitive and other places have their own take on things.

If you’d like to learn more about the UFC then check out this illustrated history book.