UFC Weight Classes Explained (ALL Divisions!) | say mixed martial arts (2023)

Keeping track of the different weight classes in MMA can be confusing. Especially since they differ from the weight classifications used in boxing.

All UFC fighters must fight within an existing weight class (although they can move up or down the division at will).

Therefore, fighters are ranked in different UFC weight classes based on the category they fight in, and their ultimate goal is to be the best.UFC-Championthis weight class.

How many weight classes does the UFC have?

The UFC currently has a total of 12 weight divisions; 8 men and 4 women.

Here is a list of UFC weight classes in order. We've broken down the weights so you can see UFC weight classes in kg (kilograms) and weight classes in pounds. (Lb):

Why are there MMA weight classes?

There are weight classes in MMA, so fighters of similar size can fight each other on equal terms. Since the weight is not an advantage for either fighter, they must rely on their superior fighting ability to beat their opponent.

Without weight classes, a fighter who is significantly larger than his opponent can win a fight even if his opponent is much more skilled than him. Since mass is a huge advantage in combat, weight classes exist to counteract this.

How do weight classes work?

If a fight between two fighters is scheduled in any of the categories listed above, each fighter must be weighed in the day before the event.

At this weigh-in, both fighters may not weigh more than the cap set by their division. For example, if there is a lightweight bout, no contestant may weigh more than 155 pounds. (70kg).

Although this is very, VERY rare, fighters must also not weigh less than the minimum weight established the day before the scheduled fight. For example, no middleweight fighter can weigh less than 170 pounds. (77kg).

The reason the bottom cap is rarely, if ever, an issue is because weight is an advantagemixed martial arts. The heavier you are, the more power you can bring to your fight. Therefore, fighters try to maximize, not minimize, their weight before a fight.

High rep exercises don't produce great muscle growth, but they do improve muscular endurance and keep the body resilient to muscle fatigue. Strength training and conditioning help improve your performance. Then,MMA will definitely build your physical strength.

This has led to a controversial practice in MMA (and other martial arts) called weight loss.

What is weight reduction in MMA?

About a week before a fight, a fighter will attempt to drastically and unhealthily lose weight. They will try to lose as much water weight as possible by exercising in multiple shifts, spending long periods in a sauna or in sauna bags, and drinking very little water. The ultimate goal of this exercise is to slip just below your division's maximum weight limit. Calledweight reduction.

Once the fighter is below the maximum weight limit, they will rehydrate at an equally drastic rate. In some cases, a fighter can gain 10 to 15 pounds. in almost 24 hours. Therefore, they will carry much more weight and therefore more power in their fight.

What happens to a fighter when he arrives overweight?

If a fighter weighs heavily on the eve of the fight (which is fairly common in UFC fights), the opponent has an opportunity to continue the fight.

If the opposing fighter agrees to fight their overweight enemy, they usually get 20% of their enemy's purse (the money they get for the fight).

If a fighter "loses weight" for a title fight, they are not eligible to win the UFC belt they are fighting for (even if they win the fight).

Other times, his opponent simply refuses to continue fighting, thinking his opponent who has lost weight is simply trying to gain an unfair advantage over him.

Why are divisions based on weight and not height?

Why UFC Weight Classes But No UFC Height Classes? Good question.

Height is not necessarily an advantage as not every fighter knows how to leverage a range and length advantage. However, weight is a natural advantage in a fight, especially during a fight.

With more weight you can carry more muscles and therefore more strength. An example of a high-powered beat would be the fight between UFC athletes Mark Hunt and Stevan Strufe.

Mark Hunt is 5'10 and KO'ed the 2.10 tall Stevan Strufe. Mark Hunt has competed in heavyweight for years and is almost always the shortest fighter in terms of height. However, he has still built a reputation as a knockout artist, even developing his signature "Knockout KO".

Daniel KormierHe's perhaps an even better example of a fighter who dominated almost everyone he fought despite being only 5'11. A former UFC light and heavyweight champion, he is without a doubt one of the greatest fighters of all time.

When were weight classes introduced in the UFC?

ufcintroduced the UFC weight classes in 1997. The first weight classes were the lightweight class and the heavyweight class. Previously, the UFC held Openweight fights. However, it wasn't until UFC 31 in 2001 that the UFC established proper weight classes that reflect today's views. if you ask"what is ufcThen we've got you covered with our guide.

List of UFC rankings for each UFC men's weight class:

• UFC Heavyweight Ranking
• UFC light heavyweight rankings
• UFC middleweight rankings
• UFC welterweight rankings
• UFC Lightweight-Rangliste
• UFC featherweight rankings
• UFC bantamweight rankings