UFC Weight Classes Explained: From Strawweight to Heavyweight

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has established itself as the premier organization in the world of mixed martial arts, attracting top athletes from across the globe.

One key aspect of the sport that ensures fair competition and levels the playing field for all fighters is the implementation of weight classes. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of UFC weight classes, exploring their significance, history, and current divisions.

UFC Weight Classes Overview

UFC weight classes play a crucial role in organizing fights and maintaining a competitive balance within the sport. The 12 divisions ensure that athletes face opponents of similar weight, reducing the risk of injury and promoting fairness. To compete within a specific weight class, fighters must weigh in at or below the designated limit.

Here is a list of all current UFC weight classes in order, along with the corresponding weight ranges:

Men’s UFC Weight Classes

• Heavyweight (265 lb, 120.2 kg)
• Light Heavyweight (205 lb, 93.0 kg)
• Middleweight (185 lb, 83.9 kg)
• Welterweight (170 lb, 77.1 kg)
• Lightweight (155 lb, 70.3 kg)
• Featherweight (145 lb, 65.8 kg)
• Bantamweight (135 lb, 61.2 kg)
• Flyweight (125 lb, 56.7 kg)

Women’s UFC Weight Classes

• Featherweight (145 lb, 65.8 kg)
• Bantamweight (135 lb, 61.2 kg)
• Flyweight (125 lb, 56.7 kg)
• Strawweight (115 lb, 52.2 kg)

Weight classes are determined by a fighter’s weight during the official weigh-in, which typically occurs one day before the fight.

Throughout the history of the UFC, there have been adjustments to weight classes to better accommodate the growing roster of fighters and maintain the sport’s integrity.

Men’s UFC Weight Classes

In this section, we will discuss each men’s UFC weight class, highlighting the weight ranges, notable fighters, and titleholders.

UFC Heavyweight Division (265 lb, 120.2 kg)

The UFC heavyweight division is home to some of the most powerful and hard-hitting fighters in the sport. This weight class has seen its fair share of legendary athletes, including Randy Couture, Stipe Miocic, Brock Lesnar, and Cain Velasquez.

The current UFC heavyweight champion is Jon Jones, who moved up from the light heavyweight division and defeated Ciryl Gane by first-round submission, cementing his spot as the greatest UFC fighter of all time.

UFC Light Heavyweight Division (205 lb, 93.0 kg)

The UFC light heavyweight division has produced some of the most memorable battles in the UFC’s history, with the likes of Jon Jones, Chuck Liddell, and Tito Ortiz dominating the scene.

Jamahal Hill became the new UFC light heavyweight champion when he defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 283.

UFC Middleweight Division (185 lb, 83.9 kg)

The UFC middleweight division has boasted some of the most skilled and well-rounded fighters in the sport, such as Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman, and Michael Bisping.

Israel Adesanya reigns as the middleweight champion, with his striking prowess and creative style captivating audiences around the world.

UFC Welterweight Division (170 lb, 77.1 kg)

The UFC welterweight division is often recognized for its exciting fights and highly competitive nature. It has seen legendary fighters like Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, and Robbie Lawler vie for supremacy.

The current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, ended Kamaru Usman’s reign as the 170-pound titleholder in 2022.

UFC Lightweight Division (155 lb, 70.3 kg)

The UFC lightweight division is often heralded as one of the most competitive and talent-rich divisions in the UFC. Featuring notable athletes like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and BJ Penn, this weight class has consistently delivered entertaining and high-stakes battles.

The reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the UFC today.

UFC Featherweight Division (145 lb, 65.8 kg)

Home to some of the fastest and most technical fighters in the UFC, the featherweight division has produced several memorable moments and rivalries. José Aldo, Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor have all held the title and cemented their legacies in the division.

The reigning champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has showcased his striking and grappling skills, defending his title against many of the division’s top contenders. Volkanovski’s dominance has seen him enter our list of greatest UFC fighters of all time.

UFC Bantamweight Division (135 lb, 61.2 kg)

The UFC bantamweight division is characterized by its fast-paced action and incredible displays of athleticism. Dominick Cruz, TJ Dillashaw, and Cody Garbrandt have all made their mark as former champions. The current bantamweight champion is Aljamain Sterling, who is renowned for his grappling acumen and unorthodox striking.

UFC Flyweight Division (125 lb, 56.7 kg)

The UFC flyweight division, while the lightest among the men’s UFC weight classes, showcases an impressive level of speed, technique, and tenacity. Demetrious Johnson ruled the division for many years, setting a record for consecutive title defenses.

Currently, the flyweight championship is held by Brandon Moreno, who claimed the title with a stunning submission victory and became the first Mexican-born UFC champion.

UFC Women’s Weight Classes

The introduction of women’s UFC weight classes in the UFC has significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport. Female fighters have proven that they are just as skilled, tenacious, and entertaining as their male counterparts.

In this section, we will discuss each UFC women’s weight class, highlighting the weight ranges, notable fighters, and titleholders.

UFC Women’s Featherweight Division (145 lb, 65.8 kg)

The UFC women’s featherweight division has been home to some of the most dominant female fighters in the UFC. Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes have both held the title and displayed their incredible striking power and well-rounded skill sets. No fighter has challenged Nunes for the title since 2021.

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Division (135 lb, 61.2 kg)

The UFC bantamweight division has been a showcase for some of the most iconic women’s fights in UFC history. Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate have all held the title, each bringing their unique styles and personalities to the forefront. The reigning bantamweight champion, Amanda Nunes, has proven herself to be one of the most dominant fighters in the sport, regardless of gender, with a nearly unmatched winning streak making her one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time.

UFC Women’s Flyweight Division (125 lb, 56.7 kg)

The UFC women’s flyweight division offers a platform for fast and highly technical fighters to display their skills. The division was formed in 2017 — almost five years after the women’s bantamweight class.

Valentina Shevchenko ruled over the division for 1,547 days until Alexa Grasso stunned fans with a shock submission win in 2023.

UFC Women’s Strawweight Division (115 lb, 52.2 kg)

The UFC strawweight division is renowned for its highly competitive nature and exciting matchups. The division has seen multiple champions, including Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Rose Namajunas, and Weili Zhang.

Weili Zhang recaptured the title in 2022, beating Carla Esparza via second-round submission.

The Weight-Cutting Process

Weight cutting is an essential aspect of the fight preparation process, as fighters often need to reduce their weight to qualify for a specific weight class. This process usually involves a combination of dieting, exercise, and dehydration techniques to shed pounds rapidly before the official weigh-in.

While weight-cutting can provide fighters with a competitive advantage, it comes with inherent risks. Extreme weight cuts can lead to dehydration, impaired performance, and long-term health issues. As a result, it’s crucial for fighters to work closely with nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches to manage their weight safely and effectively.

When choosing a UFC weight class, fighters must consider various factors, such as their natural weight, body composition, and the competitive landscape of the division. A well-thought-out strategy, including proper nutrition and conditioning, can help fighters maintain their weight within a healthy range while maximizing their chances of success inside the Octagon.

The Future of UFC Weight Classes

As the sport of mixed martial arts continues to evolve, discussions surrounding potential adjustments to UFC weight classes have become more prevalent. In this section, we will examine the ongoing debate around the need for additional weight classes, such as a cruiserweight division, and consider the potential impact these changes could have on the UFC and the broader world of MMA.

One argument for adding new UFC weight classes is that it could provide fighters with more options, potentially reducing the need for extreme weight cutting and promoting healthier practices. A 225-pound cruiserweight division, for example, could bridge the gap between light heavyweight and heavyweight, offering fighters who may struggle to make the 205-pound limit or compete against much larger opponents a more suitable alternative.

While the 225-pound division is unlikely, a UFC 165-pound division has been a hot topic in recent years. Many fighters have called for the addition of a 165-pound division that would effectively bridge the gap between the current lightweight (155 lb) and welterweight (170 lb) divisions.

However, the introduction of a 165-pound division would lead to a slight increase in the welterweight limit and would have a major impact on the history and legacy of the welterweight division in its current 170-pound state. For this reason, we doubt that the UFC will introduce a 165-pound division any time soon.

It’s important to note that adding new UFC weight classes may also have some drawbacks. Critics argue that introducing more divisions could dilute the talent pool and make it more challenging for fighters to gain recognition and secure high-profile matchups. Furthermore, with more champions to manage, the UFC might face difficulties in ensuring that each division receives adequate attention and promotion.

Regardless of the path that the promotion ultimately chooses, it is clear that the ongoing conversation around UFC weight classes and fighter safety is crucial for the sport’s continued growth and evolution.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the various aspects of UFC weight classes, delving into their significance, history, and the fighters who have made their mark within each division. We have also examined the weight-cutting process and its implications for fighters, as well as the ongoing debate surrounding the potential introduction of new UFC weight classes.

As fans of the sport, understanding these weight classes and the challenges faced by fighters allows us to better appreciate the dedication, skill, and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level in the UFC. By continuing to follow the sport and engaging in conversations about the future of weight classes, we can help to ensure that mixed martial arts remains an exciting, competitive, and safe endeavor for all those involved.