Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Weight classes

Mixed martial arts, like any other combat sport, is separated into different weight classes in order to make the fights more evenly matched. Fighters choose which weight class they want to complete in usually based on their size and ability to cut weight. They then have to be at that weight during the weigh in, which is usually the day before the actual fight. Most MMA organizations today follow a standard set of weight brackets, although there are some exceptions, such as within the Japanese organizations.

Generally fighters tend to try to cut weight as much as they can to get into the lowest weight bracket that they can. In this way they can often have a size advantage over people naturally at that weight, and can also put on more weight before the fight. For example if someone who naturally walks around at 205 lb can manage to cut to 185 lb, then they will be naturally bigger and stronger than someone who naturally walks around at 185 lb.

Some organizations only tend to use certain weight classes, although some schedule fights all the weight classes that are currently used. For example the UFC doesn't use the super heavyweight division, and also lacks all the weights below lightweight. Zuffa's other company the WEC on the other hand uses all the lower weights and instead doesn't use anything above welterweight. The reason for the picking and choosing of certain weight classes to focus on is largely due to the lack of available and talented fighters at some weights. As well as having to keep the fighter roster smaller to keep costs low.

Japanese organizations don't always follow the same rules as those in the United States, and often matches between weight classes will happen. Organizations and promotions are usually also allowed to create whatever weight classes that they want for certain events, which is usually to cater to certain fighters needs. For example the Japanese star Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto often fights at different weights than are normally allowed because of the fact that he is so highly regarded. Similarly fighters such as Ikuhisa Minowa (181 lb) often fights much heavier fighters, such as the 400 lb Zuluzinho.

Generally the weight classes in the United States are made up by the state athletic commissions, and the brackets are up to their jurisdiction. Although the Nevada state athletic commissions weights are generally accepted and used by all the other states also, due to the fact that they were the first state to make a set of weights. The weight classes made by the Nevada state athletics commission for mixed martial arts are as follows:

Flyweight 125 lb 57 kg Bantamweight 135 lb 61 kg Featherweight 145 lb 66 kg Lightweight 155 lb 70 kg Welterweight 170 lb 77 kg Middleweight 185 lb 84 kg L.Heavyweight 205 lb 93 kg Heavyweight 265 lb 120 kg Super Heavyweight No upper weight limit

These weights are used by the UFC, Cage rage, and many other U.S based promotions, although some states aren't governed by any rules regarding this as they have no athletic commissions set up for this purpose yet.

Sengoku/World Victory road:

Bantamweight 60 kg 132 lb Featherweight 65 kg 143 lb Lightweight 70 kg 154 lb Welterweight 76 kg 167 lb Middleweight 83 kg 183 lb Light Heavyweight 93 kg 205 lb Heavyweight Above 93 kg Above 205 lb

Shooto:

Bantamweight 56 kg 123 lb Featherweight 60 kg 132 lb Lightweight 65 kg 143 lb Welterweight 70 kg 154 lb Middleweight 76 kg 167 lb Light Heavyweight 83 kg 183 lb Cruiserweight 91 kg 200 lb Heavyweight 100 kg 220 lb S.Heavyweight Above 100 kg Above 220 lb

Dream:

Featherweight 62 kg 138 lb Lightweight 70 kg 155 lb Welterweight 76 kg 168 lb Middleweight 84 kg 185 lb Light Heavyweight 93 kg 205 lb Heavyweight No weight limit