UFC Weight Classes: Complete Guide to Limits
The UFC organizes fights in weight classes to ensure balanced matchups. Each division has a maximum limit fighters must meet at weigh-in.
Men's Divisions
Strawweight
52.2 kgStrawweight · up to 115 lbs
Relative weight
Flyweight
56.7 kgFlyweight · up to 125 lbs
Relative weight
Bantamweight
61.2 kgBantamweight · up to 135 lbs
Relative weight
Featherweight
65.8 kgFeatherweight · up to 145 lbs
Relative weight
Lightweight
70.3 kgLightweight · up to 155 lbs
Relative weight
Welterweight
77.1 kgWelterweight · up to 170 lbs
Relative weight
Middleweight
83.9 kgMiddleweight · up to 185 lbs
Relative weight
Light Heavyweight
93.0 kgLight Heavyweight · up to 205 lbs
Relative weight
Heavyweight
120.2 kgHeavyweight · up to 265 lbs
Relative weight
Women's Divisions
Women's Strawweight
52.2 kgWomen's Strawweight · up to 115 lbs
Relative weight
Women's Flyweight
56.7 kgWomen's Flyweight · up to 125 lbs
Relative weight
Women's Bantamweight
61.2 kgWomen's Bantamweight · up to 135 lbs
Relative weight
Women's Featherweight
65.8 kgWomen's Featherweight · up to 145 lbs
Relative weight
Summary Table
| Category | English name | Limit (kg) | Limit (lbs) | Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawweight | Strawweight | 52.2 | 115 | Zhang Weili |
| Flyweight | Flyweight | 56.7 | 125 | Alexandre Pantoja |
| Bantamweight | Bantamweight | 61.2 | 135 | Merab Dvalishvili |
| Featherweight | Featherweight | 65.8 | 145 | Ilia Topuria |
| Lightweight | Lightweight | 70.3 | 155 | Islam Makhachev |
| Welterweight | Welterweight | 77.1 | 170 | Belal Muhammad |
| Middleweight | Middleweight | 83.9 | 185 | Khamzat Chimaev |
| Light Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight | 93.0 | 205 | Alex Pereira |
| Heavyweight | Heavyweight | 120.2 | 265 | Jon Jones |
UFC Weight Cutting: Impact on Health and Performance
Weight cutting is one of the most discussed and controversial aspects of MMA.
Effects of Weight Cut on Performance
A fighter who struggles with the cut may show up with less energy and reduced cardio.
- Weigh-in weight: if a fighter hits the exact limit, the cut was likely hard.
- Moving up: a fighter moving up in weight often arrives fresher.
- Missed weight history: fighters who missed weight before are at risk of doing it again.
- Health risks: extreme dehydration can cause kidney issues and increased vulnerability.
The Most Competitive UFC Divisions
Lightweights and Featherweights are considered the deepest and most competitive.
Conversely, Heavyweights tend to have fewer elite fighters.