MMA Weight Classes: Explained
Mixed martial arts has come a long way during its current four decades in existence. In that time, everything from rules and especially the MMA weight classes have evolved.
MMA weight classes especially have had a rather unique evolution. Each MMA promotion has their own unique set of weight classes, which can be different from other promotions.
That’s why we’ve put together this full explanation of MMA weight classes. Read below to learn the different weight classes that the biggest MMA promotions include within their organizations.
Were There Always MMA Weight Classes?
MMA weight classes were not always part of the sport. They came into play a little after the combat sport was first established.
Before MMA weight classes, events were constructed in an open-weight tournament format. Heavyweights often fought lightweights with little to no rules.
Thankfully, the sport evolved and rules, as well as weight classes were gradually implemented.
When Were MMA Weight Classes Added?
The UFC began using weight classes during UFC 12. During that event, the organization simultaneously ran a heavyweight and lightweight tournament.
One tournament for fighters above 200 lbs(90.7 kg) and another tournament for fighters under that weight.
Pride FC was also originally an open-weight tournament with no formal MMA weight classes. They started adding weight divisions in the year 2000 with the middleweight and heavyweight divisions.
UFC Men’s Weight Divisions
The UFC was the first organization that started adding weight classes. As of now, there are eight official MMA weight classes that are used within the promotion.
Mens UFC Weight Classes
| UFC Weight Class (Men) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Strawweight | 115 lb | 52.5 kg |
| Flyweight | 125 lb | 56.7 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135 lb | 61.2 kg |
| Featherweight | 145 lb | 65.8 kg |
| Lightweight | 155 lb | 70.3 kg |
| Welterweight | 170 lb | 77.1 kg |
| Middleweight | 185 lb | 83.9 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lb | 102.1 kg |
| Heavyweight | 265 lb | 120.2 kg |
UFC Women’s Weight Classes
In 2012, the UFC officially began adding female weight divisions within the organization. As of now, there are currently 3 official women’s UFC weight classes.
(As of writing this article, the UFC women’s featherweight division is currently not being used and may be disbanded.)
Women’s UFC Weight Classes
| UFC Weight Classes (Womens) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Strawweight | 115 lb | 52.5 kg |
| Flyweight | 125 lb | 56.7 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135 lb | 61.2 kg |
ONE Championship Men’s Weight Classes
ONE Championship debuted a little over a year ago in the early 2010s. The organization currently uses 10 different MMA weight classes.
ONE Championship Weight Classes
| Weight Classes (Mens) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Heavyweight | 225-265 lb | 102-120 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205-225 lb | 92-102 kg |
| Middleweight | 185-205 lb | 83-92 kg |
| Welterweight | 170-185 lb | 77-83 kg |
| Lightweight | 155-170 lb | 70-77 kg |
| Featherweight | 145-155 lb | 65-70 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135-145 lb | 61-65 kg |
| Flyweight | 125-135 lb | 56-61 kg |
| Weight Classes (Women’s) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Strawweight | 115-125 lb | 52-56 kg |
| Atomweight | 105-115 lb | 47-52 kg |
Pride FC Weight Classes
Pride FC was one of the greatest MMA promotions in history. In the promotion’s heyday, they used 5 different MMA weight classes.
PRIDE FC Weight Classes
| Weight Classes | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Lightweight | 161 lb | 73 kg |
| Welterweight | 183 lb | 83 kg |
| Middleweight | 205 lb | 93 kg |
| Heavyweight | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Openweight | No weight restrictions | No weight restrictions |
PFL/Bellator Weight Classes
The Professional Fighter’s League(PFL) and Bellator MMA have recently become partners. Between the two promotions, they currently have a total of 9 MMA weight classes.
PFL Weight Classes
| Weight Classes | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Heavyweight | 265 lb | 120 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lb | 93 kg |
| Welterweight | 170 lb | 77 kg |
| Lightweight | 155 lb | 70 kg |
| Featherweight | 145 lb | 66 kg |
| Women’s Featherweight | 145 lb | 66 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135 lb | 61 kg |
| Women’s Flyweight | 125 lb | 57 kg |
KSW Weight Classes
The Polish-based MMA promotion KSW has been in operation for twenty years now. In twenty years of business, the promotion currently has nine MMA weight classes. Seven men’s weight divisions and two women’s weight divisions.
KSW Weight Classes
| Weight Classes: (Mens) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Heavyweight | 264.6 lb | 120 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205.0 lb | 93 kg |
| Middleweight | 185.2 lb | 84 kg |
| Welterweight | 169.8 lb | 77 kg |
| Lightweight | 154.3 lb | 70 kg |
| Featherweight | 145.5 lb | 66 kg |
| Bantamweight | 134.5 lb | 61 kg |
| Weight Classes: (Women’s) | Weight in Lb | Weight in Kg |
| Flyweight | 125.7 lb | 57 kg |
| Strawweight | 114.6 lb | 52 kg |
