The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the most popular mixed martial arts organization in the world. It has several weight divisions and champions in each of them. In this article, we will take a look at all the UFC weight classes, divisions and their champions. We will also answer some common questions about UFC weight classes, such as why they exist and what happens if a fighter misses weight. Stay tuned!
UFC Weight Classes (Divisions):
- Heavyweight 205 lb – 265 lb (93 kg – 120,2 kg)
- Light Heavyweight 185 lb – 205 lb (83,9 kg – 93 kg)
- Middleweight 170 lb – 185 lb (77,1 kg – 83,9 kg)
- Welterweight 155 lb – 170 lb (70,3 kg – 77,1 kg)
- Lightweight 145 lb – 155 lb (65,8 kg – 70,3 kg)
- Featherweight 135 lb – 145 lb (61,2 kg – 65,93 kg)
- Bantamweight 125 lb – 135 lb (56,7 kg – 61,2 kg)
- Flyweight None – 115 lb (52,5 kg)
Heavyweight Division:
The Heavyweight division is the heaviest weight class in UFC. The maximum weight for a fighter in this division is 265 pounds (120 kg).
The current champion is Francis Ngannou. He won the title by defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260.
Light Heavyweight Division:
The Light Heavyweight division has a weight limit of 205 pounds (93 kg).
The current champion is Glover Teixeira. He won the title by defeating Jan Blanchowicz at UFC 267 on 30 October 2021.
Middleweight Division:
The Middleweight division has a weight limit of 185 pounds (84 kg).
The current champion is Israel Adesanya. He won the title by defeating Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236.
Welterweight Division:
The Welterweight division has a weight limit of 170 pounds (77 kg).
The current champion is Kamaru Usman. He won the title by defeating Tyron Wodley at UFC 235.
Lightweight Division:
The Lightweight division has a weight limit of 155 pounds (70 kg).
The current champion is Charles Oliveira. He won the title by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262.
Featherweight Division:
The Featherweight division has a weight limit of 145 pounds (66 kg).
The current champion is Alexander Volkanovski. He won the title by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 245.
Bantamweight Division:
The Bantamweight division has a weight limit of 135 pounds (61 kg).
The current champion is Aljamain Sterling. He won the title by defeating Petr Jan at UFC 259.
Flyweight Division:
The Flyweight division has a weight limit of 125 pounds (57 kg).
The current champion is Deiveson Figueredo. He won the title by defeating Brandon Moreno at UFC 270.
Men’s UFC Weight Classes
| UFC Weight Class | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
| Heavyweight | 205 lb (93 kg) | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Light Heavyweight | 185 lb (83.9 kg) | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Middleweight | 170 lb (77.1 kg) | 185 lb (83.9 kg) |
| Welterweight | 155 lb (70.3 kg) | 170 lb (77.1 kg) |
| Lightweight | 145 lb (65.8 kg) | 155 lb (70.3 kg) |
| Featherweight | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) |
| Bantamweight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) |
| Flyweight | 115 lb (52.2 kg) | 125 lb (56.7kg) |
Women’s UFC Weight Classes
| UFC Weight Class | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
| Featherweight | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) |
| Bantamweight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) |
| Flyweight | 115 lb (52.2 kg) | 125 lb (56.7kg) |
| Strawweight* | No requirement | 115 lb (52.2kg) |
Women’s Strawweight Division:
The Women’s Strawweight division has a weight limit of 115 pounds (52 kg).
The current champion is Rosa Namajunas. She won the title by defeating Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 237.
Women’s Flyweight Division:
The Women’s Flyweight division has a weight limit of 125 pounds (57 kg).
The current champion is Valentina Schevchenko. She won the title by defeating Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 when the title was vacant.
Women’s Bantamweight Division:
The Women’s Bantamweight division has a weight limit of 135 pounds (61 kg).
The current champion is Julianna Pena. She won the title by defeating Ronda Rousey at UFC 207.
Women’s Featherweight Division:
The Women’s Featherweight division has a weight limit of 145 pounds (66 kg).
The current champion is Amanda Nunes. She won the title by defeating Chris Cyborg at UFC 232.
Common questions about UFC Weight Classes
Why Does UFC have weight Classes?
UFC implemented weight classes to create more even matchups and make fights more competitive.
When Did UFC Get Weight Classes?
UFC got weight classes in 1997.
What is the Weigh-in Policy in UFC?
The weigh-in policy in UFC is that all fighters must make weight within one pound of their division’s limit.
What Happens if a UFC Fighter Misses Weight?
If a fighter misses weight in on the first weigh-in they get a couple of hours to come down or up to the right weight limit.
If they still miss the weight the opponent is given the option to fight or not and they are also typically compensated financially for the weight issue. Usually, the fighter who misses weight is fined 20 percent of their match purse. If the weight difference is bigger it goes up to 30 percent. That money then goes to the opponent.
What Happens if The UFC Fighter Misses Weight in a Championship Bout?
If a fighter misses weight even by a pound or as little as half a pound they will not be eligible for the belt or interim belt even if they would win the fight.
What About Weight Cutting in the UFC?
Weight-cutting has been an issue in MMA over the years due to its inherent risks, but it remains a part of training regimens for fighters around the world. It’s something that should be approached carefully, with the help of a nutritionist and strength & conditioning coach.
What is Openweight Tournaments in UFC?
Openweight tournaments are where fighters from different weight classes compete against each other. The first openweight tournament was UFC IV in 1994. This tournament featured a 16-man bracket of no-weight divisions, which allowed Royce Gracie to win the prize by defeating opponents weighing up to 250 pounds (115 kg).
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