Get Schooled: Weight Classes

When UFC 1 took place in November 1993, there were no weight classes or weight limits. In fact, UFC 12, held in 1997, was the first time that weight classes were used. Anyone 200 lbs. or over was a heavyweight, and anyone 199 lbs. or under was a lightweight.

While doing research on the current weight classes used in MMA, I noticed that there are a lot of differences in weight classes across organizations. Classes used in the US may be different than classes used in Japan and/or Britain.

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to list the classes that have been set forth by the Nevada Athletic Commission. If an MMA event is held in a state-sanctioned venue, the event must abide by the classes designated by that state’s athletic commission. Most states follow the weight classes set by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Class Weight
Flyweight under 125 lbs.
Bantamweight 126-135 lbs.
Featherweight 136-145 lbs.
Lightweight 146-155 lbs.
Welterweight 156-170 lbs.
Middleweight 171-185 lbs.
Light Heavyweight 186-205 lbs.
Heavyweight 206-265 lbs.
Super Heavyweight over 265 lbs.

Some organizations "specialize" in different weight classes. For example, WEC only has fighters who fall between the Bantamweight and Middleweight classes. UFC only has fighters who fall between the Lightweight and Heavyweight classes.