Like most fighting sports, the UFC matchups are organized for two opponents of the same weight to fight to create a fair standard for competition.
These weight classes are sometimes called weight divisions, covering the first four for women’s UFC weight classes and the second to ninth for men.
The complete list of nine UFC weight classes (divisions) is as follows:
- Strawweight (115 lbs / 52.2 kg)
- Flyweight (125 lbs / 56.7 kg)
- Bantamweight (135 lbs / 61.2 kg)
- Featherweight (145 lbs / 65.78 kg)
- Lightweight (155 lbs / 70.3 kg)
- Welterweight (170 lbs / 77.1 kg)
- Middleweight (185 lbs / 83.9 kg)
- Light Heavyweight (205 lbs / 93.0 kg)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs / 120.2 kg)
Here’s a handy infographic that makes it even easier to understand:
There can even be a temporary catchweight class, so keep reading to learn the full breakdown.
Table of Contents
UFC Men’s Weight Classes In Order
This is the full list of all eight UFC weight classes kg and lbs for the men in the UFC:
| Weight Class (Division) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | 56.7 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | 61.2 kg |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | 65.8 kg |
| Lightweight | 155 lbs | 70.3 kg |
| Welterweight | 170 lbs | 77.1 kg |
| Middleweight | 185 lbs | 83.9 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs | 93.0 kg |
| Heavyweight | 265 lbs | 120.2kg |
A total of eight weight classes are the usual divisions available for male UFC fighters.
In terms of viewership, research suggests that pay-per-view buyers are most interested in watching Heavyweight fights.
This most likely is a remnant from Boxing fans who are used to paying the biggest bucks to get access to the biggest fights. And sometimes that means literally!
Men’s UFC Weight Classes Rankings
Below you’ll find the rankings of each men’s weight division in the UFC, updated weekly!
Check out my UFC rankings of all weight divisions to find out the pound-for-pound rankings!
Flyweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Moreno, Brandon |
| 1 | Figueiredo, Deiveson |
| 2 | Pantoja, Alexandre |
| 3 | Kara-France, Kai |
| 4 | Royval, Brandon |
| 5 | Nicolau, Matheus |
| 6 | Perez, Alex |
| 7 | Albazi, Amir |
| 8 | Schnell, Matt |
| 9 | Kape, Manel |
| 10 | Dvorak, David |
| 11 | Elliott, Tim |
| 12 | Mokaev, Muhammad |
| 13 | Mudaerji, Su |
| 14 | Ulanbekov, Tagir |
| 15 | Silva, Bruno |
Bantamweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Sterling, Aljamain |
| 1 | Dvalishvili, Merab |
| 2 | O'Malley, Sean |
| 3 | Vera, Marlon |
| 4 | Yan, Petr |
| 5 | Sandhagen, Cory |
| 6 | Font, Rob |
| 7 | Cruz, Dominick |
| 8 | Yadong, Song |
| 9 | Simon, Ricky |
| 10 | Munhoz, Pedro |
| 11 | Nurmagomedov, Umar |
| 12 | Yanez, Adrian |
| 13 | Gutierrez, Chris |
| 14 | Martinez, Jonathan |
| 15 | Shore, Jack |
Featherweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Volkanovski, Alex |
| 1 | Rodriguez, Yair |
| 2 | Holloway, Max |
| 3 | Ortega, Brian |
| 4 | Allen, Arnold |
| 5 | Emmett, Josh |
| 6 | Jung, Chan Sung |
| 7 | Kattar, Calvin |
| 8 | Chikadze, Giga |
| 9 | Topuria, Ilia |
| 10 | Evloev, Movsar |
| 11 | Mitchell, Bryce |
| 12 | Yusuff, Sodiq |
| 13 | Ige, Dan |
| 14 | Barboza, Edson |
| 15 | Caceres, Alex |
Lightweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Makhachev, Islam |
| 1 | Oliveira, Charles |
| 2 | Poirier, Dustin |
| 3 | Gaethje, Justin |
| 4 | Dariush, Beneil |
| 5 | Chandler, Michael |
| 6 | Fiziev, Rafael |
| 7 | Gamrot, Mateusz |
| 8 | Tsarukyan, Arman |
| 9 | Dos Anjos, Rafael |
| 10 | Turner, Jalin |
| 11 | Hooker, Daniel |
| 12 | Ismagulov, Damir |
| 13 | Moicano, Renato |
| 14 | Dober, Drew |
| 15 | Dawson, Grant |
Welterweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Edwards, Leon |
| 1 | Usman, Kamaru |
| 2 | Covington, Colby |
| 3 | Chimaev, Khamzat |
| 4 | Muhammad, Belal |
| 5 | Burns, Gilbert |
| 6 | Rakhmonov, Shavkat |
| 7 | Thompson, Stephen |
| 8 | Neal, Geoffrey |
| 9 | Brady, Sean |
| 10 | Luque, Vicente |
| 11 | Masvidal, Jorge |
| 12 | Magny, Neil |
| 13 | Chiesa, Michael |
| 14 | Della Maddalena, Jack |
| 15 | Pereira, Michel |
Middleweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Pereira, Alex |
| 1 | Adesanya, Israel |
| 2 | Whittaker, Robert |
| 3 | Cannonier, Jared |
| 4 | Vettori, Marvin |
| 5 | Costa, Paulo Henrique |
| 6 | Du Plessis, Dricus |
| 7 | Strickland, Sean |
| 8 | Brunson, Derek |
| 9 | Dolidze, Roman |
| 10 | Hermansson, Jack |
| 11 | Imavov, Nassourdine |
| 12 | Allen, Brendan |
| 13 | Muniz, Andre |
| 14 | Curtis, Chris |
| 15 | Gastelum, Kelvin |
Light Heavyweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Hill, Jamahal |
| 1 | Prochazka, Jiri |
| 2 | Ankalaev, Magomed |
| 3 | Blachowicz, Jan |
| 4 | Rakic, Aleksandar |
| 5 | Smith, Anthony |
| 6 | Krylov, Nikita |
| 7 | Walker, Johnny |
| 8 | Oezdemir, Volkan |
| 9 | Craig, Paul |
| 10 | Spann, Ryan |
| 11 | Reyes, Dominick |
| 12 | Crute, Jim |
| 13 | Rountree, Khalil |
| 14 | Jacoby, Dustin |
| 15 | Murzakanov, Azamat |
Heavyweight Division Rankings
| Rank | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 0 | Jones, Jon |
| 1 | Gane, Ciryl |
| 2 | Miocic, Stipe |
| 3 | Pavlovich, Sergei |
| 4 | Blaydes, Curtis |
| 5 | Aspinall, Tom |
| 6 | Tuivasa, Tai |
| 7 | Volkov, Alexander |
| 8 | Spivak, Sergey |
| 9 | Rozenstruik, Jairzinho |
| 10 | Tybura, Marcin |
| 11 | Lewis, Derrick |
| 12 | Daukaus, Chris |
| 13 | Almeida, Jailton |
| 14 | Ivanov, Blagoy |
| 15 | Romanov, Alexander |
All MMA Weight Classes In Order (Unified Rules Of MMA)
While the UFC uses nine different weight divisions for male and female fighters, fourteen possible weight classes can be used in mixed martial arts.
The full list of MMA weight divisions, as defined by the Unified Rules Of Mixed Martial Arts, is as follows:
| Weight Class (Division) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Strawweight | 115 lbs | 52.2 kg |
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | 56.7 kg |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | 61.2 kg |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | 65.8 kg |
| Lightweight | 155 lbs | 70.3 kg |
| Super Lightweight | 165 lbs | 74.8 kg |
| Welterweight | 170 lbs | 77.1 kg |
| Super Welterweight | 175 lbs | 79.4 kg |
| Middleweight | 185 lbs | 83.9 kg |
| Super Middleweight | 195 lbs | 88.5 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs | 93 kg |
| Cruiserweight | 225 lbs | 102.1 kg |
| Heavyweight | 265 lbs | 120.2kg |
| Super Heavyweight | No limit | No limit |
Nine were in total when these weight divisions were first created in the Unified Rules Of MMA in 2000.
As the sport of MMA has evolved, though, an additional four have been added.
Strawweight was added in 2015. And the Super Lightweight, Super Welterweight, Super Middleweight, and Cruiserweight classes were added in 2017.
How Fighters Make Weight
Before any matchup in the UFC, most fighters experience a grueling weight cut to lose an extra few pounds to make weight on the weigh-ins, only to rehydrate immediately after and fight heavier anyway.
This practice still exists to bring fighters within an agreed weight limit for some reason. But most fighters’ carry weight is much heavier than they normally fight at, sometimes 10-15 lbs heavier!
That’s why today we see the likes of Paddy Pimblett do huge weight cuts leading to a fight. Some can cut a lot of weight and make it look easy, but it can be like putting themselves through a torture camp for others.
Missing Weight In the UFC
Occasionally, fighters will miss the weight designated for their matchup. This could result in a few scenarios:
- Moving the fight to a Catchweight weight class
- 20-30% of the purse given to the opponent
- Champions can be forced to vacate the belt before a title fight
Weight Class Moving To Catchweight
Sometimes fighters will also compete at a “Catchweight.” This could potentially be any weight between both fighters. The catchweight is used when one or both fighters cannot meet the standard weight division requirements on the day before a fight.
The UFC will check in with fighters periodically leading up to the fight, and if one fighter cannot make weight, both fighters may be forced to enter a new contract agreement for the contest.
Without this new agreement at a Catchweight, both fighters could lose the opportunity to fight and make money. They’ll only get paid for making an appearance, not for nearly making an appearance. So it’s usually the best option.
The Catchweight can sometimes be used to arrange a fight night from the start, particularly when two fighters want to fight each other but usually weigh in very different divisions. For example, a Middleweight fighter challenges a Light Heavyweight fighter.
A real-life example of this was when the Middleweight fighter Rich Franklin agreed to a Catchweight at 195 lbs / 88.45 kg against the Light Heavyweight Wanderlei Silva for UFC 99.
UFC History Of Weight Classes
The beginnings of The Ultimate Fighting Championship were intended to create a tournament where any fighter could fight any other, regardless of size or weight.
This was one of the early promotional messages that came with the UFC. It was THE ultimate fighting tournament to decide who was the better fighter.
This hadn’t been done before, and in the early 1990s, mixed martial arts was only starting in the United States.
No Weight Classes Before 1997
Up until 1997, the UFC officially had NO weight classes at all. Every UFC fight night was in the Openweight class. Openweight meant that any fighter could fight any other if they agreed. Their weight did not matter.
It’s clear, then, why the UFC struggled a lot in its early formative years (probably 10-15 years of struggle) to get the necessary legal approvals to put on a show.
They’d have to pick their states carefully and get permission from the state office and the athletic commission.
The Openweight class was also used in special events called the Superfight Championship. The title was formed to create an ultimate champion that anyone could challenge, regardless of weight.
The title wasn’t around for very long, but Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn were two winners between 1995 and 1996.
But the Superfight Champion title and the Openweight weight class were removed in 1997 when the UFC finally introduced Heavyweight to replace the Superfight title and Lightweight.
Over time, other divisions were introduced, and actual weights were moved around as the sport continued evolving and more fighters joined.
Common Questions About UFC Weight Classes
Now let me answer a handful of the most common questions about the UFC’s weight classes.
Are UFC Weight Classes The Same As Boxing?
The weight classes in the UFC are not the same as in Boxing. They share similar names but with different weight limits. For example, the Middleweight division in the UFC has a maximum weight of 185 lbs. In Boxing, the Middleweight division is 60 lbs.
Which UFC Weight Class Has The Most Knockouts?
The Heavyweight weight class has the most knockouts in the UFC. But surprisingly, it is closely followed by the Welterweight division. It would seem that both these weights provide the optimum fighter power for knocking out an opponent at the same weight class.
Which UFC Weight Class Has The Most Fighters?
The Welterweight weight class has the most fighters in the UFC, with 91 active Welterweight male fighters. Close behind is the Lightweight roster with 90 male fighters. The biggest women’s weight class is the Strawweight division, with 46 active female fighters.
What UFC Weight Class Is 170 Lbs?
A total of 170 lbs is the Welterweight UFC weight class.
What UFC Weight Class Is 165 Lbs?
A total of 165 lbs matches the Unified Rules Of MMA’s Super Lightweight weight class. But the UFC doesn’t have this weight class in their divisions. Instead, they would fall under the Welterweight division of 170 lbs maximum weight.
Did UFC Always Have Weight Classes?
The UFC did not always have weight classes. Between its first event in 1993 and 1997, UFC fights were held in an Openweight division. This meant no weight restrictions, and any fighter could fight any other.
Why Do We Have Separate Weight Classes In UFC?
The separate weight classes in the UFC are to make the competition as fair as possible. A fighter’s weight directly impacts things like agility, mobility, strength, and power. A heavier fighter is better at knocking out and seriously harming someone lighter than them.
How Often Do UFC Fighters Change Weight Classes?
UFC fighters rarely change weight classes. Sometimes a losing streak can motivate a move down weight classes. A move up weight classes usually attempts to beat another title belt holder, like when Conor McGregor first became champ-champ in the UFC.
Does Weight Matter More Than Skill When Fighting?
When two fighters go head to head, their skill and weight directly affect the outcome. The lighter fighter could win using great skill and agility. But they will always be at risk of severe injury from a strike by a heavier fighter because of weight.
In other martial arts competitions, weight can be even more critical. Weight matters a lot in wrestling, for example.
Interestingly, a sports analyst at Berkeley found that since weight classes were introduced in the UFC in 1997, the heavier opponent only won 20% of the time.
How many weight classes in UFC?
There are a total of nine active weight classes in the UFC, which includes both men and women’s classes. There are ten if you include “Catchweight”.
Web Story: All UFC Weight Classes Explained In Order
What to read next
Now you know everything there is to know about the UFC’s weight classes, how they work, and their history. You may now wonder about the best ways to watch the UFC or how the weight cut works. Try these articles to learn more:
