Weight classes are divisions of competition used to match competitors against others of their own size. Weight classes are used in a variety of sports including rowing, weight lifting, and especially combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Alternatives to formal weight classes include catch weight and openweight.
The existence of weight divisions gives rise to the practice of weight cutting. To be the largest individual in a weight division is perceived as advantageous; therefore many athletes lose weight through dieting and dehydration prior to weigh-ins to qualify for a lower weight class.
Comparison
Below are selected maximum weight limits for the major classes in different sports.
| Divisions | Boxing | MMA | Kickboxing (ONE) | BJJ | Judo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | None | 120.0 kg (264.6 lb) | 120.2 kg (265.0 lb) | 94.3 kg (207.9 lb) | |
| Light heavyweight | 79.4 kg (175.0 lb) | 93.0 kg (205.0 lb) | 102.1 kg (225.1 lb) | 88.5 kg (195.1 lb) | 100 kg (220.5 lb) (half-heavyweight) |
| Middleweight | 72.6 kg (160.1 lb) | 83.9 kg (185.0 lb) | 93.0 kg (205.0 lb) | 82.3 kg (181.4 lb) | 90 kg (198.4 lb) |
| Welterweight | 66.7 kg (147.0 lb) | 77.1 kg (170.0 lb) | 83.9 kg (185.0 lb) | ||
| Lightweight | 61.2 kg (134.9 lb) | 70.3 kg (155.0 lb) | 77.1 kg (170.0 lb) | 76 kg (167.6 lb) | 73 kg (160.9 lb) |
| Featherweight | 57.2 kg (126.1 lb) | 65.8 kg (145.1 lb) | 70.3 kg (155.0 lb) | 70 kg (154.3 lb) | |
| Bantamweight | 53.5 kg (117.9 lb) | 61.2 kg (134.9 lb) | 65.8 kg (145.1 lb) | 57.5 kg (126.8 lb) | |
| Flyweight | 50.8 kg (112.0 lb) | 56.7 kg (125.0 lb) | 61.2 kg (134.9 lb) |