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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[1] such as boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). 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.[2]

Comparison

Below are selected maximum weight limits, for the major classes in different sports.

Divisions Boxing (kg) MMA (kg) Kickboxing (kg) (ONE) BJJ (kg)
Light heavyweight 79.4 93.0 102.1 88.3
Middleweight 72.6 83.9 93 82.3
Welterweight 66.7 77.1 83.9
Lightweight 61.2 70.3 77.1 76
Featherweight 57.2 65.8 70.3 70
Bantamweight 53.5 61.2 65.8 57.5
Flyweight 50.8 56.7 61.2

See also

References

  1. ^ Bagchi, Debasis; Sreejayan, Nair; Sen, Chandan K. (26 July 2013). Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance: Muscle Building, Endurance, and Strength. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-396477-9 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Peveler, Will (14 July 2021). Strength and Conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts: A Practical Guide for the Busy Athlete. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-5381-3955-4 – via Google Books.

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