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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 and wrestling). 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]
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 |
