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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 (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.
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
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes
- Boxing weight classes
- Judo weight classes
- Kickboxing weight classes
- Mixed martial arts weight classes
- Professional wrestling weight classes
- Taekwondo weight classes
- Wrestling weight classes
Media related to Weight classes at Wikimedia Commons