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, 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.[2]
Below are selected maximum weight limits for the major classes in different sports.
| Divisions | Boxing | MMA | Kickboxing (ONE) | BJJ | Judo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | +1001NaN1 | |||||
| Light heavyweight | 1751NaN1 | 2051NaN1 | 2251NaN1 | 88.51NaN1 | ||
| Middleweight | 1601NaN1 | 1851NaN1 | 2051NaN1 | 82.31NaN1 | 901NaN1 | |
| Welterweight | 1471NaN1 | 1701NaN1 | 1851NaN1 | |||
| Lightweight | 1351NaN1 | 1551NaN1 | 1701NaN1 | 761NaN1 | 731NaN1 | |
| Featherweight | 1261NaN1 | 1451NaN1 | 1551NaN1 | 701NaN1 | ||
| Bantamweight | 1181NaN1 | 1351NaN1 | 1451NaN1 | 57.51NaN1 | ||
| 1121NaN1 | 1251NaN1 | 1351NaN1 |