In MMA, professionals only fight opponents from the same weight class. The standard limits come from the Unified Rules of MMA, used for example by the UFC and PFL. European promotions such as OKTAGON work with very similar limits, some rounded to whole kilograms. Every class has a maximum weight that must not be exceeded at the official weigh-in.
All men's weight classes (Unified Rules)
| Weight class | Limit (kg) | Limit (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | 56.7 | 125 |
| Bantamweight | 61.2 | 135 |
| Featherweight | 65.8 | 145 |
| Lightweight | 70.3 | 155 |
| Welterweight | 77.1 | 170 |
| Middleweight | 83.9 | 185 |
| Light Heavyweight | 93.0 | 205 |
| Heavyweight | 120.2 | 265 |
Women's weight classes
In the major organisations, women mostly compete at strawweight (52.2 kg / 115 lb), flyweight (56.7 kg / 125 lb) and bantamweight (61.2 kg / 135 lb). The limits are the same as for men.
How does the weigh-in work?
The official weigh-in usually takes place the day before the fight. A fighter who misses weight typically forfeits part of the purse to the opponent, and the bout is often held at a catchweight — an agreed weight between the classes. In title fights there is no allowance: a fighter over the limit cannot win the title.
Why fighters "cut weight"
Many professionals walk around well above their limit outside of fight camp and reduce in the weeks before. After the weigh-in there is time to rehydrate and refuel before the fight. Because extreme weight cuts carry health risks, commissions and promotions keep reviewing stricter rules.
Fighters by weight class
On FightFolio you can browse the MMA professionals from Austria and Germany by weight class — with record, city and organisation.