Official MMA Weight Classes: Unified Rules Divisions, Commission Limits & Global Comparison
Archival Reference Guide: Standardized Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) weight classes ensure athlete safety and competitive parity across North American and international sanctioning bodies under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
1. Complete Unified Rules of MMA Weight Divisions Table
| Weight Division | Upper Weight Limit (lb) | Upper Weight Limit (kg) | Major Promotions Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomweight | 105 lb | 47.6 kg | Invicta FC, ONE (hydration-adjusted) |
| Strawweight | 115 lb | 52.2 kg | UFC (Women's), PFL, Invicta FC |
| Flyweight | 125 lb | 56.7 kg | UFC (Men's & Women's), RIZIN |
| Bantamweight | 135 lb | 61.2 kg | UFC (Men's & Women's), PFL |
| Featherweight | 145 lb | 65.8 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Lightweight | 155 lb | 70.3 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Super Lightweight | 165 lb | 74.8 kg | ABC Approved Division |
| Welterweight | 170 lb | 77.1 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Super Welterweight | 175 lb | 79.4 kg | ABC Approved Division |
| Middleweight | 185 lb | 83.9 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Super Middleweight | 195 lb | 88.5 kg | ABC Approved Division |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lb | 93.0 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Cruiserweight | 225 lb | 102.1 kg | ABC Approved Division |
| Heavyweight | 265 lb | 120.2 kg | UFC, PFL |
| Super Heavyweight | Unlimited (>265 lb) | >120.2 kg | Openweight / Special Sanction |
2. Championship vs. Non-Title Weigh-In Allowance
Under commission regulations, non-championship bouts grant a 1-pound (0.45 kg) scale allowance (e.g., 156.0 lb for a Lightweight bout), whereas championship title fights require both champion and challenger to hit the exact championship division limit (e.g., 155.0 lb or under).
3. Historical PRIDE FC & Hydration-Tested ONE Championship Differences
Historically, Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships defined Lightweight as 160 lb (73 kg), Welterweight as 183 lb (83 kg), Middleweight as 205 lb (93 kg), and Heavyweight above 205 lb. Meanwhile, Singapore-based ONE Championship utilizes specific-gravity urine hydration testing, shifting division names upward by approximately one traditional weight class to discourage extreme dehydration cuts.