Weigh-in
Understanding UFC Weight Classes
An Overview Of Every UFC Weight Class And How UFC Weigh-Ins Operate
In mixed martial arts, athletes compete in weight classes, with each fighter required to make a specific weight at UFC’s official weigh-ins the day before competition.
The UFC currently features 12 weight classes, each with a defined limit that fighters must not exceed at weigh-ins. Most athletes aim to come in right at that mark, minimizing the strain of weight cutting while still making the required number on the scale.
Missing weight can lead to several outcomes: forfeiting a percentage of their fight purse to the opponent, negotiating a catchweight bout, or, in some cases, the fight being canceled altogether.
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UFC official weigh-ins take place the day before fight night, with athletes required to step on the scale between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time. Depending on the state athletic commission overseeing the bout and how much weight remains to be cut, fighters who miss on their first attempt may be granted up to one additional hour to make the limit.
For non-title bouts, athletes are allowed a one-pound allowance above the division’s limit. Title fights, however, require competitors to weigh in at or below the exact championship weight.
UFC Weight Classes
Strawweight – 115 pounds
For non-title bouts, women’s strawweight athletes can weigh in up to 116 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 115 pounds.
Current Champion: Mackenzie Dern
Flyweight – 125 pounds
For non-title bouts, flyweight athletes can weigh in up to 126 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 125 pounds.
In 2020, Deiveson Figueiredo was scheduled to face Joseph Benavidez for the flyweight title. At the official weigh-ins, Figueiredo came in at 127.5 pounds, 2.5 pounds over the championship limit. The bout proceeded as scheduled, but because of the weight miss, only Benavidez was eligible to win the title. Figueiredo ultimately won the fight, leaving the championship vacant.
Current Champion (Women's): Valentina Shevchenko
Current Champion (Men's): Joshua Van
Bantamweight – 135 pounds
For non-title bouts, bantamweight athletes can weigh in up to 136 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 135 pounds.
Current Champion (Women's): Kayla Harrison
Current Champion (Men's): Petr Yan
Featherweight – 145 pounds
For non-title bouts, featherweight athletes can weigh in up to 146 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 145 pounds.
Current Champion: Alexander Volkanovski
Lightweight – 155 pounds
For non-title bouts, lightweight athletes can weigh in up to 156 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 155 pounds.
At UFC 274, then-champion Charles Oliveira was stripped of his title as soon as they fight began due to missing weight by half a pound (155.5) ahead of his championship bout against Justin Gaethje.
Current Champion: Ilia Topuria
Welterweight – 170 pounds
For non-title bouts, welterweight athletes can weigh in up to 171 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 170 pounds.
Current Champion: Islam Makhachev
Middleweight – 185 pounds
For non-title bouts, middleweight athletes can weigh in up to 186 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 185 pounds.
Current Champion: Khamzat Chimaev
Light heavyweight – 205 pounds
For non-title bouts, light heavyweight athletes can weigh in up to 206 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 205 pounds.
Current Champion: Carlos Ulberg
Heavyweight – 265 pounds
For non-title bouts, heavyweight athletes can weigh in up to 266 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 265 pounds.
Current Champion: Tom Aspinall
