UFC Weight Classes Explained: Every Division, Weight Limit and Weigh-In Rule

Weight classes are the backbone of mixed martial arts. They keep fights competitive, shape every fighter's career and drive the drama of fight week, when the scale can be just as nerve-racking as the cage. Here are all the UFC weight classes, explained.

Men's Weight Classes

Women's Weight Classes

Each limit is the most a fighter can weigh at the official weigh-in. There is no minimum, so a heavyweight can be anywhere from 206 to 265 pounds.

How UFC Weigh-Ins Work

The official weigh-in happens the morning before the fight. Fighters step on the scale in front of commission officials, and:

• In non-title fights, fighters get a 1-pound allowance over the limit.
• In title fights, fighters must be at or under the limit, with no allowance.

The televised ceremonial weigh-in later that day is for the fans and cameras. It does not count.

Weight Cutting and Rehydration

Most fighters walk around well above their division's limit and cut weight in the final days, mainly by shedding water. After the weigh-in they rehydrate, so by fight night many are several pounds, sometimes much more, heavier than their official weight. Extreme cuts are dangerous, which is why commissions and the UFC monitor them closely.

What Happens When a Fighter Misses Weight?

Missing weight has consequences:

• The fighter usually forfeits a percentage of their purse, often paid to the opponent.
• The fight can still go ahead at a catchweight if the opponent agrees.
• In a title fight, a fighter who misses weight cannot win the belt.

Repeat offenders are often asked to move up a division.

How Many Rounds Are UFC Fights?

• Standard fights: three rounds of 5 minutes
• Main events and title fights: five rounds of 5 minutes
• One minute of rest between rounds

Fights that go the distance are decided by three judges. Learn how they score each round in our guide to the 10-point must system.

Moving Between Divisions

Fighters can move up or down to chase new opponents or titles. A rare few have held belts in two divisions at the same time, earning the label "champ-champ."

Keep Reading

Compare the octagon with the ring in our boxing world titles explained guide, and follow every fight night on our UFC and boxing news page.