Weight class
Division of competition used to match competitors against others of their own size
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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]
Comparison
Below are selected maximum weight limits for the major classes in different sports.
| Divisions | Boxing | MMA | Kickboxing (ONE) | BJJ | Judo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | +100 kg (220.5 lb) | ||||
| Light heavyweight | 175 lb (79.4 kg) | 205 lb (93.0 kg) | 225 lb (102.1 kg) | 88.5 kg (195.1 lb) | |
| Middleweight | 160 lb (72.6 kg) | 185 lb (83.9 kg) | 205 lb (93.0 kg) | 82.3 kg (181.4 lb) | 90 kg (198.4 lb) |
| Welterweight | 147 lb (66.7 kg) | 170 lb (77.1 kg) | 185 lb (83.9 kg) | ||
| Lightweight | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 155 lb (70.3 kg) | 170 lb (77.1 kg) | 76 kg (167.6 lb) | 73 kg (160.9 lb) |
| Featherweight | 126 lb (57.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) | 155 lb (70.3 kg) | 70 kg (154.3 lb) | |
| Bantamweight | 118 lb (53.5 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) | 57.5 kg (126.8 lb) | |
| Flyweight | 112 lb (50.8 kg) | 125 lb (56.7 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) |
See also
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes
- Boxing weight classes
- Judo weight classes
- Kickboxing weight classes
- Mixed martial arts weight classes
- Professional wrestling weight classes
- Taekwondo weight classes
- Wrestling weight classes
References
- ^ Bagchi, Debasis; Sreejayan, Nair; Sen, Chandan K. (26 July 2013). Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance: Muscle Building, Endurance, and Strength. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-396477-9 – via Google Books.
- ^ Peveler, Will (14 July 2021). Strength and Conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts: A Practical Guide for the Busy Athlete. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-5381-3955-4 – via Google Books.
Media related to Weight classes at Wikimedia Commons
