The UFC has nine weight classes. Eight are open to men, four to women. Each class has a strict pound and kilo limit that fighters must hit at the official weigh-in. This guide lists every weight class, every limit, and the current champions.
Why UFC Weight Classes Exist
Early UFC events had no weight rules. A heavyweight could face a lightweight on the same card. The matchups were ugly and dangerous.
Modern MMA fixed this with weight classes. Fighters now compete only against opponents in the same weight bracket. The system mirrors boxing and keeps fights both fair and safer.
Every UFC promotion (and any sanctioned MMA event) must follow the weight limits set by athletic commissions in North America.
The Nine UFC Weight Classes
- Heavyweight
- Light Heavyweight
- Middleweight
- Welterweight
- Lightweight
- Featherweight
- Bantamweight
- Flyweight
- Strawweight
Men compete in eight of these (Heavyweight down to Flyweight). Women compete in four (Featherweight, Bantamweight, Flyweight, and Strawweight). Strawweight is the only women-only class.
Men’s UFC Weight Classes
| Weight Class | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | 205 lb (93 kg) | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Light Heavyweight | 185 lb (83.9 kg) | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Middleweight | 170 lb (77.1 kg) | 185 lb (83.9 kg) |
| Welterweight | 155 lb (70.3 kg) | 170 lb (77.1 kg) |
| Lightweight | 145 lb (65.8 kg) | 155 lb (70.3 kg) |
| Featherweight | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) |
| Bantamweight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) |
| Flyweight | 115 lb (52.2 kg) | 125 lb (56.7 kg) |
Women’s UFC Weight Classes
| Weight Class | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Featherweight | 135 lb (61.2 kg) | 145 lb (65.8 kg) |
| Bantamweight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) | 135 lb (61.2 kg) |
| Flyweight | 115 lb (52.2 kg) | 125 lb (56.7 kg) |
| Strawweight* | No minimum | 115 lb (52.2 kg) |
*Strawweight is the only women-only championship.
Current UFC Champions
Here are the reigning champions across the divisions as of the most recent main events. Champions can change each fight night.
Men’s Champions
| Division | Champion | Title Won |
|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Tom Aspinall | Promoted from interim, 2025 |
| Light Heavyweight | Carlos Ulberg | UFC 313, April 2026 |
| Middleweight | Khamzat Chimaev | UFC 319, August 2025 |
| Welterweight | Islam Makhachev | UFC 322, November 2025 |
| Lightweight | Ilia Topuria | UFC 317, June 2025 |
| Lightweight (interim) | Justin Gaethje | UFC 324, January 2026 |
| Featherweight | Alexander Volkanovski | UFC 314, April 2025 |
| Bantamweight | Petr Yan | UFC 323, December 2025 |
| Flyweight | Joshua Van | UFC 323, December 2025 |
Women’s Champions
| Division | Champion | Title Won |
|---|---|---|
| Bantamweight | Mackenzie Dern | October 2025 |
| Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko | UFC 306, September 2024 |
| Strawweight | Vacant | Inactive since 2023 |
| Featherweight | Vacant | Division inactive |
How UFC Weigh-Ins Work
Fighters weigh in the morning before their bout. Title fights have a strict cut-off: champions and challengers must hit the exact division limit. Non-title fights allow a one-pound grace.
If a fighter misses weight, the bout becomes a catchweight. The fighter who missed forfeits a percentage of their purse to their opponent.
What Catchweight Means
A catchweight bout is one that does not match any of the nine UFC limits. Promoters use it when two fighters from different divisions agree to meet at a weight in between. The result does not affect any official ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UFC weight classes are there?
Nine. Eight for men, four for women. Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Flyweight overlap between the men’s and women’s brackets.
What is the heaviest UFC weight class?
Heavyweight, with a maximum of 265 lb (120 kg). Anything above that competes in super-heavyweight events outside the UFC.
Why is there no women’s super-heavyweight class?
Female roster size has not justified divisions above 145 lb. The UFC has tested Women’s Featherweight several times but the division has been inactive for long stretches.
Can a UFC fighter switch weight classes?
Yes. Many champions move up or drop down. Conor McGregor held belts at Featherweight and Lightweight. Ilia Topuria, Daniel Cormier, and others have done the same across two divisions.
How much weight do UFC fighters cut?
Most fighters walk around 15 to 25 lb above their division limit and cut down using water manipulation in fight week. Cuts above 30 lb are common at lighter weights but carry health risks.
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