UFC weight classes explained
The eight men's and three women's divisions, their weight limits, round formats and the character of each class.
The eleven weight classes
MMA is divided into weight classes so that fighters of similar size compete against each other. The UFC runs eight men's divisions and three women's divisions. Weights are the upper limit for the division, and fighters weigh in the day before the fight.
| Division | Weight limit | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Strawweight | 115 lb | 52.2 kg |
| Flyweight (men and women) | 125 lb | 56.7 kg |
| Bantamweight (men and women) | 135 lb | 61.2 kg |
| Featherweight | 145 lb | 65.8 kg |
| Lightweight | 155 lb | 70.3 kg |
| Welterweight | 170 lb | 77.1 kg |
| Middleweight | 185 lb | 83.9 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lb | 93.0 kg |
| Heavyweight | 265 lb | 120.2 kg |
Non-title fights are scheduled for three five-minute rounds. Title fights and some main events are scheduled for five five-minute rounds. A bout can also be contested at a catchweight, a limit agreed by both fighters outside the normal classes.
What each division is like
Every division has its own character. These are broad tendencies rather than rules, and there are always exceptions.
Flyweight and bantamweight
The lightest men's divisions are the fastest. Fighters tend to throw and move at a high pace, takedown attempts are frequent, and fights often go the distance because there is less single-shot knockout power. Cardio and speed are especially valuable here.
Featherweight and lightweight
Lightweight in particular is widely regarded as the deepest division in the sport, with a large number of elite fighters, which makes it hard to climb. Featherweight is similar. Skills are well rounded at both, so the best fighters are usually complete, with strong wrestling and striking together.
Welterweight and middleweight
Physical size starts to matter more. Wrestling-heavy styles are common at welterweight, and middleweight sits in the middle of the sport's weight range, where both finishing power and grappling control are decisive.
Light heavyweight and heavyweight
The heaviest divisions have the highest knockout rates, because a clean shot from a bigger fighter ends fights quickly. Heavyweight in particular is known for sudden finishes, where one punch can change the whole division.
Women's divisions
The women's strawweight, flyweight and bantamweight divisions follow the same format as the men's, with the same round structure and the same title format. Each has its own rankings and its own champion.
How UNBEATEN uses weight classes
- Your first spin is a division, with every division equally likely, and your whole climb takes place against the real top 15 of that class.
- Women's divisions are optional in setup, so you can limit the draw to the men's eight or include all eleven.
- To collect more than one belt you must vacate your current title and chase one in a neighbouring division. The game allows a maximum of three divisions per career, the triple crown.
For how a division's real opponents are turned into ratings, see how the simulation works.