Weight class

Weight classes are divisions of competition used to match competitors against others of their own size. This reduces the exclusion of smaller athletes in sports where physical size gives a significant advantage. Weight classes are used in a variety of sports, especially combat sports (such as boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts).

The existence of weight divisions gives rise to the practice of weight cutting. It is generally considered an advantage to be the largest individual in a weight division, therefore some athletes will work hard to lose weight through dieting and dehydration prior to weigh-ins to meet the required weight class.

Two alternatives exist to formal weight classes: catch weight and openweight.

In general, the lightest class is called "Mini Flyweight" and is just 105 lb or under, and the heaviest is called "Super Heavyweight", which is 220.1 lb and over.

See also

• Amateur sumo weight classes
• Boxing weight classes
• Judo weight classes
• Kickboxing weight classes
• Mixed martial arts weight classes
• Olympic weightlifting weight classes
• Taekwondo weight classes
• Wrestling weight classes