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Weight class

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(Redirected from Weight division)

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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.

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