Ultimate Guide to UFC Weight Classes (2025): Everything You Need to Know

Meta Description: Looking for a complete breakdown of UFC weight classes? Explore all men’s and women’s UFC divisions, their weight limits, champions, and how these categories shape the future of MMA.

Why Understanding UFC Weight Classes Matters

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the most prestigious organization in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Fighters from all over the globe compete inside the iconic Octagon, showcasing their skills, strength, and stamina.

But there’s a catch — not all fighters are built the same. That’s where UFC weight classes come in.

Weight classes create fair matchups, protect fighter safety, and add intense strategy around weight cutting, training, and fighting style. This blog dives deep into everything you need to know about UFC divisions in 2025.

UFC Weight Classes Chart (Men & Women – 2025)

Here’s a quick glance at all current weight divisions in the UFC: Men’s UFC Weight Classes

Division	Weight Limit	In Kilograms
Flyweight	125 lbs	56.7 kg
Bantamweight	135 lbs	61.2 kg
Featherweight	145 lbs	65.8 kg
Lightweight	155 lbs	70.3 kg
Welterweight	170 lbs	77.1 kg
Middleweight	185 lbs	83.9 kg
Light Heavyweight	205 lbs	93.0 kg
Heavyweight	265 lbs max	120.2 kg

📝 No men’s division exists beyond 265 lbs — fighters must cut weight to qualify.

Women’s UFC Weight Classes

Division	Weight Limit	In Kilograms
Strawweight	115 lbs	52.2 kg
Flyweight	125 lbs	56.7 kg
Bantamweight	135 lbs	61.2 kg
Featherweight	145 lbs	65.8 kg

Note: UFC currently does not have Atomweight (105 lbs), which exists in other MMA organizations like ONE Championship.

What is “Weight Cutting” in UFC?

Before every fight, fighters must weigh in and hit their division’s weight limit. To do this, most athletes undergo weight cutting — temporarily reducing water and body mass through strict dieting, sauna sessions, and cardio.

It’s risky but strategic. Fighters often gain back 10–20 lbs overnight, walking into the Octagon bigger than their official weight.

UFC Champions by Weight Class (As of 2025)

These change frequently. Check UFC.com for the most recent updates.

Flyweight (125 lbs): [Champion Name]
Bantamweight (135 lbs): [Champion Name]
Featherweight (145 lbs): [Champion Name]
Lightweight (155 lbs): [Champion Name]
Welterweight (170 lbs): [Champion Name]
Middleweight (185 lbs): [Champion Name]
Light Heavyweight (205 lbs): [Champion Name]
Heavyweight (265 lbs): [Champion Name]
Women’s Champions: Amanda Nunes retired in 2023, and new talent is rising in 2025.

UFC Weight Classes Fun Facts

Conor McGregor is the first UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously (Featherweight and Lightweight).
Jon Jones, a dominant Light Heavyweight, moved up and became Heavyweight champion in 2023.
Valentina Shevchenko defended the Women’s Flyweight title 7 times — a UFC record in her division.

What’s the Best Weight Class in UFC?

Every division has its drama. But in 2025, Lightweight (155 lbs) is often considered the most stacked, with fast-paced action and elite-level talent. However, Welterweight and Featherweight are also fan-favorites due to the perfect mix of speed and power.

Why UFC Weight Classes Are Globally Respected

The UFC’s global reach means fighters from Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, USA, China, and more all compete across different divisions. Each class showcases different skill sets: