MMA weight classes compared

The familiar Unified Rules limits run from strawweight to heavyweight. UFC, OKTAGON and PFL select different classes from that framework. ONE uses the same names ten pounds higher and combines weigh-ins with hydration testing.

Unified Rules and ONE compared

Division nameUnified upper limitONE upper limitNote
Atomweight105 lb / 47.6 kg115 lb / 52.2 kg
Strawweight115 lb / 52.2 kg125 lb / 56.7 kg
Flyweight125 lb / 56.7 kg135 lb / 61.2 kg
Bantamweight135 lb / 61.2 kg145 lb / 65.8 kg
Featherweight145 lb / 65.8 kg155 lb / 70.3 kg
Lightweight155 lb / 70.3 kg170 lb / 77.1 kg
Welterweight170 lb / 77.1 kg185 lb / 83.9 kg
Middleweight185 lb / 83.9 kg205 lb / 93.0 kg
Light heavyweight205 lb / 93.0 kg225 lb / 102.1 kg
Heavyweight265 lb / 120.2 kg265 lb / 120.2 kgdifferent lower boundary

ONE places equivalent named divisions ten pounds higher through light heavyweight and combines weigh-ins with hydration testing. Not every promotion operates every class recognized by the Unified Rules.

The common limits

The table at the beginning of this guide compares the familiar Unified Rules limits with ONE divisions carrying the same names. The upper limit is decisive: an identical division name can represent a different weight under another ruleset.

The current Unified Rules also recognize atomweight up to 105 lb and additional divisions at 165, 175, 195 and 225 lb. Recognition does not mean every promotion actively operates each class.

UFC, OKTAGON and PFL

UFC runs men’s divisions from flyweight through heavyweight and primarily strawweight, flyweight and bantamweight for women; active divisions can change. OKTAGON’s published CSMMA rules follow the classic Unified limits. PFL defines the divisions used for each tournament or season. The event’s announced class is therefore decisive.

Why ONE divisions are different

Every equivalent ONE division is ten pounds higher: atomweight to 115, strawweight to 125, flyweight to 135 and so on. ONE also requires hydration testing. A ONE flyweight therefore has the same upper limit as a Unified Rules bantamweight.

Title bouts and allowances

Many promotions permit a small allowance in non-title bouts, while championship limits must be met exactly. The regulator and ruleset determine the amount. OKTAGON, for example, states a 0.5 kg allowance for ordinary bouts and none for title or catchweight contests.

What is a catchweight?

A catchweight is a specifically agreed limit outside a standard division. It may be planned from the start or negotiated after a missed weight. It does not create a permanent new weight class.

Sources