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
Rowing is the act of propelling a human-powered watercraft using the sweeping motions of oars to displace water and generate reactional propulsion. Rowing is functionally similar to paddling, but rowing requires oars to be mechanically a ...
,
weight lifting, and especially
combat sports
A combat sport, or fighting sport, is a contact sport that usually involves one-on-one combat. In many combat sports, a contestant wins by scoring more points than the opponent, submitting the opponent with a hold, disabling the opponent (''knocko ...
such as
boxing
Boxing is a combat sport and martial art. Taking place in a boxing ring, it involves two people – usually wearing protective equipment, such as boxing glove, protective gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards – throwing Punch (combat), punch ...
,
kickboxing
Kickboxing ( ) is a full-contact hybrid Martial arts, martial art and Boxing (disambiguation), boxing type based on punch (combat), punching and kicking. Kickboxing originated in the 1950s to 1970s. The fight takes place in a boxing ring, norma ...
,
mixed martial arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact fighting combat sport, sport based on strike (attack), striking and grappling; incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world.
In the early 20th century, various inter-s ...
,
wrestling
Wrestling is a martial art, combat sport, and form of entertainment that involves grappling with an opponent and striving to obtain a position of advantage through different throws or techniques, within a given ruleset. Wrestling involves di ...
, 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
Dieting is the practice of eating food in a regulated way to decrease, maintain, or increase body weight, or to prevent and treat diseases such as diabetes and obesity. As weight loss depends on calorie intake, List of diets, different kinds of ...
and
dehydration
In physiology, dehydration is a lack of total body water that disrupts metabolic processes. It occurs when free water loss exceeds intake, often resulting from excessive sweating, health conditions, or inadequate consumption of water. Mild deh ...
prior to weigh-ins to qualify for a lower weight class.
Comparison
Below are selected maximum weight limits for the major classes in different sports.
See also
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weight classes
*
Boxing weight classes
*
Judo weight classes
*
Kickboxing weight classes
*
Mixed martial arts weight classes
Mixed martial arts weight classes are weight classes that pertain to the sport of mixed martial arts.
Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts
Prior to state sanctioning, weight classes were not mandatory since the competitions were held without the a ...
*
Professional wrestling weight classes
*
Taekwondo weight classes
In taekwondo, a weight class is a standardized weight range for taekwondo practitioners. The upper weight limit for each class is the maximum weight for that class. The minimum weight for each class must be above the maximum weight for the next low ...
*
Wrestling weight classes
References
External links
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{{MMA weight classes