UFC weight classes 2026

How many weight classes in UFC?

There is currently 12 weight classes in UFC, that require fighters to weigh in under a desired limit. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) offers a comprehensive array of weight classes, providing a platform for fighters of all sizes and abilities to showcase their skills.

Let’s delve into the breakdown of weight classes for both men and women within the UFC. Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Current UFC Men’s and Women’s Weight Classes

Over the years, the UFC has continuously evolved, refining its structure and regulations. Today, the organization boasts an extensive array of weight divisions, catering to the diversity of its athletes.

There are now twelve distinct weight classes recognized in the UFC, offering opportunities for fighters of varying sizes and skill sets to compete at their optimal levels. Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Here are all the weight classes for both men and women in the UFC:

Men’s UFC Weight Classes	Women’s UFC Weight Classes
Strawweight	Strawweight
Flyweight	Flyweight
Bantamweight	Bantamweight
Featherweight	Featherweight
Lightweight
Welterweight
Middleweight
Light Heavyweight
Heavyweight

UFC weight divisions – UFC weight classes kg & lbs!

What are the weight classes in UFC? Here are all UFC weight classes in kg and lbs? Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Here are all the UFC weight classes along with their corresponding weights in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs):

UFC weight classes lbs & kg	Weight lbs	Weight kg
Strawweight	115 lbs	52.2 kg
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	120.2 kg

These weight classes provide a framework for categorizing fighters based on their weight, ensuring fair competition and safety within the sport.

UFC men’s weight classes

Here are all UFC men’s weight classes: 

• Strawweight
• Flyweight
• Bantamweight
• Featherweight
• Lightweight
• Welterweight
• Middleweight
• Light Heavyweight
• Heavyweight

UFC flyweight weight

Joshua Van captured the UFC Flyweight Championship with a stunning first-round TKO victory over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.

The fight ended just 26 seconds into the opening round after Van caught Pantoja’s head-kick attempt, causing the champion to fall awkwardly and suffer a serious arm injury, forcing the referee to stop the contest.

With the win, Van made history in several ways. At only 24 years old, he became the second-youngest champion in UFC history, behind Jon Jones, and the first fighter born in the 2000s to win a UFC title.

The victory also marked a remarkable rise for Van, who had only recently climbed the flyweight rankings after impressive wins earlier in 2025. His rapid ascent from contender to champion has made him one of the most exciting new stars in the UFC’s 125-pound division.

Current UFC Men’s Flyweight Champion: (135)

👑 Current UFC Men’s Flyweight Champion: Joshua Van (125 lbs)

📅 Won title: December 6, 2025

🥊 Outcome: TKO (Round 1) vs Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323

🛡️ Defenses: 0

For non-title bouts, bantamweight athletes can weigh in up to 136 pounds, while title fights require a 135-pound limit.

Current UFC Men’s Bantamweight Champion: (135)

👑 Current UFC Men’s Bantamweight Champion: Petr Yan (135 lbs)

📅 Won title: December 6, 2025

🥊 Outcome: Unanimous Decision vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323

🛡️ Defenses: 0

UFC featherweight weight

Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the UFC Featherweight Championship with an impressive performance against Diego Lopes at UFC 314.

The Australian fighter showcased his trademark cardio, precise striking, and strong fight IQ across five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory and return to the top of the 145-pound division.

Volkanovski, widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history, previously dominated the division for several years with multiple title defenses.

After briefly losing the belt, he worked his way back to championship form and captured the title again in 2025. His well-rounded skill set, including elite boxing, powerful leg kicks, and excellent wrestling defense, makes him one of the toughest champions in the sport.

Heading into 2026, Volkanovski remains the fighter to beat in the featherweight division as new contenders continue to chase the belt.

For non-title bouts, featherweight athletes can weigh in up to 146 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 145 pounds.

Current UFC Men’s Featherweight Champion (145)

👑 Current UFC Men’s Featherweight Champion: Alexander Volkanovski (145 lbs)

📅 Won title: April 12, 2025

🥊 Outcome: Unanimous Decision vs Diego Lopes at UFC 314

🛡️ Defenses: 1

UFC lightweight weight

Ilia Topuria captured the UFC Lightweight Championship with a spectacular victory over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025.

The Georgian-born Spanish fighter delivered a powerful striking performance, eventually finishing Oliveira to claim the vacant 155-pound title.

The belt became available after Islam Makhachev vacated it to move up to the welterweight division, opening the door for a new champion to emerge.

Topuria’s win marked a historic achievement in his career, as he became champion after previously dominating the featherweight division.

Known for his knockout power, aggressive boxing, and strong grappling skills, Topuria quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division.

Heading into 2026, he remains undefeated and is expected to defend his title against top contenders, including interim champion Justin Gaethje, in a highly anticipated championship bout.

For non-title bouts, Lightweight athletes can weigh in up to 156 pounds, while title fights require athletes to weigh in at or under 155 pounds. Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Current UFC Lightweight Champion: (155)

👑 Current UFC Men’s Lightweight Champion: Ilia Topuria (155 lbs)

📅 Won title: June 28, 2025

🥊 Outcome: KO/TKO vs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317

🛡️ Defenses: 0

UFC welterweight weight

Islam Makhachev captured the UFC Welterweight Championship after moving up from the lightweight division and defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025.

The dominant five-round performance earned him a unanimous decision victory and made him a rare two-division UFC champion, having previously held the lightweight title.

Makhachev showcased his elite grappling, relentless pressure, and improved striking throughout the fight, controlling the pace and neutralizing Maddalena’s offense.

The win further strengthened his reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. By capturing the welterweight belt, Makhachev followed in the footsteps of other UFC greats who have held titles in multiple divisions.

Heading into 2026, the Dagestani star stands at the top of the 170-pound division as several top contenders line up for a chance to challenge him for the championship.

UFC middleweight weight

Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC Middleweight Championship with a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025.

Known for his aggressive wrestling, relentless pressure, and powerful striking, Chimaev controlled the fight over five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory and claim the 185-pound title.

The win marked a major milestone in Chimaev’s career as he extended his undefeated record and established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

His explosive fighting style and ability to dominate opponents both on the feet and on the ground have made him a feared champion.

Heading into 2026, several top contenders—including Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov—are aiming for a shot at Chimaev’s middleweight crown.

UFC Light heavyweight weight

Alex Pereira captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with a spectacular first-round TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October 2025.

The Brazilian striker delivered a powerful performance, showcasing his elite kickboxing skills and devastating knockout power to finish the fight early and claim the 205-pound title.

The victory added another major achievement to Pereira’s remarkable MMA career, as he had previously held the UFC Middleweight Championship before moving up to light heavyweight.

Known for his precision striking, powerful left hook, and calm fighting style, Pereira quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous champions in the UFC.

Heading into 2026, several top contenders such as Magomed Ankalaev, Jiří Procházka, and Carlos Ulberg are aiming for a chance to challenge him for the light heavyweight crown.

UFC heavyweight weight

Tom Aspinall became the UFC Heavyweight Champion in June 2025 after former champion Jon Jones retired from the sport.

Aspinall had previously held the interim heavyweight title, which he won with a first-round knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

Following Jones’ retirement, the UFC officially promoted Aspinall to the undisputed champion of the 265-pound division.

The British fighter is known for his explosive speed, powerful striking, and elite grappling ability, which are rare qualities in the heavyweight division. His rapid rise in the UFC has made him one of the most exciting champions in MMA.

Heading into 2026, Aspinall stands at the top of the heavyweight rankings as several top contenders—including Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, and Alexander Volkov—look to challenge him for the title. Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Women’s UFC weight classes

Here are all UFC wommen’s weight classes: 

• Strawweight
• Flyweight
• Bantamweight
• Featherweight

UFC women’s bantamweight weight

Kayla Harrison captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship with an impressive second-round submission victory over Julianna Peña at UFC 316 in June 2025.

The Olympic gold medalist in judo showcased her elite grappling skills throughout the bout before securing a kimura submission to claim the 135-pound title.

The victory marked a major milestone in Harrison’s MMA career, as she transitioned from a dominant run in the Professional Fighters League to becoming a UFC champion.

Harrison’s powerful wrestling, top control, and submission ability have made her one of the most dangerous fighters in women’s MMA. Her championship win quickly placed her at the top of the bantamweight division, with several contenders lining up for a title opportunity.

A highly anticipated title defense against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes has also been discussed as one of the biggest potential fights in the division.

Current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion: (135)

👑 Current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion: Kayla Harrison (135 lbs)

📅 Won title: June 7, 2025

🥊 Outcome: Submission (Kimura, Round 2) vs Julianna Peña at UFC 316

🛡️ Defenses: 0

UFC women’s featherweight weight

Amanda Nunes captured the UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Cris Cyborg at UFC 232 in December 2018.

The Brazilian star delivered a dominant striking performance, finishing Cyborg in just 51 seconds to claim the 145-pound title.

With that win, Nunes made history by becoming the first woman in UFC history to hold two championships simultaneously, as she was already the bantamweight champion at the time.

Nunes later defended the featherweight belt against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA.

Known for her knockout power, aggressive striking, and well-rounded skill set, “The Lioness” dominated multiple divisions during her career and became widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in UFC history.

Current UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion: (145)

👑 Current UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion: Amanda Nunes (145 lbs)

📅 Won title: December 29, 2018

🥊 Outcome: KO (Round 1) vs Cris Cyborg at UFC 232

🛡️ Defenses: 2

UFC women’s strawweight weight

Mackenzie Dern captured the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship with a strong performance against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.

Dern controlled much of the fight with her elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu and improved striking, earning a unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant 115-pound title.

The championship became available after former champion Zhang Weili vacated the belt to move up to the flyweight division.

The victory marked the biggest achievement of Dern’s MMA career, as she became one of the most accomplished grapplers to win a UFC title.

Known for her dangerous submission skills and aggressive ground game, Dern quickly established herself as a major force in the strawweight division.

Heading into 2026, several top contenders—including Tatiana Suarez, Amanda Lemos, and Jessica Andrade—are expected to challenge her for the championship in one of the UFC’s most competitive women’s divisions.

For non-title bouts, strawweight athletes have a one-pound leeway on the scale, meaning they can weigh up to 116 pounds. For title bouts, athletes must weigh in at or under 115 pounds.

Current UFC Strawweight Champion: (115)

👑 Current UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion: Mackenzie Dern (115 lbs)

📅 Won title: October 25, 2025

🥊 Outcome: Unanimous Decision vs Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321

🛡️ Defenses: 0

UFC women’s flyweight weight

Valentina Shevchenko reclaimed the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship with a dominant performance against Alexa Grasso at UFC 306 in September 2024.

After previously losing the title to Grasso in 2023, Shevchenko showcased her elite striking, wrestling, and fight IQ to win the rematch by unanimous decision and regain the 125-pound belt.

Shevchenko, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history, has long dominated the flyweight division with her well-rounded skill set and championship experience.

She later defended the title successfully against Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in November 2025, further strengthening her legacy in the division.

Known for her precise striking, strong grappling, and tactical approach, “Bullet” remains the benchmark of the women’s flyweight division as new contenders continue to chase the championship heading into 2026. Watch & Bet on Sports =>

Current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champions: (125)

👑 Current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion: Valentina Shevchenko (125 lbs)

📅 Won title: September 14, 2024

🥊 Outcome: Unanimous Decision vs Alexa Grasso at UFC 306

🛡️ Defenses: 1

Current UFC champions by weight class

Here are the Current UFC champions by weight class:

These fighters currently hold the UFC championship belts across the eight men’s divisions, ranging from 125 pounds (flyweight) to 265 pounds (heavyweight).

Champions are considered the top fighters in their respective divisions and often headline major UFC events around the world.

FAQ UFC weight classes

Here are the most frequently asked questions about UFC weight classes.

1. How many UFC weight divisions are there?

There are a total of 12 UFC weight divisions, with 9 divisions designated for men and 4 divisions for women.

2. What are the weight limits for each UFC weight class?

The weight limits vary for each weight class. For example, the Strawweight division has a limit of 115 pounds (52.2 kg) for both men and women, while the Heavyweight division allows fighters to weigh up to 265 pounds (120.2 kg).

3. What happens if a fighter misses weight for a UFC bout?

If a fighter fails to make weight for their scheduled bout, they may face penalties, including financial fines and potentially being unable to compete in the originally agreed-upon weight class. In some cases, the bout might proceed at a catchweight, or the fighter who made weight may have the option to decline the fight.

4. How much do UFC gloves weigh?

Competition gloves – Most professional fights have the fighters wear 4 ounce (110 g) gloves, whereas amateurs may wear a slightly heavier 6 ounce (170 g) glove for increased protection. Watch & Bet on Sports =>