UFC Weight Classes Explained
Divisions, Limits & Champions (2025)
TL;DR
UFC fighters compete in 12 divisions across men's and women's categories. This article breaks down each weight class, its limits, current champions, and notable contenders, giving fans a complete guide to UFC divisions in 2025.
🥊 Introduction
Understanding weight classes is essential for fans, bettors, and fantasy MMA players. Each division has unique characteristics — speed, power, and strategies differ dramatically from flyweight to heavyweight.
Here's the 2025 UFC weight class guide, updated with champions and key contenders.
🔝 Men's Divisions
| Division | Weight Limit | Current Champion (2025) | Notable Contenders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | Brandon Moreno | Deiveson Figueiredo, Alexandre Pantoja |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | Aljamain Sterling | Sean O'Malley, Petr Yan |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | Ilia Topuria | Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez |
| Lightweight | 155 lbs | Islam Makhachev | Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje |
| Welterweight | 170 lbs | Khamzat Chimaev | Leon Edwards, Colby Covington |
| Middleweight | 185 lbs | Alex Pereira | Israel Adesanya, Derek Brunson |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs | Jamahal Hill | Jiri Prochazka, Jan Blachowicz |
| Heavyweight | 265 lbs | Tom Aspinall | Francis Ngannou, Ciryl Gane |
🔝 Women's Divisions
| Division | Weight Limit | Current Champion (2025) | Notable Contenders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawweight | 115 lbs | Zhang Weili | Carla Esparza, Rose Namajunas |
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | Manon Fiorot | Erin Blanchfield, Alexa Grasso |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | Amanda Nunes* | Julianna Peña, Holly Holm |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | Amanda Nunes* | Aspen Ladd, Felicia Spencer |
*Amanda Nunes may have retired, verify latest updates before publishing.
⚡ Understanding UFC Weight Classes
Purpose
Ensure fair competition, prevent mismatches.
Strategy
Lighter divisions emphasize speed and cardio; heavier divisions focus on power and striking.
Title Opportunities
Champions defend belts within division; multi-divisional champions are rare but notable.