Welterweight (MMA)

In mixed martial arts (MMA), Welterweight is a weight class for competitors who weigh more than Lightweight and less than Middleweight. The specific weight limits vary slightly depending on the governing body or promotion.

Typically, the Welterweight division ranges from a lower limit of 156 pounds (70.8 kg) to an upper limit of 170 pounds (77.1 kg). Fighters weighing within this range are eligible to compete in this division.

The Welterweight division is a popular and competitive weight class in many MMA promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, and others. It features athletes with a diverse range of fighting styles and skill sets.

The establishment of the Welterweight weight class, along with other weight divisions, aims to ensure fairer competition in MMA by grouping fighters of similar size and mass. This helps to mitigate the potential advantages that a significantly larger fighter might have over a smaller opponent.

The weight limits are strictly enforced, and fighters must successfully make weight during official weigh-in procedures before a scheduled bout. Failure to meet the weight requirement can result in penalties, such as fines or even the cancellation of the fight.