Weight class

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, especially combat sports (such as boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and wrestling). Alternatives to formal weight classes include catch weight and openweight.

The existence of weight divisions gives rise to the practice of weight cutting. It is a popular consideration for it to be an advantage of being the largest individual in a weight division, therefore some athletes will work hard to lose weight through dieting and dehydration prior to weigh-ins to meet the required weight class.