Agree, it would be strange if, in professional sports, a skinny fighter of average height fought with a two-meter-tall huge brute. That’s why weight categories were introduced. This system helps in promoting fairness in combat sports. Boxing has 17 weight classes for men: from the giants of the heavyweight division to the lightest of the light, the strawweight.
On the other hand, MMA is even more straightforward, with only nine categories for men. Every division has its complexities and how it can be approached. The mentioned categories define the scope of the sport, making each meeting in the ring the battle of the specific style and weight that guarantees an interesting fight (and for all those who value not only the spectacle of a fight but also the opportunity to earn a little money on the victory of their favorite fighter – we recommend an excellent place for betting on any sport: from karate and boxing to cricket and football betting online).
Evolution of Weight Classes: From Heavyweights to Strawweight
Weight classes were first used in boxing in 1889, which put some order in the fighters’ match-ups. Notably, MMA incorporated weight classes many years later, with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts being enacted in 2000. In contrast to boxing, which has 17 weighting categories, MMA has fewer but quite different ones; for example, there is no cruiserweight category. In the early days, boxing had few categories; however, as boxing expanded, the categories of divisions increased as well. This evolution is due to the knowledge of the effect that different weights cause on performance and risk in combat sports.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Weight Classes in Boxing vs. MMA
Weight division is much different for boxing and MMA. Professional boxing has divided its competitors into 17 weight categories ranging from heavyweight to strawweight, and the divisions are very close, with only a difference of about 3 pounds. For instance, the junior middleweight category is reserved for boxing, with a weight limit of 154 pounds. MMA, however, simplifies this with only nine classes:
While in MMA, a fighter belonging to the lightweight division can not exceed 155 pounds, in boxing, the same is 135 pounds. These differences affect the techniques used by fighters, the weight reduction process, and their ability to battle it out. The greater variability within a weight class in MMA forces fighters to use their brains: to avoid being overwhelmed by their opponent’s weight, they have to come up with some unexpected moves.
Numbers are important not only for athletes, but also for fans. Often, after the weigh-in ceremony, it becomes clear who will dominate the ring that evening – and this is extremely useful information for everyone who is involved in betting. By the way, all statistical information about all athletes or sports teams, their latest results is collected on the Melbet bookmaker website – very convenient for your boxing, hockey or football bets online. Whoever has the numbers has every chance of winning.
Moving Between Classes: The Dynamics of Weight Management
Anderson Silva is a great example of an MMA fighter who was able to transition to the light heavyweight division as an example of versatility. Speaking of boxing, Manny Pacquiao received titles in eight weight categories, which speaks about his versatility. The fighter can switch divisions either for tactical reasons or because they are no longer able to make the weight limit. It entails a lot of training and a strict diet regime if one has to lose weight or gain mass.
Well, reducing weight is possible but it has its drawbacks; sometimes, people take it to extremes and end up dehydrating severely. On the other hand, the process of gaining muscle mass can only be done through proper diet and training that focus on building up strength. Yes, when every pound counts, you have to watch your weight more carefully than top models do.
