Muay Thai's Weight Classes: Everything You Need to Know
One aspect of Muay Thai that can be confusing for newcomers is the weight classes.
In this page, we'll explain what Muay Thai weight classes are, which weight each one is fought at, and what they mean for fighters.
What Are Muay Thai's Weight Classes?
There are 17 weight classes in Muay Thai ranging from Mini Flyweight to Heavyweight.
The weight classes in Muay Thai help ensure safety and fair competition between fighters.
1. Mini Flyweight
The smallest weight class in Muay Thai is Mini Flyweight, with a limit of 105 lbs (47 kg).
Fighters in this division are known for their agility, quick footwork, and fast strikes.
2. Light Flyweight
The Light Flyweight division accommodates fighters weighing up to 108 lbs (49 kg).
These athletes combine speed and technical skills to compete at this level.
3. Super Flyweight
Super Flyweight fighters are those who weigh no more than 115 lbs (52 kg).
This division sees athletes with a mix of speed, technique, and power.
4. Junior Flyweight
This division includes fighters weighing up to 118 lbs (53 kg).
In the Junior Flyweight class, participants continue to hone their technical abilities while incorporating more power into their strikes.
5. Flyweight
Flyweight fighters must weigh no more than 125 lbs (57 kg).
Competitors in this division are known for their balance of speed, technique, and strength.
6. Super Bantamweight
This division comprises fighters weighing up to 130 lbs (59 kg).
Super Bantamweights tend to be more powerful than their lighter counterparts while maintaining a high level of technical ability.
7. Bantamweight
The Bantamweight division includes fighters weighing no more than 135 lbs (62 kg).
As participants move up in weight classes, they tend to be stronger and more powerful whilst maintaining precision and speed.
8. Super Featherweight
Super Featherweight fighters can weigh up to 140 lbs (63 kg).
At this weight class, athletes begin to transition from an emphasis on technique to a heavier focus on power.
9. Featherweight
Featherweight fighters must weigh no more than 145 lbs (66 kg).
This division showcases a mix of technique and strength, with fighters needing both skills to be successful.
10. Super Lightweight
Super Lightweight fighters compete at a maximum of 150 lbs (68 kg).
At this weight class, athletes need to combine power, speed, and technique to excel.
11. Lightweight
Lightweight fighters weigh no more than 160 lbs (72 kg).
As they move up in weight classes, athletes become stronger and more powerful while maintaining technical skills.
12. Super Welterweight
Super Welterweight competitors must weigh up to 165 lbs (75 kg).
Fighters in this division continue to develop their power and strength, making them formidable opponents.
13. Welterweight
Welterweight fighters can weigh no more than 170 lbs (77 kg).
This weight class is known for a balance of power, speed, and technique.
14. Super Middleweight
Super Middleweight fighters must weigh up to 175 lbs (79 kg).
In this division, there is a focus on developing strength and power while maintaining technical abilities.
15. Middleweight
Middleweight fighters can weigh no more than 180 lbs (82 kg).
This weight class demands a combination of strength, technique, and agility to be successful.
16. Cruiserweight
Cruiserweight fighters must weigh up to 190 lbs (86 kg).
Participants in this division exhibit significant power and strength, without sacrificing their technical abilities.
17. Heavyweight
The Heavyweight division includes fighters weighing above 190 lbs (86 kg).
These athletes possess immense power and strength, making them some of the most impressive competitors in the sport of Muay Thai.
World Boxing Council's Muay Thai Weight Classes
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is a renowned organization that has established weight classes for Muay Thai competitions to ensure fair and regulated bouts.
These weight divisions promote safety and competitiveness among fighters of similar sizes and abilities.
The WBC Muay Thai weight classes consist of separate divisions for both male and female competitors.
While the specific weight limits might differ slightly among various organizations and regional competitions, the WBC weight classes align with global standards and are widely recognized in the sport of Muay Thai.
The male weight divisions are as follows:
- Mini Flyweight: up to 105 lbs (47.6 kg)
- Light Flyweight: up to 108 lbs (49 kg)
- Flyweight: up to 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
- Super Flyweight: up to 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
- Bantamweight: up to 118 lbs (53.5 kg)
- Super Bantamweight: up to 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
- Featherweight: up to 126 lbs (57.1 kg)
- Super Featherweight: up to 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Lightweight: up to 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
- Super Lightweight: up to 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- Welterweight: up to 147 lbs (66.7 kg)
- Super Welterweight: up to 154 lbs (69.9 kg)
- Middleweight: up to 160 lbs (72.6 kg)
- Super Middleweight: up to 168 lbs (76.2 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: up to 175 lbs (79.4 kg)
- Cruiserweight: up to 190 lbs (86.2 kg)
The female weight divisions follow a similar structure:
- Mini Flyweight: up to 102 lbs (46.3 kg)
- Light Flyweight: up to 105 lbs (47.6 kg)
- Flyweight: up to 108 lbs (49 kg)
- Super Flyweight: up to 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
- Bantamweight: up to 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
- Super Bantamweight: up to 118 lbs (53.5 kg)
- Featherweight: up to 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
- Super Featherweight: up to 126 lbs (57.1 kg)
- Lightweight: up to 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Super Lightweight: up to 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
- Welterweight: up to 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- Super Welterweight: up to 145 lbs (65.8 kg)
- Middleweight: up to 154 lbs (69.9 kg)
- Super Middleweight: up to 168 lbs (76.2 kg)
In conclusion, the World Boxing Council provides a comprehensive framework for Muay Thai weight classes, ensuring a level playing field and competitive environment for fighters across the globe.
One Championship Muay Thai Weight Classes
One Championship has banned weight-cutting through dehydration and implemented a revolutionary system to keep fighters hydrated, fit, and healthy before every bout.
This strategy differentiates One Championship's Muay Thai weight classes from other organizations around the world.
The weight classes in One Championship Muay Thai are divided into two categories:
- Male division
- Female division
The male divisions feature various weight classes, ranging from lighter to heavier competitors.
Similarly, the female divisions include multiple weight classes to ensure safe and fair competition among fighters.
Men compete in five of the six One Championship Muay Thai weight classes, while women compete in two of the six.
In total, there are seven weight classes in One Championship Muay Thai when counting both genders together.
These weight classes are subject to change and expansion as the organization continues to grow and adapt to the sport's demands.
Competitive Muay Thai weight classes in Thailand typically range between 108 lbs (49 kg) and 126 lbs (57 kg).
Outside Thailand, the most popular weight classes range between 143 lbs (65 kg) to 160 lbs (72 kg).
Why Are Weight Classes Important in Muay Thai?
Safety and ensuring fair and competitive fights are the main reasons for having weight classes.
By categorizing fighters into specific weight divisions, the sport encourages a balance in physical attributes and skill levels, resulting in a more enjoyable and safe experience for both fighters and spectators.
Weight classes help mitigate these risks by ensuring that the contestants have a relatively equal distribution of strength and power.
This way, smaller fighters will not be at an unfair disadvantage when competing against larger opponents.
Fighters are required to maintain their weight within the specified limits of their weight class, which makes it necessary for them to manage and control their weight leading up to a fight.
Additionally, by implementing weight classes, the sport encourages skill-building and the honing of technique.
Fighters within the same weight class are likely to have relatively similar physical capabilities, making it crucial for them to focus on developing their skills and strategies to outperform their opponents.
By promoting balance in competition, weight classes ensure that Muay Thai remains an engaging and enjoyable martial art for its practitioners and enthusiasts.
Weigh-In and Weight Cutting in Muay Thai
Weight cutting is a common practice in Muay Thai and many combat sports, where competitors aim to reach a specific weight class by shedding temporary water weight.
It involves intense dehydration and strict dieting in the days leading up to the weigh-in, which takes place one day before the actual fight.
The primary goal of weight cutting is to gain a size and strength advantage over the opponent by rehydrating and recovering after the weigh-in.
Cutting weight can be a challenging and risky process, as it requires a careful balance between losing water weight and maintaining one's health.
Dehydration, if not managed properly, can lead to several complications such as dizziness, cramping, and kidney failure, which can drastically affect a fighter's performance.
During the process of dehydration, athletes reduce their water intake and may resort to methods such as saunas or hot baths to sweat out excess fluid.
Some fighters may also wear sweat suits or engage in intense training sessions to further stimulate fluid loss.
Once the weigh-in is complete, the focus shifts to rehydrating and recovering.
Fighters usually have around 24 hours between weigh-in and the fight to rehydrate and replenish their bodies.
This period is crucial for restoring energy, strength, and overall well-being before going into the match.
Athletes consume electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein-rich meals, and drink water to help their bodies regain the lost water weight and recover from the effects of dehydration.
Though weight cuts and weight cutting are common practices, they are not without risks.
Severe dehydration can lead to organ damage or even fatal outcomes if not managed properly.
Therefore, athletes must approach weight cutting with caution and under the guidance of experienced coaches, nutritionists, or medical professionals to avoid unnecessary health complications.
Related Articles
What to Wear to Muay Thai Class
Is Muay Thai the Same as Kickboxing?
