Strawweight

Strawweight is a weight class designation used in several combat sports to denote the lightest division in which athletes compete. The term reflects the light nature of the competitors and has historical usage in boxing; today it appears across sports with varying limits and naming conventions. The exact upper limit and the name of the class differ by organization and discipline.

In professional boxing, strawweight is the lightest standard weight class, typically set at 105 pounds (47.6 kg). Some sanctioning bodies use the alternate name minimumweight for the same limit.

In mixed martial arts, strawweight is most commonly a women’s division. In the UFC and other major promotions, the maximum is 115 pounds (52 kg). Some other circuits employ different limits or substitute related divisions under alternative labels, so the term does not imply a universal standard.

Weight classes are defined by sanctioning bodies and require official weigh-ins to confirm eligibility. The divisions are designed to balance competitiveness and fighter safety, though athletes may undertake weight-cutting to reach limits.

Notable features of strawweight competition include a greater emphasis on speed, technical precision, and cardio compared with heavier divisions. The term’s use varies by sport, and readers should consult the specific sport’s weight-class guidelines for exact limits in a given organization.