Weight class

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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 including rowing, weight lifting, and especially combat sports[1] such as boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Alternatives to formal weight classes include catch weight and openweight.

The existence of weight divisions gives rise to the practice of weight cutting. To be the largest individual in a weight division is perceived as advantageous; therefore many athletes lose weight through dieting and dehydration prior to weigh-ins to qualify for a lower weight class.[2]

  1. ^ Bagchi, Debasis; Sreejayan, Nair; Sen, Chandan K. (26 July 2013). Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance: Muscle Building, Endurance, and Strength. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-396477-9 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Peveler, Will (14 July 2021). Strength and Conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts: A Practical Guide for the Busy Athlete. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-5381-3955-4 – via Google Books.