When it comes to UFC, numbers on the scale only tell part of the story.
The welterweight division, one of the most competitive in mixed martial arts, officially sits at 170 pounds (77.1 kg).
But don’t be fooled fighters often weigh much more when they step into the octagon, thanks to the intense process of weight cutting and rehydration.
You’re a hardcore MMA fan or a newcomer trying to understand the sport, knowing what makes a welterweight is key to appreciating the strategy, strength, and speed these athletes bring to every fight.
In this article, we’ll break down the UFC welterweight weight rules, explore how fighters manage their weight, compare it with other divisions, and even highlight some of the most famous welterweights in UFC history.
By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of what it really means to fight at 170 lbs in the UFC.
What is UFC Welterweight?
In the UFC, the welterweight division is defined as fighters weighing up to 170 pounds (77.1 kg). This includes both men and women in divisions where applicable, though the UFC’s welterweight division is primarily male. For non-title fights, fighters are allowed a small one-pound allowance, meaning they can weigh in at 171 pounds, but for title fights, the limit is strict: exactly 170 pounds.
The welterweight class is often considered one of the most exciting divisions in UFC. It sits right between the lightweight division (155 lbs) and the middleweight division (185 lbs), offering a balance of speed, strength, and endurance. Fighters in this division are fast enough to execute complex striking combinations but also strong enough to deliver powerful takedowns and grappling techniques.
Many fans are surprised to learn that the weight a fighter steps into the cage with is often much higher than the weigh-in number. Athletes spend weeks cutting weight through strict diets, dehydration, and training, then rehydrate before the fight. This strategy gives them a size and power advantage over opponents.
Some of the most legendary UFC welterweights include Georges St-Pierre, Kamaru Usman, and Colby Covington, all of whom have mastered the art of fighting at 170 lbs while maintaining incredible speed and endurance. Understanding this weight class gives fans insight into not just the numbers, but the science and strategy behind UFC competitions.
UFC Weight Classes Overview
To truly understand the welterweight division, it helps to see where it fits within the UFC’s weight class system. UFC fighters are divided into multiple weight classes to ensure fair competition, from flyweight to heavyweight, each with its own limits and rules.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main UFC weight classes:
- Flyweight: up to 125 lbs (56.7 kg)
- Bantamweight: up to 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
- Featherweight: up to 145 lbs (65.8 kg)
- Lightweight: up to 155 lbs (70.3 kg)
- Welterweight: up to 170 lbs (77.1 kg)
- Middleweight: up to 185 lbs (83.9 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: up to 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Heavyweight: 206–265 lbs (93–120.2 kg)
The welterweight division is often referred to as the “sweet spot” of UFC weight classes. It combines the speed and agility of lighter divisions with the strength and power of heavier classes, creating some of the most dynamic and technical fights in the sport.
Fighters in lighter divisions, like lightweight or featherweight, rely heavily on speed, precision, and cardio, while heavier fighters often use powerful striking and grappling to dominate. Welterweights strike a balance between the two, making this division especially exciting for fans and challenging for fighters.
By understanding all UFC weight classes, you can better appreciate the strategy and skill involved in making weight and how fighters tailor their training and diets to succeed in their specific division. It also highlights why 170 lbs in welterweight can be deceptive—fighters often step into the cage significantly heavier than their official weigh-in.
Weigh-In Day Explained
For UFC fighters, weigh-in day is one of the most important events leading up to a fight. It’s the moment when fighters must officially meet the weight requirement of their division, and for welterweights, that means 170 pounds for title fights or up to 171 pounds for non-title bouts. Missing weight can have serious consequences, including fines, fight cancellation, or being forced to move up a weight class.
The weigh-in is not just a formality—it’s a test of discipline, preparation, and strategy. In the weeks leading up to the fight, welterweights carefully monitor their diet, training, and water intake to gradually shed pounds. In the final 24–48 hours, many fighters use a method called weight cutting, temporarily reducing water weight to make the limit. After stepping on the scale, they immediately start rehydrating and replenishing nutrients to regain strength for fight night.
Fans often underestimate how much effort goes into making weight. A fighter who weighs 185–190 lbs normally may drop 15–20 lbs in a week or two just to hit the welterweight mark. This process requires precision and experience; doing it incorrectly can lead to poor performance or health risks.
Weigh-ins are also a fan-favorite event, often held publicly the day before the fight, adding drama and hype. Beyond the numbers on the scale, weigh-in day is a mix of science, discipline, and showmanship, setting the stage for one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.
Fight Night Reality vs Weigh-In Weight
While a welterweight fighter officially weighs 170 pounds at the weigh-in, the reality on fight night can be dramatically different. Most fighters use the weigh-in as a starting point for strategic weight cutting, shedding water and temporarily losing pounds to hit the limit. After the weigh-in, they rehydrate and refuel, often gaining 10–20 pounds before stepping into the octagon. This means a fighter listed as a welterweight could actually weigh 180–190 pounds when the fight begins.
This weight difference is more than just a number—it provides a competitive advantage. Fighters who manage their weight cut effectively can retain speed while increasing strength, endurance, and power for the fight. However, the process is risky. Poor rehydration or extreme cuts can lead to fatigue, reduced performance, or even health issues during the fight.
Fans often overlook this behind-the-scenes aspect of MMA, assuming the scale is the final measure. In reality, fight night performance depends as much on recovery and strategy as it does on raw skill. Legendary welterweights like Georges St-Pierre and Kamaru Usman have mastered this balance, showing explosive strength while maintaining agility—proving that the numbers on the scale only tell part of the story.
Understanding the gap between weigh-in weight and fight-night weight gives fans a deeper appreciation for the skill, discipline, and science involved in UFC welterweight bouts. It’s not just about hitting 170 pounds—it’s about how you fight at 190.
Why Weight Cutting is Crucial
Weight cutting is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of UFC competition, especially in the welterweight division. Fighters aim to make the 170-pound limit, but the real goal is to gain a size and strength advantage on fight night. By cutting weight, athletes can step into the cage heavier and stronger than their opponent while still qualifying for their division.
The process is both a science and an art. It involves a careful combination of diet, dehydration, exercise, and rehydration. Many fighters gradually reduce body fat and water weight over weeks or months, then use short-term methods like controlled water restriction, sauna sessions, and intense workouts to shed the final pounds. After the weigh-in, they rehydrate and replenish nutrients to regain energy, power, and stamina.
However, weight cutting comes with risks. Extreme or poorly managed cuts can lead to dehydration, kidney issues, reduced performance, and even hospitalizations in severe cases. That’s why fighters work with nutritionists and coaches to ensure the cut is safe and effective.
Despite the risks, mastering weight cutting is essential for success in the UFC. A fighter who can make weight safely while maintaining strength, speed, and endurance has a major advantage. In the welterweight division, where competition is fierce and skill levels are high, weight management can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Famous UFC Welterweights & Their Stats
The welterweight division has produced some of the most legendary fighters in UFC history. Understanding their weights, strategies, and physiques helps illustrate how the division works in practice.
Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is widely considered one of the greatest welterweights of all time. He typically weighed in at 170 lbs for fights, but his walk-around weight was around 185–190 lbs. His ability to cut weight efficiently while maintaining speed and strength made him nearly unbeatable during his career.
Kamaru Usman, a modern welterweight champion, follows a similar approach. He weighs in at 170 lbs but fights at closer to 190 lbs, using his size and athleticism to dominate opponents with power and endurance.
Colby Covington is another example of a fighter who maximizes the weight cut. Known for his aggressive style and stamina, he uses careful nutrition and hydration to maintain peak performance despite dropping pounds for weigh-ins.
Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad are also top competitors, demonstrating how welterweights combine speed, technique, and strength. These fighters highlight the unique balance of agility and power in this division.
| Fighter | Weigh-In Weight | Walk-Around Weight | Height |
| Georges St-Pierre | 170 lbs | 185–190 lbs | 5’10” |
| Kamaru Usman | 170 lbs | 190 lbs | 6’0” |
| Colby Covington | 170 lbs | 185–190 lbs | 5’11” |
| Leon Edwards | 170 lbs | 180–185 lbs | 6’0” |
These examples show that while the official welterweight limit is 170 lbs, the real fight often happens at a heavier, more powerful weight, emphasizing the skill, preparation, and strategy required to compete at the highest level.
Welterweight vs Other UFC Divisions
The welterweight division holds a unique position in the UFC, striking a balance between speed, power, and endurance. To fully appreciate its dynamics, it’s useful to compare it with neighboring divisions: lightweight (155 lbs) and middleweight (185 lbs).
Lightweight fighters are often faster and more agile, relying on rapid combinations, high-volume striking, and excellent cardio. However, they typically have less knockout power than heavier divisions. Middleweights, on the other hand, emphasize strength and power, often using heavier strikes and takedowns to control opponents, but may sacrifice some speed and stamina.
Welterweights blend the best of both worlds. Fighters in this division maintain explosive power while keeping impressive speed, making fights both tactical and exciting. They can deliver knockouts like middleweights but also execute quick striking sequences and counters similar to lightweights. This balance is why many consider welterweight the “sweet spot” in MMA.
The weight cut and rehydration strategy also plays a significant role here. Welterweights often step into the octagon heavier than their official weigh-in, gaining a size advantage without losing agility. This combination of strength, endurance, and tactical versatility makes welterweight bouts highly competitive and unpredictable.
By comparing welterweight to other divisions, it’s clear why fighters and fans alike value this class. It’s not just about 170 lbs on the scale—it’s about how fighters manage that weight, maintain speed, and use strength to dominate opponents, creating some of the most memorable matches in UFC history.
Common FAQs About UFC Welterweight
When it comes to the welterweight division, fans and newcomers often have questions about weight, fighters, and strategies. Here are some of the most common FAQs:
1. What is welterweight in UFC?
The welterweight division includes fighters who weigh up to 170 pounds (77.1 kg). Non-title fights allow a 1-pound margin, making it 171 lbs, while title fights require the fighter to hit exactly 170 lbs.
2. Do fighters fight at their weigh-in weight?
No. Most welterweights cut weight for the weigh-in and then rehydrate before the fight, often entering the octagon 10–20 pounds heavier than their official weigh-in.
3. How much do UFC welterweights cut?
Many fighters reduce 15–20 pounds in the days leading up to a fight through a combination of diet, exercise, and water weight manipulation. Proper rehydration is critical to maintain performance.
4. Is 170 lbs heavy in MMA?
While 170 lbs may not seem heavy outside the octagon, in the UFC, fighters are highly trained athletes, making it a competitive weight where speed, power, and endurance all matter.
5. Can welterweights fight bigger opponents?
Yes, but it depends on weight cutting and division rules. Fighters must meet the 170-pound limit at weigh-in, but effective weight cutting allows some to enter the cage heavier, giving a potential size advantage.
Answering these questions helps fans understand the science, discipline, and strategy behind the welterweight division. Knowing these details adds context to every fight and highlights why this weight class is so competitive and exciting.
Conclusion
The UFC welterweight division is more than just a number on the scale. Officially capped at 170 pounds (77.1 kg), it represents a unique balance of speed, power, and endurance, making it one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in mixed martial arts. While fighters step on the scale at the weigh-in, most have mastered the art of weight cutting and rehydration, often entering the octagon significantly heavier and stronger than their official weigh-in weight.
Understanding welterweight goes beyond the rules—it’s about strategy. Fighters like Georges St-Pierre, Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards have demonstrated that success in this division requires discipline, proper nutrition, intense training, and expert weight management. The difference between 170 pounds on the scale and 190 pounds in the cage can be the deciding factor in victory or defeat.
Comparing welterweight to other divisions, such as lightweight or middleweight, shows why it’s often called the “sweet spot” of UFC weight classes. Fighters retain the speed and agility of lighter classes while carrying the power and strength of heavier ones, creating some of the most dynamic and memorable fights in UFC history.
Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or new to the sport, knowing the nuances of the welterweight division enhances your appreciation of the fights. From the weigh-in to fight night, every pound, every strategy, and every decision counts. The 170-pound limit may be the official number, but the action, skill, and intensity of welterweights go far beyond the scale.
Joan Didion is a passionate writer at DreamMaening.com, exploring the hidden meanings behind dreams, symbols, and life’s mysteries with clarity and insight.
