How Many Weight Classes Are There in Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a popular combat sport that requires strength, technique, and agility. One of the key aspects of wrestling is weight classification. Wrestlers are divided into different weight classes to ensure fair competition. Let’s explore how many weight classes are there in wrestling and what they are. What are Weight Classes? Weight classes categorize wrestlers based on their body weight to ensure that opponents are evenly matched in terms of size, strength, and power. This classification system helps prevent unfair advantages due to significant differences in body mass. How Many Weight Classes Are There? The number of weight classes in wrestling varies depending on the governing body or organization. Here are some common examples: FILA/United World Wrestling (Men’s Freestyle and Greco-Roman) FILA, now known as United World Wrestling, is the international governing body for wrestling. For men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, there are currently six weight classes: 57 kg: Featherweight 65 kg: Lightweight 74 kg: Welterweight 86 kg: Middleweight 97 kg: Light Heavyweight +97 kg: Heavyweight NCAA (Collegiate Wrestling) In collegiate wrestling, which is popular in the United States under NCAA rules, there are ten weight classes for men: 125 lbs: Flyweight 133 lbs: Bantamweight 141 lbs: Featherweight 149 lbs: Lightweight 157 lbs: Welterweight 165 lbs: Middleweight 174 lbs: Light Heavyweight 184 lbs: Cruiserweight 197 lbs: Heavyweight +285 lbs: Super Heavyweight FILA/United World Wrestling (Women’s Freestyle) In women’s freestyle wrestling, there are currently six weight classes in international competitions: 50 kg: Flyweight 53 kg: Bantamweight 57 kg: Featherweight 62 kg: Lightweight +62 kg: Middle heavyweight/Heavyweight (no upper limit) The Importance of Weight Classes in Wrestling The weight class system ensures that wrestlers compete against opponents of similar size and weight. This helps maintain fairness and minimizes the risk of injury due to significant disparities in strength and power. By competing within their respective weight classes, wrestlers can showcase their skills and techniques without undue advantages or disadvantages. In conclusion, wrestling has different weight classes depending on the governing body or organization. These weight classes ensure a level playing field for competitors by categorizing them based on their body weight. Whether it’s international competitions like FILA/United World Wrestling or collegiate wrestling under NCAA rules, weight classes play a crucial role in maintaining fairness and safety in the sport.
