Bantamweight is a weight class used in various combat sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and wrestling. The exact weight range for bantamweight varies slightly depending on the sport:
- In professional boxing, bantamweight ranges from above 115 pounds (52.2 kg) to up to 118 pounds (53.5 kg).
- In MMA, bantamweight usually covers fighters weighing between 126 and 135 pounds (57.2 to 61.2 kg).
- In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between 53 and 55 kilograms (117 to 121 pounds).
- In Muay Thai, bantamweight is typically 115 to 118 pounds (52.2 to 53.5 kg).
- In bare-knuckle boxing, the bantamweight limit can vary, such as up to 135 pounds (61 kg) or higher, depending on the promotion.
The name "bantamweight" is derived from bantam chickens, indicating a smaller size class. It generally fits between the flyweight and featherweight categories in terms of weight. In summary, bantamweight is a weight division for smaller athletes, with its limit around 118 pounds in boxing and slightly higher in MMA and other combat sports. This division helps ensure fair competition by grouping fighters of similar size and weight.
