Lightweight (MMA)
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The lightweight division in mixed martial arts can refer to a number of different weight classes:
- The UFC lightweight division, which limits competitors to 155 lb (70 kg)
- The PRIDE FC lightweight division, which limited competitors to 160 lb (73 kg)
- The Shooto lightweight division, which limits competitors to 143 lb (65 kg)
- The Pancrase lightweight division, which limits competitors to 152 lb (69 kg)
[edit] Ambiguity and clarification
For the sake of uniformity, most American mixed martial arts media outlets consider Lightweight competitors to be between 152 and 160 lb (69 and 73 kg). This encompasses the Pancrase lightweight division (152 lb / 69 kg); the Shooto Welterweight division (154 lb / 70 kg), and the K-1 HERO'S middleweight division of the same weight limit; the UFC Lightweight division (155 lb); and the PRIDE Lightweight division (160 lb / 73 kg). The lightweight limit, as defined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, is 155 lb.[1]
The UFC's lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58 after falling into disuse following UFC 49. Sean Sherk, a former welterweight contender, defeated Kenny Florian at UFC 64, becoming the first UFC lightweight champion since 2002.
[edit] Notable lightweights in MMA
The listed competitors below are subjected to weight limits between 154 and 160 lb (70 and 73 kg):
- BJ Penn, UFC lightweight champion, former welterweight champion
- Takanori Gomi, PRIDE lightweight champion, PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix champion
- Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto, K-1 HERO's 2005 mightweight Grand Prix champion
- Sean Sherk, former UFC lightweight champion
- Gesias "JZ| Calvancanti, K-1 HERO's 2006 middleweight Grand Prix champion
- Vitor Ribeiro, Cage Rage World lightweight champion, former Shooto champion
- Tatsuya Kawajiri, former Shooto 154-pound champion
- Jens Pulver, first UFC lightweight champion.
- Joe Stevenson, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2
- Hayato Sakurai, PRIDE lightweight contender
- Yves Edwards, UFC and PRIDE veteran
- Joachim Hansen, PRIDE and Shooto veteran
- Hermes Franca, UFC lightweight contender
- Caol Uno, HERO'S and UFC veteran
- Rob McCullough, former WEC lightweight champion
- Gilbert Melendez, Strikeforce World lightweight champion, PRIDE veteran
- Gray Maynard, UFC Contender
- Nate Diaz, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5
- Clay Guida, veteran of King of the Cage, Strikeforce, WEC and UFC
- Kenny Florian, TUF Season 1, Pan-American BJJ medalist, NAGA BJJ Superfight Champion
- Roger Huerta 20-1-1 Record, UFC Lightweight Contender
- Mac Danzig, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 6
[edit] References
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