Strawweight (MMA)
The strawweight division in mixed martial arts generally refers to competitors weighing between 106 and 115 lb (48 to 52 kg). It sits between the lighter atomweight division and the heavier flyweight division.
Until recently, the strawweight division in mixed martial arts was not defined by the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts which had grouped all competitors below 125 lb (57 kg) together as flyweights since the inception of the Unified Rules.[1] Consequently, the division was rarely used in the United States until it began to gain traction in women's competitions. However, the Association of Boxing Commissions officially added the 115 lbs. Strawweight division on July 29, 2015.[2][3] In Japan, Shooto regularly holds contests at that weight class and circulates a championship belt for the division.[4]
- On November 15, 2013, Dana White announced that the UFC will be adding a women's strawweight division that would be set at 115 lb.[5] On December 11, 2013, it was announced an all-women season of The Ultimate Fighter would be used to crown the first UFC Women's Strawweight Champion.[6]Carla Esparza then became the inaugural UFC Women's Strawweight Champion at The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale on December 12, 2014. She then lost the title to Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 185 on March 14, 2015, ending her reign at an incumbent 92 days.
- Invicta Fighting Championships, an all women's MMA organization, regularly holds contests at this weight and circulates a championship title. They held their first strawweight title fight on January 5, 2013.
- Super Fight League, an Indian MMA promotion started holding female strawweight fights at 105-115 pounds / 52.2 kilograms since SFL 17.[7]
- The ONE Championship's strawweight limits between 116 to 125 lb (52.3 to 56.7 kg)
Professional champions
Current champions
These tables are not always up to date. Last updated on May 27, 2016.
Men:
| Organization | Reign Began | Champion | Record | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONE Championship | May 27, 2016 |  Yoshitaka Naito |
11-0-0 (1KO 5SUB) | 0 |
Women:
| Organization | Reign Began | Champion | Record | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC | March 14, 2015 |  Joanna Jędrzejczyk |
11-0 (4KO 1SUB) | 2 |
| Invicta FC | May 7, 2016 |  Angela Hill |
5-2 (3KO) | 0 |
| Deep Jewels | August 9, 2014 | Mizuki Inoue |
11-4 (8SUB) | 1 |
See also
- List of current MMA Strawweight Champions
- List of current MMA Women's Strawweight Champions
- Mixed martial arts weight classes
References
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