MMA Current Rated Division Population (Updated)

May 23, 2014
Jason

Last Posted in December 2011

Division Recorded Estimated Estimated
Diff
from 12/11
Percent
of Total
Percent
in 12/11
Net Proportional
Change
from 12/11
Heavyweight 623 825 -50 6.9% 8.3% -16.9%
Light Heavyweight 607 805 -120 6.7% 8.8% -23.3%
Middleweight 1151 1525 -25 12.7% 14.7% -13.2%
Welterweight 1653 2190 +40 18.3% 20.4% -10.1%
Lightweight 1826 2415 +115 20.2% 21.8% -7.4%
Featherweight 1577 2085 +565 17.4% 14.4% +21.0%
Bantamweight 1030 1365 +415 11.4% 9.0% +26.7%
Fly+Straw 578 765 +475 6.4% 2.7% +132.6%

– Male Only
 

Since the last post approximately 2.5 years ago, the “estimated” count of all active fighters over the “starter” rating has increased from 10,560 to 11,975 (+13.4%).  Remember, these counts are ignoring active fighters of the “bottom feeder” variety — i.e. fighters who haven’t proven themselves to be any better than the average debuting fighter.

Divisionally, there are massive changes from 2.5 years ago.  The net proportional change looks at the difference in the division pool, after taking into account that the overall size of the fighter pool increased as shown in the previous statement.  Although Lightweight added 115 fighters, the increase in overall fighter pool suggests the division is still not as deep as it was in comparison to the entire sport.

Also in December 2011, I deduced that the average fighter weighed in at about 169 pounds.  Now, it seems to be about 163 pounds.

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- We update the rankings once per week, usually on Sunday or Monday.

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