Bellator MMA Divisions are at the heart of understanding this fast growing promotion. It’s interesting to see that how fast Bellator MMA has grown and standing with the UFC in the same line. Back it was the promotion of others, and now it is home to some of the best fighters in the world. But if you are new to it, you must have probably wondered that ‘’how do Bellator’s divisions actually work?’’ how do they measure like the UFC? Like, are we talking equal firepower or still a few steps behind?
In this guide, we break down every Bellator MMA Divisions, highlight top fighters of their classes and show how Bellator comes up against the UFC. No boring numbers or stats, just straight-up MMA action.
Bellator’s Weight Classes — You Need to Know
Bellator MMA kicked off in 2008. And now? It’s the real deal, running on the same Unified Rules same as the UFC.
Instead of running dozens of divisions, they have focused on only seven men’s Bellator MMA Divisions and two women’s Bellator MMA Divisions. That’s it. Simple, clean and competitive.
Furthermore, here’s the truth: a few pounds can change everything. Speed, power and stamina it all shifts. That’s why Bellator’s structure works. It keeps fights fair, technical, and explosive.
Men’s Divisions in Bellator MMA
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Heavyweight (up-to 265 lbs / 120 kg)
Big men with big swings cause big chaos.
Just suits like Ryan Bader and Linton Vassell hit like a truck. Bellator heavy weight fights are just like a bear fight, a perfect mix of wrestling and wild power.
It’s the same as UFC’s 265-lb limit, but Bellator’s heavyweight division is tends to be more… unpredictable. You blink, and someone’s out cold.
Light Heavyweight (up-to 205 lbs / 93 kg)
Now in Light Heavyweight this is where things starts to get spicy.
Big names like Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson have made this division electric. It’s that perfect mix, fast but powerful.
And honestly? Bellator’s light heavyweight lineup could go toe-to-toe with UFC’s any day. Nemkov especially, he is built different.
Middleweight (up-to 185 lbs / 84 kg)
In middleweight this is where technicality meets brutality.
Johnny Eblen is the king of Bellator’s middleweight; he fights like a machine.
He’s got the same intensity as UFC’s top dogs, think Strickland or Adesanya but with Bellator’s flavor of grit.
Fabian Edwards and Costello van Steenis bring their own heat too.
Welterweight (up-to 170 lbs / 77 kg)
Welterweight is considered the toughest Bellator division. Seriously.
In this division you’ve got Jason Jackson, Logan Storley, and Goiti Yamauchi with different styles but all sick. It’s the same limit as UFC’s welterweight, but the vibe here is scrappier. Less fame but more fight.
Lightweight (up-to 155 lbs / 70 kg)
Now in lightweight we’re talking fireworks.
155 pounds is the sweet spot for speed and knockout power.
This division is ruled by Usman Nurmagomedov who is Khabib’s cousin and he’s a monster in this division due to its speed, agility and power.
If you add Alexander Shabliy and Tofiq Musayev in this division, here you go, you have got chaos. Fast and slick moves and some of the thrillest fights you will see in MMA.
Featherweight (up-to 145 lbs / 66 kg)
Fast hands. Sharp kicks. Smart moves.
Patrício “Pitbull” Freire is the face of this division and honestly, of Bellator itself.
Moreover, he’s won titles in multiple divisions, something very few fighters ever pull off.
Throw in Aaron Pico and Adam Borics and Boom, instant chaos. That division? Feels like a highlight reel just waiting to explode and you are walking on it.
Bantamweight (up-to 135 lbs / 61 kg)
Small gloves but big attitude.
Patchy Mix is a star of this show, but not without competition.
Magomed Magomedov and Raufeon Stots are always chasing that belt.
Additionally, it’s fast-paced, technical, and every second counts.However, many say Bellator’s 135ers could hold their own against UFC’s best – and honestly, they might be right.
Bellator MMA (Women’s Divisions)
Embed from Getty ImagesFeatherweight (up-to 145 lbs / 66 kg)
Where legends live.
Cris Cyborg dominates in this division.She’s got the kind of power and experience that makes opponents rethink their life choices mid-fight.
And while UFC kinda forgot about this division, Bellator didn’t. however, Bellator MMA Divisions decides to give chance to women over 61kgs .
Flyweight (up-to 125 lbs / 57 kg)
This one is fun. Very fast and technical.
Liz Carmouche still runs this thing like a veteran, and Kana Watanabe and Juliana Velasquez keep things unpredictable. Apparently, people are loving it in terms of Bellator’s women’s flyweight.
As compared to UFC’s, it’s more striking focused, and fans love that.
Bellator vs UFC – What’s the Difference, Really?
Embed from Getty ImagesActually, on the surface, both are looking promotional. But as you go deep, you’ll start to see the differences.
- Divisions:
Bellator keeps it simple 9 in total. On the other hand, UFC has 12. Fewer divisions mean tighter matchups and more familiar rivalries. - Talent Pool:
Sure, UFC has more global stars. But Bellator quietly signs monsters college wrestlers, judo beasts, and international standouts. Their bantamweight and light heavyweight divisions? Seriously underrated. - Fight Structure:
Bellator only runs five-round fights for titles or Grand Prix finals. However, the UFC makes all main events five rounds which sometimes just drags. Bellator keeps it efficient. - Fighter Freedom:
This one’s big.
For instance, Bellator lets fighters cross-promote like competing in Japan’s Rizin. On the other hand, the UFC? Nope. You’re locked in.
Moreover, That flexibility makes Bellator feel a bit more… human.
Why Bellator MMA Divisions Matters
Understanding Bellator MMA Weight Divisions isn’t just for hardcore fans. It’s how you appreciate the fights better and how you see the strategy behind every punch and takedown.
Similarly, from Patchy Mix grinding in bantamweight to Cris Cyborg ruling her throne, every division tells a different story.
And while the global spotlights remain on UFC, Bellator wins the heart, talent, and fighters hungry to prove they belong among the best.
If you’re following MMA in 2025, Bellator isn’t the “other promotion” anymore. It’s part of the main event.
