Atomweight (MMA)

The atomweight division in mixed martial arts generally refers to competitors weighing less than 48 kg (105.8 lb), depending on the promotion. It sits below the heavier strawweight division and is the lightest weight class widely recognized within MMA. The atomweight division in mixed martial arts is used almost exclusively for Women's MMA.

Ambiguity

In general, atomweight refers to competitors weighing less than 48 kg (105.8 lb), but the exact weight differs per promotion. Fight Matrix classifies fighters at 110.9 lbs (50.3 kg) and under as atomweight.

History

Mina Kurobe vs. Seo Hee Ham for the inaugural Road FC Women's Atomweight Championship, 2017

Deep Jewels regularly holds contests at 47.6 kg and circulates a championship title. A tournament took place that culminated on December 17, 2011 at Jewels 17th Ring, where Naho Sugiyama defeated both Kikuyo Ishikawa and Misaki Takimoto on the same night to win the inaugural championship. Although now titled the atomweight class, the division was previously known as the featherweight class until May 2015.

Invicta held their inaugural atomweight title fight on October 6, 2012. The contest saw Jessica Penne defeating Naho Sugiyama by triangle choke in the second round.

ONE Championship held their inaugural atomweight championship title match on May 6, 2016. The fight saw Angela Lee defeat Mei Yamaguchi.

Road FC introduced an atomweight championship title on June 10, 2017. The match saw Seo Hee Ham defeat Mina Kurobe by TKO in the third round.

Shooto introduced an atomweight championship via a tournament that culminated on November 27, 2022, where Chihiro Sawada defeated Yuki Ono.

Professional champions

Current champions

Organization Reign began Champion Record Defenses
Deep Jewels June 2, 2021 Saori Oshima 10–3 (1KO 6SUB) 1
Invicta FC N/A Vacant N/A N/A
ONE Championship September 30, 2023 Stamp Fairtex 11–2 (5KO 2SUB) 0
Road FC September 4, 2021 Yu Ri Shim 6–3 (2KO 1SUB) 0
Shooto November 27, 2022 Chihiro Sawada 3-0–1 (1SUB) 0

See also