What Is the Punishment for Missing Weight in the UFC?

Weight cutting has always been one of the most demanding parts of mixed martial arts, and the UFC enforces strict rules around weigh-ins. Fighters are required to meet specific weight limits for their division, and failure to do so comes with serious consequences.

Non-Title Fight Penalties

When a fighter misses weight in a non-title bout, the fight can still go ahead if the opponent agrees. In these cases, the bout is often contested at what is called a catchweight. However, the fighter who missed weight must pay a financial penalty, usually between 20 to 30 percent of their fight purse, which is given to the opponent. On top of this, they lose eligibility for performance bonuses such as Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night.

Title Fight Consequences

Title fights carry stricter rules. There is no grace margin for being overweight, even by a small fraction. If a challenger misses weight, they cannot win the title even if they win the fight. If a champion misses weight, they can be stripped of their belt before stepping into the octagon. This was seen when Charles Oliveira was stripped of the lightweight title at UFC 274 after failing to make weight by half a pound, leaving the championship vacant despite him winning the fight.

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Real Examples from UFC History

Yoel Romero has missed weight multiple times, including ahead of his fight against Luke Rockhold in 2018. He was fined and the bout was changed to a catchweight fight, but he was not allowed to win the interim title. In another case, Jared Gooden missed weight by six pounds in 2023, resulting in a heavy fine and another catchweight contest. At UFC 319 in 2025, Bryan Battle came in four pounds overweight and was fined 30 percent of his purse.

Sometimes the toll is not just financial but emotional as well. Ailin Perez broke down in tears and shook uncontrollably after missing weight by only half a pound, a reminder of the physical and mental strain these fighters endure during weight cuts.

Broader Impact

Repeated failures to make weight can damage a fighter’s reputation and career. The UFC has released fighters who consistently struggle at weigh-ins, as the promotion views it as both a competitive and professional issue. Beyond money and titles, missing weight affects a fighter’s legacy and credibility.