If ever you’ve wondered about the weight class difference between ADCC and Worlds, then here they are. Below, we have compiled the different weight classes and the connotations they have for competitors in each weight bracket. For those wondering, we didn’t bother to compare no gi Worlds with ADCC as we focused solely on the two biggest and most prestigious competitions in the world, in terms of reputation at least.
Whilst this may be up for debate by some and no gi Worlds is still hugely prestigious, most people are in agreement that the main two competitions are ADCC and gi Worlds in terms of popularity.
Table of Contents
ADCC Weight classes
Men:
65.9 kg
76.9 kg
87.9 kg
98.9 kg
+ 99 kg
Absolute (any weight)
Thoughts
The men’s weight divisions are generally quite realistic in terms of competition. With 5 different weights to compete at, there should be a category for most people to feel comfortable with. Whilst there are some good competitors who compete under 60KG, most of these can easily put on 5KG of weight and compete at the top end of the 65.9KG category. With this said, the weight categories aren’t an issue for men and it’s evenly spread.
Women:
60KG
+60KG
Thoughts
When women’s grappling wasn’t as popular these two categories probably made more sense. For instance, back in the 90’s you probably wouldn’t find many female competitors doing ADCC compared to today. Not only this but in general, women’s grappling and BJJ are still far less popular than male grappling which can be seen at a typical gym. These usually have far more male members.
However, in 2020, the idea of having only two weight categories for women seems absurd. This is made more bizarre by the fact that Gabi Garcia has dominated the 60KG + category in recent times, winning 4 out of 5 gold medals over the course of her past 5 ADCC competitions. On the one hand, you can’t knock Garcia as it’s not her fault.
However, there is often a massive weight disparity between her and her opponents. With this said, there is probably room for at least a third category. Like the men’s, you could have a 55KG, 65KG and 65KG and 75KG + categories. This would make the women’s divisions more competitive. As said, women’s grappling is popular enough to justify this in the modern age.
Worlds (gi)
Men:
57.5KG
64KG
70KG
76KG
82.3KG
88.3KG
94.3KG
100.5KG
+100.5KG
Absolutes
Unlike ADCC, there are more weight classes at the Worlds in the gi. Whilst there are 6 divisions at ADCC (including Absolutes), there’s 10 at Worlds. This is because each category goes up every 6KG, as opposed to every 11KG in weight. Because of this, those competing at Worlds can be pickier about their weight as there are lots of options to choose from.
Women:
48.5KG
53.5KG
58.5KG
64KG
69KG
74KG
79.3KG
+ 79.3KG
Again, the Worlds (gi) has a lot more options for weight classes for women. Whilst there are only 2 categories for women to fight at in ADCC, there’s 8 at Worlds. This means if you are 65KG, the heaviest woman you would compete against is 69KG, whereas at ADCC if you’re 65KG, you could possibly compete against a 100KG woman which is a possibility. Because of this, there’s more diversity in terms of different female champions at Worlds.
Summary
Overall, it seems that both competitions have figured it out in terms of putting on exciting displays of grappling. Having said this, the white elephant in the room is the women’s weight category at ADCC. Whilst it could be argued the weight can be nullified with the allowance of heel hooks, the proof speaks for itself with the dominance of Gabi Garcia who physically dominates and out-weighs her opponents massively.
Interestingly, ADCC is often open to new ideas and there have been calls for at least one other women’s weight division for years, so with this in mind it may only be a matter of time until a new weight category is introduced to make things more competitive.
