Glossary: Open Weight vs. Absolute Weight Divisions/Classes

Open Weight refers to a weight division where there is no upper boundary. By definition, this is the heaviest weight class. In boxing, this is the heavyweight division, for fighters over 200#.

The Absolute Class or the Absolute Division refers to a competition having no weight restrictions. That is, a 150# fighter could find themselves up against a 350# fighter. The most famous Absolute Division is in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club's where the winner of the yearly Absolute Division tournament is considered to be the best submission grappler in the world. Old-timers may also be nostalgic for the original UFCs.

Public Domain photo from Library of Congress