For many years, weight-cutting has been a thorn in every fighter’s side. It’s seen as a necessary evil as all competitors take part in the activity. With the dangers becoming more apparent as time goes on, is it time for a change?
What Is Weight Cutting?
In combat sports, athletes are divided into categories based on weight and gender. In order to gain an advantage, fighters will dehydrate and deprive their body of certain foods to make a lower weight class. The idea is to then rehydrate, eat and regain strength for the fight, usually weighing more than the weight class they compete at. Rapid weight loss before weigh-ins usually takes place via a manipulated dehydration process. Fighters will use saunas and hot baths and wear plastic jumpsuits while training to sweat out excess water in the body. The amount of weight fighters cut depends on the individual and how their body responds to the process.
UFC Weight Cut Rules
Although some would describe weight cutting as “sanctioned cheating”, there are rules and regulations in place within the UFC regarding safe weight cutting. These rules differ depending on where events are taking place. For example, California has its own commission (CSAC), which regulates all bouts held in that location, different to Nevada, which has a different commission (NSAC). Events happening outside of America have different rule systems also. Fighters are encouraged to compete in a weight division that is closest to their natural weight, as it reduces unfair advantages and helps prevent rapid weight loss. However, loopholes in the system allow fighters to continue this practice. One recent example of a failed weight cut comes from UFC rising star Khamzat Chimeav. When scheduled to fight Nate Diaz at UFC 279, Khamzat missed weight by 7.5lbsm, indicating a troublesome weight cut.
Sean O Malley Speaks on Weight Cutting
Number 2 bantamweight contender “Sugar” Sean O Malley recently spoke about the dangers of weight cutting and how it affects his physical/ mental health. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, he stated the following “If I fought at my natural weight class, I’d fight at 155. There’s no fu**ing chance that I’m going to go fight Justin Gaethje. Cutting to 135 is hard. You feel like you’re dying. Your heart is pounding, and you 100% are dying. I have to tell my body, ‘you know what we’re doing fight week’. I try and tell myself we’re not going to actually die, but we will feel like it. Obviously, 155lbs would be the easiest cut, but I wish more guys would” (fight closer to their natural weight).
Time For a Change?
Although it is highly viewed that weight-cutting gives fighters a huge advantage, this is not always the case. Sometimes, a fighter is unable to return to their strongest self in the 24hrs leading up to the fight. A recent study shows no difference in the amount of weight lost between winners and losers. Meaning that those who cut 25-30lbs have the same likelihood of winning as those who may cut 15-20lbslbs. Another study found that fighters who lost their fights usually cut more weight than their opponent.
This goes against the common belief that extreme weight cut is the way forward. Advancements in technology and studies like these continue to disprove the narrative that “fighters must cut a drastic amount of weight to have the advantage”. The problem, however, is that for change to happen, everyone must participate. It would require organisations and coaches to monitor safe/ gradual weight cuts and also change the way they are practised as a whole.
With amateur MMA bringing fighters into the sport at a young age, the International MMA Federation (IMAAF) have put measures in place to ensure young fighters are safely cutting weight. This is through a “same day weigh” method where competitors must weigh in a few hours before fighting. Ensuring that no drastic weight cut has taken place, as they would not have ample time to rehydrate if this was the case. Other amateur organisations have adopted the same rules, again to ensure young fighter safety. This same-day weight procedure could help eliminate drastic weight cuts in professional MMA.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Khabib Nurmagomedov
