Today we look into how, the why and the risks of fighters cutting weight fast. This is common practice throughout almost all combat sports. Boxing, MMA, jiujitsu and so on. This post is for information purposes only and these methods should only be used with backing of medical professionals.
Why do fighters cut weight?
Before we get how fighters cut weight it’s worth considering why they do this? The simplest reason is to be as heavy as possible on the night to gain a weight advantage on the opponent. Essentially fighters will drain themselves to unnatural levels and then rehydrate once the weight has been recorded. In most sports the weigh in is the day before which presents an opportunity for fighters. It has been known for fighters to come in 30lbs heavier the next day which can be 4 weight classes in boxing!
How fighters cut weight – methods
Sauna
This one is one of the most simple but effective ways for a fighter to cut weight fast. As fight week approaches fighters reduce water intake and use the sauna not as a means of recovery but as a method to shed more lbs. Some fighters will wear specially designed suits to wear whilst in the sauna because 175° just isn’t enough for some people.. What this does is cause the fighter to sweat drawing water out from the body which can be easily replaced after weigh in.
Diet
In the run up to a fight optimal nutrition is king.. but not at the week of the fight. Cutting weight has become a fine art which some fighters have mastered. Many fighters will change up their diet to exclude sodium (salt) as this can hold excess water in the body. How some fighters cut weight is to simply cut out eating entirely. (this is not recommended) Some opt for an ice-cube diet which is literally eating ice. (also not recommended)
Carding
Sauna and diet just isn’t enough for some fighters. Another lesser known method how fighters cut weight is ‘Carding’ Essentially it’s another method of drawing moisture from the body. Depleting the body of water and therefore weight. This method is usually done post sauna/salt bath to draw out water. The scraping with the card is done before any water can be absorbed by the skin.
The risks fighters have with cutting weight
There is many things a fighter should consider when trying to cut weight. It ultimately depends on the scale of which a fighter does this. Some can be overly drained and not at their best. Others can collapse at weigh ins. One of the biggest things to consider when cutting weight though is the risk of brain injury is significantly increased. Cerebrospinal fluid is heavily reduced when dehydrated and in studies sometimes takes weeks to re-hydrate to a normal level. Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid around the brain between it and the skull. When this fluid is reduced the brain takes more direct impact causing more damage than a hydrated person.
With nearly all fighters now doing this it has just become a normal part of camp for so many. Even amatuer fighters are cutting weight to gain every advantage they can.
Worst weight cuts in history
There’s a few to mention but these two are my favorite examples.
Kevin Lee had one of the toughest weight cuts of his whole career. Saying that it nearly killed him, he missed weight at first, however managed to cut the rest of the weight, to make the limit. However, in cutting so much weight he him gassed out and ultimately lost by submission to Tony Ferguson.
Renan Barao had it worse though. In an attempt to cut weight he passed out hitting his head on a bathtub and being forced out of the contest.
Biggest weight cut of all time
One of the biggest lightweight in UFC history, Gleison Tibau has been known to cut almost 30lbs to make the 155-pound lightweight limit. The massive weight cuts have benefited Tibau, who manhandled Neer at UFC 104 to take a unanimous decision. It was a similar result against Caol Uno who was dwarfed by Tibau’s size, strength and power being stopped in the first round. Tibau has been lucky and hasn’t faced any negative consequences as a result of this practice unlike many others.
Do all fighters cut weight?
Luckily for heavyweights not having an upper weight limit these fighters get no advantage in cutting weight. This seems to be the only exception though some fighters only cut 4-5lbs but within all sports there is no clear example of any fighter that doesn’t cut weight. Some organizations such as One championship have implemented rehydration clauses which prevents fighters cutting too much in the name of safety. I hope other organizations follow suit to prevent fighters taking unnecessary damage.
Unnatural methods of loosing weight
Welcome to the dark side. Unfortunately we know some fighters cheat, winning means everything. Some do not care for consequences to them or any around them. Clenbuterol seems to be the most common drug used for boxers and mma fighters to cut fast. Not only does Clenbuterol help cut weight fast it also helps build muscle tissue which in turn makes burning calories easier.
The most famous positive for clen in recent years is non other than boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. He blamed ‘Tainted meat’ from Mexico for the positive result and subsequent tests shown negative markers. Boxers have been using clen for years and it is known that many in the sport use these drugs and have cycling them out to near undetectable levels.
Now you know..
You know how fighters cut weight, you know why fighters cut weight too. What do you think about it? I personally believe that big organizations such as the UFC should lead the way in making a positive change in combat sport. All organizations should be implementing rehydration clauses and and handing out harsh punishment for those who do not comply. Fighting is a dirty sport but we love it and that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be cleaned up.
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