UFC Weight Cutting: Change Before Death?
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UFC weight cutting can be an unforgiving beast. A lot of fighters cut anywhere from 10-15lbs to make weight and in extreme circumstances, sometimes even 20lbs, 30lbs, or more.
The main way to cut weight is by drawing water out of the body via exercising wearing sweat-suits or thick layers of clothing. But there are also more high-tech options like Saunas that are used. Often times, a fighter will do a little bit of everything to get down to weight, and it’s known to be a very dangerous process that’s hard on the body and can even result in death. Sometimes fighters will even go on record mentioning they require year-round help by a nutritionist to aid in their UFC weight cutting. Adjusting what they eat every day in order to make their chosen weight class on weigh-ins day.
What’s so bad about UFC weight cutting?
While it’s not designed to be dangerous, the current state of UFC weight cutting just is, in general. There’s no restriction on how much weight a fighter can cut, and this has proven to almost be too tempting for some.
First, you have to understand why weight is cut in the first place. Basically, it’s kind of like this: If you weigh 180lbs normally, you could easily cut 10lbs and make the 170lbs division. You’d probably be facing bigger opponents or opponents the same size as you though. Let’s say you cut more weight though, and made the 155lbs division. Then you’d probably be a freak of that weight class in size and reach. You’d have a huge advantage, for the most part. However, you’d also be taking the most risk.
That’s why fighters walk a fine line when it comes to UFC weight cutting. Everybody’s doing it, so you have to too. There are a few athletes who don’t cut weight, but historically this is usually in the heavyweight division. Stipe Miocic is one such mixed martial artist, and he sometimes hits the scale almost 40lbs under the heavyweight limit of 265lbs.
There’s also a monetary penalty that is applied to a fighter who misses weight as well. In the UFC it’s 20% of everything gained. So for a guy or gal making $25k to show and $25k to win, if they win and get the full $50k: they lose $10k of that money. It also should be noted too: fans, media, and fighters alike seem to unanimously agree the penalty should be even greater. Which would surely increase the chance people risk injury or death to make weight, even more.
Some of the Scariest Instances of UFC Weight Cutting
Cris Cyborg
One of the most savage fighters of all time, reduced to sobbing and moaning in a tub. If that doesn’t paint a picture and demonstrate the brutality of UFC weight cutting, nothing will.
Cris Cyborg is a phenom. A champion in the UFC, Bellator, and Invicta FC, Cyborg has solidified herself as one of the greatest to ever grace Women’s MMA. She’s an example of someone who endures almost literal torture to make weight, but still has gone on and accomplished greatness.
Renan Barao Hospitalized Ahead of UFC 170
Back in 2014, Renan Barao and TJ Dillashaw were scheduled to fight when Barao grew ill during his weight cut to 135lbs. Brett Okamoto of ESPN had the quotes from Dana White regarding this:
“He was cutting weight and he fainted,” White said. “They got freaked out and they did the right thing. They called an ambulance to come get him. You’ve got enough money to get a real nutritionist in there to watch what you’re eating. Guys have to start doing this the right way or don’t cut weight. Move up to 145 (pounds). But it’s part of the sport, things like this are going to happen.”
Barao escaped the situation with his life but did suffer some significant career setbacks due to this including missing out on a rematch for the bantamweight title.
Julija Stoliarenko Faints on Scale
In another instance highlighting the extremities athletes push themselves to, Julija Stoliarenko feinted not once but twice ahead of her fight with Julia Avlia. The fight was canceled and Stoliarenko could be seen getting stretchered off soon after.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Struggles with 155lbs
Another example of dedication to the game is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s history with the 155lbs division. He almost died trying to make weight to fight Tony Ferguson and had to be hospitalized. He failed to make it against Abel Trujillo in 2013, but after that never missed the mark again.
Nurmagomedov was thought to be more of a natural welterweight but stayed in the lightweight division until he retired after beating Justin Gaethje in 2020.
What are some of your scariest memories of UFC weight cutting? Should the UFC implement something like ONE FC’s “hydration tests” to better protect the fighters? Leave your thoughts below in the comments!
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