How Do UFC Fighters Cut Weight?

You have surely come across news of renowned athletes across the world cutting weight. But ever wondered what it is all about or how they do it? Is it the same as reality stars shedding weight to fit into a dress? Well, put simply, weight cutting can be defined as a fighter or athlete reducing their body weight before an event to compete in a smaller division. Most frequently spotted in combat sports like wrestling, boxing, MMA, and Judo, the practice has its basis in fighters attempting to qualify to compete in a lower weight class and re-hydrating back to their original weight before the fight.

The practice of weight-cutting is highly dangerous as there have been instances of fighters losing their lives with cuts that went too far. One of the most famous examples of weight cutting in the UFC is Conor McGregor whose gaunt appearance in his featherweight days caused many eyebrows to be raised at the extreme changes in his physique. And, so let’s take a look at what the process of weight cutting looks like and why it’s considered to be the toughest part of fighting by many athletes!

UFC fighters cut weight by dehydration and severe caloric restriction amongst other methods

Weight cutting in MMA includes methods like dehydration, fasting, sweating in the sauna and specially designed suits, and even extreme measures in some cases like vomiting or donating blood! The process of cutting weight usually starts months before a fight when athletes start cutting calories and intensifying workouts.

Usually, during the time off between fight camps, many fighters walk around at weights significantly higher than what they compete at.  Removing excess water weight is the final stage of a weight cut, often achieved through extreme sweating methods like sitting in salt baths or jogging in heavy clothing.

Some even resort to laxatives to force out water weight, despite the severe health risks and competition bans on the practice. Despite the dangers, fighters engage in weight cutting to gain a size advantage, as they can rehydrate and step into the cage significantly bigger than what they weighed in at.

In an interview with Men’s Journal in 2022, George Lockhart, a former fighter and nutrition expert stated, “Some guys are really damaging their metabolic systems. Later on down the road, their metabolic systems are going to shut down.”

He also revealed that “As little as 3% dehydration equates to a 30% decrease in performance. You’re starting to pull things from your major organs.” For fighters, missing weight can result in financial penalties and future career setbacks, among the health problems inherent in the practice.

Read More: Losing 30 lbs for UFC 300, Kayla Harrison Explains the Difficulties in Her Weight Cut While Shutting Down Holly Holm’s Controversial Claim

In conclusion, weight-cutting persists in MMA due to the belief in its competitive advantage, despite its inherent dangers. However, according to Joe Rogan, there might be a possible solution to the issue.

Joe Rogan wants to address the issue of cutting weight with more options for fighters

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has been vocal against weight-cutting for a significant period. During a conversation with Andy Stumpf on the episode no. 1996 of the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast, Rogan had stated, “Some of these guys at 155 like Charles Oliveira, he is f*cking huge like how are you 155? Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, those guys are big. Those guys are like 190 plus. Michael Chandler, he is like pushing 200 pounds. … They suck themselves down.”

He also pointed out in the same conversation that fighters “suck themselves down” to compete in the 155 lbs weight class. But a possible solution to the problem was shared in another episode of the podcast, the JRE MMA show no. 154, where Rogan posed the question, “Do you think there should be more weight classes?”

As such, former UFC fighter, Matt Sera revealed that, “I think they should have been back in fu** 2001. 155 was f*cking hard for me man. I was a Gollum on that fu** scale.”

As the debate continues, the UFC faces the challenge of addressing weight cutting in MMA while balancing athlete safety and competitive fairness. The future of weight cutting in the sport remains uncertain, with potential changes to weight divisions yet to be implemented.

Do you think weight-cutting should be removed from the UFC and other MMA promotions? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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