The Tale of the Scale (Cutting Weight)

Mac Danzig’s dominant victory over Tommy Speer in The Ultimate Fighter season 6 finale was far from unexpected. As a veteran well rounded fighter, many expected him to out-strike and out-grapple the ginger haired farm boy. Yet in spite of Danzig’s clear advantage in MMA technique, there were many who believed Speer’s massive size and strength would overcome the humming-bird loving vegan. Newbie followers to MMA might ask how such a disparity could occur between two 170 lb welter weight fighters. The truth of the matter is that a fighter’s weight class status can go out the door after the 24 hour pre fight official weigh in.

Now in theory the notion of separating fighters into weight classes ensures a fair fight. Although it might be interesting to imagine a fight between light weight Kenny Florian and the light heavy weight giant Tim Sylvia, that tale of tape will never be featured. Those of us who remember being picked on by that tubby bully in grade school know first hand how differences in weight can skew a fight.

When fighters enter the ring their bodies rarely reflect the weigh in of the previous day. In order to gain a size and strength advantage, it is common practice for these athletes to “cut weight.” This process involves rapid body water loss that results in a physiological state known as hypohdration. Essentially this is the step down the ladder after dehydration. Almost no fat loss is achieved in this way. Since our bodies are mostly made up of water, it’s possible to shed many pounds of water weight in just a few days. Common practices for weight cutting involve the restriction of calories and fluids, over exercising in extreme heat with layers of clothing, or even the use of laxatives and diuretics. Followers of TUF season 5 will remember Gabe Rudiger’s desperate and ultimately failed efforts in the sauna to make weight for his preliminary fight.

Once a competitor manages to excrete 10 or 20 lbs of water, he has a full 24 hours to regain those additional pounds. During that time he rehydrates and eats to prepare for the upcoming brawl. This process means that a fighter’s true weight may not be regulated. But more importantly to consider are serious side effects that might influence the fighter’s performance and health.

Research indicates that it may take up to 48 hours for an athlete to properly rehydrate. The recovery time depends on the duration of the dehydrated state. The longer the body has been dehydrated, the longer the recovery. In addition, Weight loss from laxative or diuretic use will take longer to overcome than weight loss from exercise.

Studies on the influence of dehydration on athletic performance show a clear reduction in muscle strength and a decrease in aerobic capacity. Significant decreases in endurance performance are also common. In order for the body to return to a normal healthy condition, muscle protein is broken down to create energy for repair. While these factors may prove to be unfavorable to fight performance, the health effects are even more important to consider. Impaired kidney function may result and blood will not filter properly. Electrolyte imbalances cause impaired muscle function, and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) is possible. Severe cases involve damage to the immune system and the pancreas, as well as an altered hormonal status. Many sport organizations like the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians recommend that fighters weigh in both 24 hours and 1 hour before competitions to encourage healthy weight management techniques that do not involve rapid weight loss.

The sport of mixed martial arts does not come without risks. Injuries are expected and dealt with. But for those young fighters who dream of a long term career, attention to healthy weight management is essential. Just as Danzig showed Speer in his UFC debut at a true 168 lbs, having a 10, 20 or 30 lb size advantage coupled with all the risks of cutting weight is no match well oiled technique. Let’s hope that he continues to maintain this healthy lifestyle as he drops down to the 155 lb division.