Weight Cutting Solution

[bubbleboyjones]

By definition the purpose of weight classes are to match competitors against others of their own size. Since weight cutting is an encouraged loophole it's common for events where we see guys/girls who can't exploit the current system correctly and end up missing weight and/or putting their health in serious jeopardy like when Khabib went to the hospital due to a weight cut. We are going to continue to see fights fall out, fights mismatched and possible fighter deaths if this doesn't change.

Solving this isn't rocket science and it's far more easy to police then the current PED situation with USDA which is a shitshow. It's actually relatively easy to solve with three main points;

1. Redefine weight classes - by adding 20 lbs to each weight class(LW 155lbs becomes 175lbs)

2. Ban weight cutting - by conducting fight night weigh-ins as a last min check and random hydration tests

3. Fighters are assigned to weight classes and cannot change weight classes without getting approved

• All fighters are assigned to a weight class. Essentially all fighters essentially stay put in their current division and all current champs retain titles at same divisions. If for some reason a fighter protests that they cannot compete in the current class despite the 20lb then they have to move up a weight class. No exceptions.

• Since fighters are assigned to weight classes they must get approval to change weight classes going forward. This means if Darren Till decides in a year that he sees there is a 175lb LW division and he can exploit this by cutting weight and competing there he first must get approval from a board which would do body composition and hydration tests and will easily determine he can't compete there unless he does something drastic like drop muscle mass.

• No weight cutting is allow.

• Official weigh ins will be like normal the day before the fight.

• Fighters are weighed in right before the walkout on fight night and random hydration tests conducted to test for cheating. If a fighter is found to be over the weight limit a stiff penalty will occur. Every pound over will be 10% of total fight earnings to be paid to the opponent. In addition the fighter who misses weight will be banned from competing at that weight class for 1 year and must move up in weight and apply to get approved to move back down. Any additional infractions will results in multiple year bans.

Sample Men's scenario

FW = 145 lbs
BW = 155 lbs
FW = 165 lbs
LW = 175 lbs
WW = 190 lbs
MW = 205 lbs
LHW = 225 lbs
HW = 285 lbs

 

[Sansnom]

I think I've seen at least 20 weight cut solution threads today. I'm sure there's like 5 on the first page only.

 

[tjnickels]

I think I've seen at least 20 "Weight cut solution" threads today.

Everyone knows sherbros are experts on all things scientific and weight cutting.

 

[bubbleboyjones]

You could have just said it straightaway. That's your whole point anyway.

Well no you have to figure out how to implement it and the current system you can't.

 

[Commando]

Do away with the weight classes and realize the dream of the alligator moat. You’re welcome.

 

[Darwinambrosius]

Jesus Christ, it's not that big of a deal.

 

[smiles mma]

Derp, I think derp derp derp. Fuck off mouth breather.

 

[bubbleboyjones]

Do away with the weight classes and realize the dream of the alligator moat. You’re welcome.

 

[FlyingDeathKick]

One FC already came up with the solution, you just typed all that for nothing.

 

[Katsumi Yamada]

By definition the purpose of weight classes are to match competitors against others of their own size. Since weight cutting is an encouraged loophole it's common for events where we see guys/girls who can't exploit the current system correctly and end up missing weight and/or putting their health in serious jeopardy like when Khabib went to the hospital due to a weight cut. We are going to continue to see fights fall out, fights mismatched and possible fighter deaths if this doesn't change.

Solving this isn't rocket science and it's far more easy to police then the current PED situation with USDA which is a shitshow. It's actually relatively easy to solve with three main points;

1. Redefine weight classes - by adding 20 lbs to each weight class(LW 155lbs becomes 175lbs)

2. Ban weight cutting - by conducting fight night weigh-ins as a last min check and random hydration tests

3. Fighters are assigned to weight classes and cannot change weight classes without getting approved

• All fighters are assigned to a weight class. Essentially all fighters essentially stay put in their current division and all current champs retain titles at same divisions. If for some reason a fighter protests that they cannot compete in the current class despite the 20lb then they have to move up a weight class. No exceptions.

• Since fighters are assigned to weight classes they must get approval to change weight classes going forward. This means if Darren Till decides in a year that he sees there is a 175lb LW division and he can exploit this by cutting weight and competing there he first must get approval from a board which would do body composition and hydration tests and will easily determine he can't compete there unless he does something drastic like drop muscle mass.

• No weight cutting is allow.

• Official weigh ins will be like normal the day before the fight.

• Fighters are weighed in right before the walkout on fight night and random hydration tests conducted to test for cheating. If a fighter is found to be over the weight limit a stiff penalty will occur. Every pound over will be 10% of total fight earnings to be paid to the opponent. In addition the fighter who misses weight will be banned from competing at that weight class for 1 year and must move up in weight and apply to get approved to move back down. Any additional infractions will results in multiple year bans.

Sample Men's scenario

FW = 145 lbs
BW = 155 lbs
FW = 165 lbs
LW = 175 lbs
WW = 190 lbs
MW = 205 lbs
LHW = 225 lbs
HW = 285 lbs

View attachment 385459

Agree with point 2 and 3.
1 is unnecessary.

 

[bubbleboyjones]

Agree with point 2 and 3.
1 is unnecessary.

You have to keep point 1 because no one can make the current weight classes and it would be a cluster fuck of shifting divisions.

For example who is going to fight at flyweight? No of those guys will be able to make 125lbs. The division would be axed as would bantamweight since Mighty Mouse can't even make 135lbs without a cut.

Same thing with LHW.....It would mean all LHWs would be forced into HW(which could be fun)

 

[Katsumi Yamada]

You have to keep point 1 because no one can make the current weight classes and it would be a cluster fuck of shifting divisions

It will be a cluster fuck no matter what, but it has to be done.
Not everyone is cutting the same amount of weight. Not everyone would prefer to increase by exactly 20lbs. Many would choose to diet differently and stay in their class.
20lb would not be enough for some giants.

One championship implemented something very close to what you are suggesting a few yrs ago and simply shifted the weight divisions up by 1 (i.e. LW became 170 WW >185 etc)
LHW was shifted to 225.

 

[bubbleboyjones]

It will be a cluster fuck no matter what, but it has to be done.
Not everyone is cutting the same amount of weight. Not everyone would prefer to increase by exactly 20lbs. Many would choose to diet differently and stay in their class.
20lb would not be enough for some giants.

One championship implemented something very close to what you are suggesting a few yrs ago and simply shifted the weight divisions up by 1 (i.e. LW became 170 WW >185 etc)
LHW was shifted to 225.

20lbs covers majority of fighters which is why you would want to use that number. Obviously a final number could be played around with but most of the divisions are covered within a 20lb window. Shifting weight divisions won't work as majority of fighters weigh above the next division. Easiest way is to just refined the divisions weights.