Mixed Martial Arts, popularly known as MMA, is a sport that requires precision, strength, and strategies, among other things. One of the major aspects that tends to influence an athlete’s performance in this sport happens to be their weight class. If you’re into this form of sport, you must have heard various fighters talk about “cutting weight” prior to any fight. But what does that really mean, and why is that so important?
Understanding why weight classes are important empowers one to appreciate the sport and the athletes within it better. If you’re feeling confident in your knowledge of the fighters and their classes, you can try placing a bet and test your insight on the next big match. However, if you are still not sure in your knowledge but want to test your luck, click here to try out some simpler options.
Why Weight Classes Matter
The classes make sure the match-ups are fair and competitive in combat sports such as MMA. Imagine taking a heavyweight fighter and placing them in the lightweight division—which is not only about strength but also about safety. A heavier-weight fighter normally contains more muscle mass, more power, and the ability to absorb more damage.
The purpose of weight classes is to create evenly matched fights so that skills, techniques, and strategies come to the fore in MMA fighting. Knowing that both fighters are on equal footing, more or less, in size and strength will make fights more thrilling to watch.
The Art and Science of Cutting Weight
Cutting weight describes the process through which fighters go to get rid of excess pounds prior to a weigh-in, enabling them to compete in a specific class. For sure, the idea is to weigh in at the maximum allowed mass for their class, ensuring they have a size advantage when they step into the cage.
Most fighters are heavier by nature than their fighting weight. So, to make up to the limit, they go through such hectic weight-cutting protocols. But this isn’t simply a matter of skipping a few meals; it’s elaborate, concerning diet, hydration management, and sometimes extreme measures.
Fighters usually start the process of cutting weight some weeks in advance of the fight itself. They usually start by gradually reducing their intake of calories and adjusting their diet to where fat is burned off instead of muscle. A typical weight cut is a high-protein, low-carb diet that allows fighters to shed fat without sacrificing strength.
But as fight week approaches, the true struggle begins. This is when the fighters limit their water intake, curtail the use of sodium, and start employing various forms of sweating, such as sitting in a sauna or donning a sweatsuit during training sessions.
Risks and Rewards of Cutting Weight
But while cutting weight is thought to give one an advantage, the process carries some risks: extreme health complications arising from rapid loss of mass through dehydration, including electrolyte imbalances, kidney problems, and even heart complications.
In return, though, the reward can be quite great. Being able to successfully cut the weight allows the fighter to regain some of the lost pounds following the weigh-in and oftentimes leaves them heavier and more powerful on fight night than their opponent. The resulting size advantage can translate to more force being utilized when strikes are thrown, great capability to control the grappling exchanges, and an overall psychological edge.
Weight Maintenance Between Fights
For most fighters, the struggle is far from over once a fight is complete. Their weight will determine how healthy they are between fights and their long-term health and success. Staying within a reasonable percentage of their fighting weight can make future mass loss easier and less stressful. This alone greatly reduces the risk of long-term health issues associated with yo-yo dieting and extreme changes in weight.
A disciplined off-season lifestyle is key. Nowadays, many fighters use a balanced diet combined with regular training on non-fight days. The idea is to keep them in shape and away from drastic weight cuts when the fight gets booked. A stable weight is not only a plus for physical health but also supports mental well-being. The fighter does not need to go through the anxiety of an extreme weight cut every time they prepare for a fight.