The UFC is first out of the gate in an attempt to bring pro sports back this month, with UFC 249 going down this weekend.
Like it or not, weight-cutting is deeply rooted in mixed martial arts. MMA adopted its weight-cutting from the sport of wrestling, where it is presumed to be very advantageous to be the biggest and strongest in your weight class. Known as the ‘fight before the fight,’ most UFC fighters cut anywhere from 5-25 pounds, with some fighters even in excess of 30 pounds.
Weight-cutting is the ultimate test of discipline and willpower. Many fighters in the sport consider it very unprofessional to miss weight. In this series, we will shine a light on fighters who cut a massive amount of weight, who have missed weight multiple times in the past, who have made weight-class changes, along with how the weight-cut and weigh-in could affect possible upcoming match-ups. Basically, every aspect of weight-cutting and how it affects the fight game.
Cutting weight is completely unhealthy and leaves the body’s immune system more susceptible to contracting a virus or infectious disease. With the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting the entire world, these fighters will be putting themselves in extremely vulnerable positions not just the night of the fight, but on weigh-in day. And the days leading up to it as well. A special note for one half of the main event, Tony Ferguson, for cutting weight for the original fight date on April 18th. Ferguson was originally slated to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight championship before the entire world fell apart due to the coronavirus. Tony proceeded to cut weight anyways, showing both his opponent and future opponents that he is truly always game and ready to go. This early weight cut could potentially have a negative effect on his performance at UFC 249 as Ferguson’s two weigh-ins are just 20 days apart.
“Championship🥇Weight” Official Weight: 155lbs #ufc249 Recovery🌱Dayze An Do It Again, Practice Weight Cut Complete ✔️ @vitagoods Scale On Point 💯 Tool🧰Box, Many Thanks To All My Supporters 💪🕶 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/hBEwqfRgXp
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 17, 2020
