The Weight Cutting Chronicles: UFC Vegas

Aalon Cruz and Spike Carlyle, UFC Norfolk
Aalon Cruz and Spike Carlyle, UFC Norfolk ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press

Spike “The Alpha Ginger” Carlyle (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

Featherweight (145lbs): 1-0 (UFC), 1-1 (MMA)

Catchweight (150lbs): Upcoming Bout at UFC Apex, 2-0 (MMA)

Lightweight (155lbs) 5-0 (MMA)

One could assume that Spike Carlyle is the majority of the reason that this bout is taking place at a catchweight of 150lbs. Spike has moved between the featherweight and lightweight weight classes a lot but has definitely had the majority of his bouts at 155lbs.

Spike Carlyle is 5’8″ and has a 71″ reach, he is 27 years old. Carlyle really has a medium-heavy muscular/ stocky build. Carlyle is an extremely heavy hitter and that’s even more evident in the featherweight division.

Billy Quarantillo (13-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

Featherweight (145lbs): 2-0 (UFC), (including Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series bout, 4-1 (MMA)

Catchweight (150lbs): Upcoming Bout at UFC Apex, 2-0 (MMA)

Lightweight (155lbs):  1-1 (UFC TUF S22), Competed on the Ultimate Fighter Season 22, 4-0 (MMA)

Billy Quarantillo has moved between lightweight and featherweight for most of his career outside of the UFC and had multiple catchweight bouts between the weight classes. Quarantillo also has had a catchweight bout at 160lbs before he entered the UFC.

Quarantillo is 5’10” and has a 70″ reach, he is 31 years old and has been in the sport fighting solid competition for a while. Quarantillo told us during the UFC Vegas media day that he wasn’t too concerned about Carlyle being bigger, but had little choice in taking the bout if he wanted to fight. Still, it’s nice to see fighters agree on not completely draining their bodies before a fight especially during a time where the world is reeling from a pandemic.