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Garry: Weight Cuts Harm MMA Fights
16 Aug
Summary
- Weight cutting in MMA is a dangerous process fighters endure.
- Extreme dehydration and water manipulation are used to make limits.
- Fighters may face larger opponents if they don't cut weight.
UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry has described the extreme practice of weight cutting in MMA as "ridiculous," asserting that it diminishes the sport.
Garry explained that the final week of preparation involves intentionally dehydrating the body through drastic water and sodium manipulation, a stark contrast to losing actual body fat.
He highlighted the inherent stress and unnatural demands placed on athletes' bodies during these aggressive cuts, emphasizing the need to minimize physical exertion during the final stages.
The primary driver for weight cutting, Garry noted, is the perceived advantage of facing opponents who are significantly larger on fight night due to rehydration.
This creates an "arms race" where fighters feel compelled to cut weight, even if they dislike the process, to avoid disadvantages.
Garry believes MMA fights would be more exciting and skillful if fighters competed closer to their natural weights, potentially increasing fighter activity and reducing health risks.
However, he acknowledged that the deeply ingrained culture of weight cutting in combat sports makes it difficult to change, suggesting potential regulations on post-weigh-in weight regain as a possible solution.
