MMA can gain new weight categories (Photo: Daniel Ramalho/Inovafoto/UFC)
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) approved a project that could revolutionize the world of MMA. Aiming to provide greater protection for the athletes involved in the event, the organization proposed a 10-point plan against the practice of extreme weight cutting. The new rules will debut at UFC 214, which takes place on July 29, in Anaheim (USA).
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Among the main changes suggested by the Commission are the creation of four more weight categories, a second official weigh-in on the day of the event and a larger fine for athletes who fail the scale. MMA organizations such as the UFC, Bellator and Invicta FC supported the package of changes in the state, demonstrating their concern for the health of athletes.
“Stakeholders (MMA organizations) were involved in this process. I can say with certainty that fight promoters agree that extreme weight cutting is a big problem as well. This is not just one-sided. This is a problem for them, this is a problem for the entire industry,” said Andy Foster, executive director of CSAC.
However, although companies agree with the new rules, they should not be implemented immediately. Bellator, for example, sent a letter requesting the gradual implementation of the new weight divisions.
Andy also explained that another change would be in monitoring the fighter's weight cut. In this case, the athletes would have to weigh themselves 30 days and 10 days before the confrontation. This way, it could be assessed whether they are in the safe category for weight cutting the day before the fight.
“If we have a fighter signed for the lightweight division (up to 70kg), but they weigh 88kg a month before, then perhaps it is time for the promoter, the doctors, to analyze and question whether it really is the ideal category”, he concluded. Foster.
Check out the 10-point plan approved by CSAC below:
1) Request that MMA fighters select the lowest weight category to compete in. Ask questions about weight cutting and dehydration so that you are approved to compete. The chosen room must be declared safe by a doctor;
2) A fighter who fails the official weigh-in is fined 20% of his purse, with 10% going to the Commission and 10% to his opponent. In addition to a 20% discount on the prize bonus, in case of victory, with the money going in full to the opponent;
3) Four additional weight classes – 165 pounds (74,8kg), 175 pounds (79,4kg), 195 pounds (88,5kg) and 225 pounds (102,1kg) – to give athletes more options;
4) Policy changes to how fights are approved, with an emphasis on the appropriate weight category;
5) Weight category restrictions for fighters who fail to weigh in more than once. These athletes may be required to compete in a higher division until a doctor certifies it is appropriate and the Committee approves;
6) Continue the weigh-in procedure earlier, on the eve of the fight, to allow fighters maximum time to rehydrate;
7) A second weight check on the day of the event, to ensure that fighters have not gained back more than 10% of their body weight. Athletes who gain excessive weight may be asked to move to a higher weight category;
8) Check dehydration by specific gravity of urine and/or physical by CSAC doctors.
9) Recommendation of a 30-day and 10-day-before weight check for “high-level title fights,” similar to those done by some boxing organizations;
10) Examination and education for matchmakers, event promoters, coaches and athletes in offering, accepting and contracting fights.
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