S. Thompson has a record of 18 fights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram wonderboymma
A theme that has been recurring at UFC events, especially in 2018, is weight cutting. With the weigh-in moving to the morning, some fighters are finding it difficult to make their category weight. Among them is Darren till which on two occasions was 'beaten' by the scales. His opponent in the last clash, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, in an interview with the “Submission Radio” program, stated that the athletes are not making weight because there are no consequences from Ultimate.
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“And they're wondering why people aren't losing weight. Because there are no consequences. You know, no real consequences. A lot of people will give 30 percent and move up in the rankings, because the next fight will be worth more money. It’s just a sacrifice in the moment for a greater gain later,” Thompson said.
At the UFC Liverpool weigh-in, Till weighed 1,7kg above the permitted limit and still had the fight against Wonderboy confirmed. The English fighter beat the North American by unanimous decision. With this, Derren secured his place in the title fight against the welterweight champion, Tyron woodley at UFC 228.
“Do I think he deserves this? No, I really don't know. This is a professional sport, and making weight is part of the job. You agreed to lose weight. I mean, it's like Robert whittaker and the Yoel romero. You know, if you don't lose weight, you don't fight for the title. I think it should be the same [by till],” Stephen explained.
Due to the athletes' recent failures in weight cutting, Ultimate's president, Dana White, made it clear that the weigh-ins will once again be held at night. The morning event was created to give athletes more time to rehydrate.
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