ROUNDTABLE (pt. 2 of 2): Which component of the CSAC 10-point plan to combat weight cutting will be most effective at protecting fighters?

Which one (or two or three) components of the CSAC 10-point plan to combat weight cutting do you think will be most effective in preventing extreme weight cutting measures? What else would you propose commissions do to combat weight cutting?

Document: http://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/meetings/materials/20170325.pdf

COLE HENRY, MMATorch contributor

The idea of fighters being FORCED to move up a weight class if they miss weight would, in a lot of ways, change the sport because it would force a certain type of discipline that is maybe lacking now. The UFC rarely forces this and, aside from a fine, a fighter is unpunished for missing weight. Fighters knowing that they will be forced to move up would probably add motivation, and thus could possibly curb the issue of missing weight.

ROBERT VALEJOS, MMATorch contributor

I really like provision #9 that implies that a fighter’s weight will be monitored both 30 days and 10 days before a major fight. My only caveat here is that this should not be limited to the parameters of a big fight. If we are in a climate where the USADA can invade a fighter’s privacy at any time, why not apply this concept to an area that can be very beneficial to a competitor’s health? The current wording of the provision sounds very informal and could easily be circumvented. But if applied correctly, this could theoretically eliminate extreme weight cutting.

MATTHEW ECOCHARD, MMATorch contributor

A few points stand out for the CSAC’s plan to combat excessive weight cutting. All of these points might not be possible, but if they are attempted, they will certainly work. Point three discusses additional weight classes at 165, 175, 195 and 225 while eliminating the 170 pound one. With all of these available weight classes, there is really no reason to be cutting so much weight and it gives people a reason to move up those extra five pounds. The only reason this might not work out too well is divisions will thin out even further.

The seventh point is another key point and one that is more easily implementable. With “a second weight check the day of the event to ensure fighters have not gained more than 8 percent of their body weight back in the 30 hours” from weigh-in until the fight, fighters will not be forcing their bodies out of their natural weights. These points among with others really might make a difference.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: Which component of the CSAC 10-point plan to combat weight cutting will be most effective at protecting fighters? (pt. 1 of 2)