The Weight of Combat: Rethinking Weight Cutting in MMA

This chapter critically examines the practice of weight cutting in combat sports, emphasizing the health risks and inefficiencies associated with extreme dehydration. Advocating for fighters to compete at their natural weights, the discussion includes personal stories of fighters affected by weight management practices and calls for a reevaluation of regulations. The chapter also reflects on historical aspects of MMA, touching on the implications of celebrity boxing and the overall impact of weight classifications on fighter safety and performance.