WEIGH-IN

MMA WEIGH-INS

Unlike boxing where there is likely to be just one weigh-in, MMA has two.

 

fighters will have a legitimate weigh-in before taking part in a ceremonial weigh-in where the fighters will be able to pose in front of the world’s media for the all important face-off

FULL SET OF UNIFORM WEIGH-IN RULES

1. Fighter’s have to make weight and hit weight class limit – can go slightly below.

 

2. Weigh-ins begin on the morning of the day before the fight. Fighters who hit the weight will have around 24hrs to rehydrate.

 

3. In a non-title fight, he/she cannot weigh more than one pound over the limit for that weight class.

4. When title is on the line, fighters cannot weigh more than half a pound above the limit.

 

5. A fighter who misses the scale by a large margin can still compete. But will lose 20% of purse to opponent.

6.   A fighter can’t compete if they cut more than 15% of what the commission determines is their healthy weight.

 

7.   The doctors will monitor fighters on fight day, and if he or she is still dehydrated, doctors can make a call to pull the fighter out of the fight.

REHYDRATION CLAUSES

 

There’s no secret weight-cutting is a major problem in MMA, even in the UFC.


Despite implementing rules to minimize the problems that arise from weight-cutting, fighters often miss the scales and can sometimes collapse.

 

This has led to rehydration clauses becoming a major part of any MMA fight.

 

In general, fighters after making weight have approximately 24 hours to rehydrate.

 

On fight day doctors will follow fighters – if he or she is still dehydrated, they can pull the fighter out of the fight.

CATCHWEIGHT

Catchweight is a term used to describe an agreed, non-standard weight limit that’s beyond the existing weight classes.

MMA fighters ‘weigh-in’ before a fight, to show they don’t exceed the upper weight limit for their weight-class.

 

Fighters can ‘game’ the weigh-in system and hit the scales significantly lighter at the weigh-in than they would on fight night.

This standard practice run the risk of unfair competition. Especially when there’s a big natural weight difference between two fighters.

This is when a catchweight can be used to accommodate a size mismatch between fighters.

A catchweight is agreed upon when the bout is scheduled or after there is a failure to make weight by one or both competitors.