Cutting weight is a common practice among MMA fighters to meet the weight class requirements for their fights. The process of cutting weight involves losing a significant amount of water weight in a short period of time to make weight for the fight. Here are some common methods that MMA fighters use to cut weight:
- Dehydration: Fighters often reduce their water intake and use saunas, hot baths, or steam rooms to sweat out excess water weight.
- Dieting: In the weeks leading up to the fight, fighters may restrict their calorie intake and reduce their intake of carbohydrates, fats, and sodium to lose weight.
- Exercise: Fighters often increase the intensity and duration of their workouts to burn more calories and lose weight.
- Diuretics: Some fighters may use diuretics, which are drugs that increase urine production, to quickly shed water weight.
- Weight-cutting supplements: Some fighters may use weight-cutting supplements that can help reduce water retention and boost metabolism.
It’s worth noting that cutting too much weight too quickly can be dangerous and lead to dehydration, kidney damage, and other health issues. That’s why it’s important for fighters to work with a qualified nutritionist and medical professional to develop a safe and effective weight-cutting plan.
