What are your thoughts on cutting weight?My thoughts bring me to the conclusion that cutting weight is cheating.I think the guys cutting 20-30lbs to get into a smaller weight class is the same as taking illegal substances to get an edge on their opponent.Fighters should be made to fight at their natural weight and not be allowed to dehydrate them selves in order to fight smaller guys who don't cut weight.I know the rules don't have a issue with this and its probably just me.I say that they should fight on the same day they weigh in.If they want to dehydrate themselves to get in that weight class then they should be made to fight in that state of dehydration.What do you guys think on the subject of cutting weight?
I think it would be nice if everyone fought at their "natural" or "walking around" weight, but cutting has become a deeply entrenched part of the sport that, in my opinion, reflects a certain level of committment and professionalism.
A fighter that is committed to being the best is going to give himself every advantage within the rules...that means packing on as much muscle as possible with out giving up speed or putting himself in a position where the cut is going to take too big of a toll. A professional athlete (particularly in a sport as physically strenuous as MMA) should have a comprehensive strength/conditioning/nutrition program...the ability to make a large cut and still step in the cage/ring hydrated and able to compete at a high level is indicative, to me, of the kind of professionalism I'd like to see more of in the sport.
I bet if weigh-ins were on the same day as the fight, folks would be less tempted to cut huge amounts of weight.
Ohio has already begun to implement a second, fight day weigh in. The fighter has to weigh in within I think 10 lbs of their weight at the primary weigh in the day before. Unfortunately that rule has been inconsistently enforced in Ohio (the UFC was able to get an exemption, don't know about any other promotions). I wouldn't be against a rule like that as an attempt to prevent dangerous levels of dehydration, but at the same time I don't think its really necessary.