Worth the Weight? Post Weigh-In Rapid Weight Gain is Not Related to Winning or Losing in Professional Mixed Martial Arts

Christopher Kirk · Carl Langan‐Evans · James Peter Morton

25 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

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Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education Sports Performance and Training Sports Analytics and Performance

Abstract

Body mass (BM) manipulation via rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain (RWG) is a common practice among mixed martial art (MMA) athletes to ensure qualification for the division in which the athlete wishes to compete. Professional MMA competitors in California are required to weigh in twice: 24 hr prior to competition and immediately prior to the bout after they have typically engaged in RWG. In analyzing data from five MMA events sanctioned by the Californian State Athletic Commission, the authors used Bayesian analyses to compare bout winners (n = 62) and losers (n = 62) in terms of in-competition BM (in kilograms) and the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (in kilograms). These data do not support the hypothesis that differences in in-competition BM (Bayes factor [BF10] = 0.667, d = 0.23) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.821, d = 0.23) determine winning or losing. In addition, there was no statistical difference between bouts ending via strikes, submission, or decision for either in-competition BM (BF10 = 0.686, ω2 < 0.01) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.732, ω2 = 0.054). In conclusion, the authors report for the first time that the magnitude of RWG does not predict winning or losing in a professional cohort of MMA athletes. In addition, they also report that MMA athletes typically compete at a BM that is at least 1-2 divisions higher than the division in which they officially weighed-in. These analyses may provide impetus for governing bodies and coaches to enact changes at both professional and amateur levels to reduce negative health consequences associated with extreme RWL and RWG.

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References

2017Weight Loss Strategies in Combat Sports and Concerning Habits in Mixed Martial Arts 2013Practices of Weight Regulation Among Elite Athletes in Combat Sports: A Matter of Mental Advantage?2016Acute-Weight-Loss Strategies for Combat Sports and Applications to Olympic Success 2016Extreme Rapid Weight Loss and Rapid Weight Gain Observed in UK Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Preparing for Competition 2015Alarming weight cutting behaviours in mixed martial arts: a cause for concern and a call for action 2018Case Study: Extreme Weight Making Causes Relative Energy Deficiency, Dehydration, and Acute Kidney Injury in a Male Mixed Martial Arts Athlete 2015Rapid Weight Loss Elicits Harmful Biochemical and Hormonal Responses in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes 2016Regain in Body Mass After Weigh-In is Linked to Success in Real Life Judo Competition

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2021Pre-competition body mass loss characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the United Kingdom 2021Rapid weight gain predicts fight success in mixed martial arts – evidence from 1,400 weigh‐ins 2021Weigh-in time affects hydration status and acute weight gain in combat sports: A comparison of judo and wrestling 2022Rapid Weight Gain and Weight Differential Predict Competitive Success in 2100 Professional Combat-Sport Athletes

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