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

Abstract

<jats:p>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 (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 31) and losers (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 31) 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 [BF<jats:sub>10</jats:sub>] = 0.667, <jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 0.23) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF<jats:sub>10</jats:sub> = 0.821, <jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 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 (BF<jats:sub>10</jats:sub> = 0.686, ω<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> &lt; 0.01) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF<jats:sub>10</jats:sub> = 0.732, ω<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> = 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.</jats:p>

Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management

“…This result is supported by recent data from another research group who also found that MMA training load is only reduced in the week of the bout [17]. In addition to extreme 'weight cutting' seen in our cohort and MMA competitors in general [8,9], it is more likely that performance would have been impaired. Though we did not collect any direct performance data, evidence from boxing suggests that a taper of 10 days or fewer causes a reduction in combat sport performance until several days after competition [45].…”

“…This apparent lack of a physiological response to solely technical training is especially relevant given that successful and unsuccessful participants may be distinguishable by their lower body force production [7]. The requirement of incorporating a multitude of potentially conflicting technical and physical focused training sessions, coupled with the requirement to "make weight" for competition [8,9], clearly highlights the challenge and importance of formulating a well-structured and periodised training plan.…”

“…As such, current MMA training practice has not been quantified and described in relation to frequency and relative intensities of each training category, periodisation and tapering strategies, nor the associated effects of training on fatigue, recovery and adaptation [20]. Additionally, it is also unclear if training practices are manipulated in those athletes who are actively engaging in body mass reduction strategies in order to 'make weight' for competition [8,9]. It is therefore difficult to determine which training methods, loading strategies and recovery protocols are most appropriate for this population [21].…”

Pre-competition body mass loss characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the United Kingdom

“…Due to UK BJJ competitors weighing-in upon arrival at the venue, they may either have up to 1-2 hours to recover from AWL/RWL, or only a few minutes. This contrasts to professional boxing and MMA where competitors weigh-in 24-30 hours prior to competition (Kirk et al, 2020;Langan-Evans et al, 2011). Post weigh-in recovery of muscle glycogen may potentially occur during the time provided in boxing and MMA, but little glycogen is likely to be recovered in the minutes/hours BJJ competitors are afforded (L. M. Burke, van Loon, & Hawley, 2017).…”

“…Whilst there appears to be little effect of AWL/RWL on winning or losing in striking inclusive sports (Daniele, Weinstein, Wallace, Palmieri, & Bianco, 2016;Kirk, Langan-Evans, & Morton, 2020;Reale, Cox, Slater, & Burke, 2017), there is some support for this practice being predictive of success in grappling only events (Reale, Cox, Slater, & Burke, 2016;Wroble & Moxley, 1998).…”