The California State Athletic Commission have unanimously approved a new 10-point plan to combat extreme weight-cutting and dehydration in MMA during a summit held in the commissions’ headquarters in Sacramento, Calfornia.
Andy Foster, who holds a very respectable 17-2 pro MMA record, and is now the commission’s executive officer is said to be determined to launch the somewhat ground-breaking plan on June 15, 2017. This would mean that UFC 214: Cormier vs Jones 2 which is scheduled to take place on July 29, 2017 (barring any of those pesky male enhancers) at Honda Center in Anaheim, California will be the first major MMA event to implement the new rules.
Part of the commission’s new agenda will include a 20% fine on any bonuses awarded to a fighter who weighs in over the allowed limit – meaning that all proceeds will be going to the opponent who made weight. CSAC will also reserve the right to recommend repeat offenders move up to a suitable, healthier weight class in future bouts. Furthermore, if an athlete gains more than 10% of their body-weight between the weigh-ins and the morning of the fight – CSAC will strongly suggest the fighter change the division they are competing in permanently.
The plan also includes the addition of 165, 175, 195, and 225lb weight classes though it remains to be seen whether this fit’s into the UFC‘s plans moving forward under the leadership of WME-IMG.
Already, the plan has received the backing of top mixed martial arts organisations including the UFC, Bellator and all-female promotion Invicta FC. The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports will recommend the plan at its annual summit in July.
Do you think this is good for the sport? Or do you think that more weight classes will make titles less important? Get in touch and let us know!
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