Within the last couple of weeks, an issue has arose that usually hasn’t caused too much of a fuss in the past when it comes to weigh-ins. Fighters usually make their contracted weight since they are professional athletes and are being paid to cut down to their respective weight classes. Unfortunately for the fighters, fans, and promotions, not everyone is able to make weight as easily as the next person.
Today, Thiago Alves, who is scheduled to take on Matt Hughes in the UFC 85 main event, missed his weight by nearly 4 pounds. He weighed in at a bloated 174 pounds.
To most fans, four pounds may not seem like a lot of weight to stir the pot over. Four pounds can easily be overcome by a small amount of strength, but the bigger issue here is that Thiago cut down from a larger weight. Obviously, only cutting down to 174 is going to allow him to be a bit bigger come fight time. Will this be a factor? Probably not, and there are other issues that arise when a fighter doesn’t make weight.
The most important issue is professionalism. These are professional athletes being paid to make their weight, fight their fights, and make a lot of money doing so if they can be successful. In order to make those dreams a reality, each fighter must rely on their opponents to make their scheduled weights as well. In this case, Hughes agreed to take fight with the overage, but it’s likely he will get a cut of the purse.
I ask this question… at what point does someone speak up and ask why these fighters continually miss weight without further consequences. Do we seriously have to put up with Gina Carano missing her weight nearly every single fight?
My solution… multiple offenders should have an escalating scale of disciplinary action. While the purse percentage is a perfect way to hurt these fighters who are missing weight, making weight should be a priority as a fighter gets close to their fight date. Gina Carano is making some good money, and 10% here and there may not hurt her much. How about we push some percentage on top of that if she misses weight again and again? What if 50% of her purse was on the line? Would she make weight then? I would think it would be a huge priority then.