California targets extreme weight cutting with amateur program

[Zeph]

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer

Effective Jan. 1, 2016, amateur mixed martial artists competing in California will comply with a lowest allowable weight limit, designed to prevent athletes from ever dropping below 5 percent body fat.

That is the current goal, according to California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) director JT Steele and California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) executive director Andy Foster.

While it's not completely certain changes will go into effect by the start of next year, that is the timeframe CSAC and CAMO are anticipating. The longterm goal, Foster says, is to see lowest allowable weight limits adopted at a professional level.

"It's much easier for CAMO to implement this program," Foster told ESPN.com. "They can amend their regulations quite easily. CSAC actually began the conversation, but speaking from a purely regulatory perspective, it's easier at the amateur level."

Continued at: California targets extreme weight cutting with amateur program - Mixed Martial Arts Blog - ESPN

This is great news, at least steps are starting to be taken on this issue, which is getting out of hand in the last few years. You just have to look at the size differences between Machida and Luke Rockhold, Machida was coming down from light heavy weight, but was the noticeably smaller man. While that is just one example, it happens all the way down the weightclass'.

On another note, the CSAC are giving New Jersey a run for their money for the title of most progressive AC. Another great East vs. West battle, who will win? Only time will tell.

 

[Deleted member 1]

great article and synopsis (promoted to frontpage) and neat experiment.

They mention 5% bodyfat, but also dehydration will fake out most bodyfat test and give them lower. So if you are 6-8% and thinking you will dehydrate, you will likely read low as well and fail. I think the number and method is all just chosen as a balance for a cheap way to implement regulation. Otherwise its very tough to determine how to do it.

I've known a lot of high school wrestlers that practically developed eating disorders maintaining a size/BF% goal.

 

[kneeblock]

I like that something is finally being done. I hope it doesn't compound some existing problems with cutting but it's a good precedent that a regulatory body is taking things seriously.

 

[The KZG]

In NJ, amateurs weigh in the same day and are given an exam by docs. Safest state for amateur mma by far.

 

[lookoutawhale]

seems like a step in the right direction

 

[Wild]

In NJ, amateurs weigh in the same day and are given an exam by docs. Safest state for amateur mma by far.

Interesting. Good info.

 

[SC MMA MD]

I still think that adding a hydration test to weigh-ins will be the best solution to keeping fighters safe from severe weight cuts, but this is a good start. Anything to get the ball rolling