Weight cutting in female UFC fighters

The Effect of Acute Dehydration upon Muscle Strength Indices at Elite Karate Athletes: A Randomized Crossover Study

Background/Objectives: Acute dehydration, commonly induced through fluid restriction and/or excessive sweating, is a common weight-cutting strategy among combat sport athletes. However, its impact on muscle strength and power remains a concern. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of 2% body mass reduction via dehydration on lower-limb strength and power in elite karate athletes. Methods: Fourteen male elite karate athletes completed two conditions: euhydrated (EUH) and dehydrated (DEH) (-2% body mass via 24-h fluid restriction). Performance was assessed using squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, along with isokinetic knee flexion and extension at 60, 180, and 300°/s. Results: Dehydration significantly reduced squat jump height (37.19 ± 3.69 vs. 39.34 ± 5.08 cm (EUH), p = 0.04), power output (2188.2 ± 307.2 vs. 2351.1 ± 347.2 W (EUH), p = 0.001), and knee extension and flexion strength at 60°/s (p = 0.018). CMJ height and higher-velocity knee flexion/extension were unaffected (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute dehydration impairs lower-body maximal force production at low velocities but has no significant effect on high velocity movements. Athletes and coaches should carefully manage hydration strategies when "cutting weight" to avoid any negative performance effects.

The Impact of Rapid Weight Regain on Fight Outcomes in Bellator Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rapid weight regain on the fight outcomes in professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes competing in Bellator.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty fighters (16 male and four female fighters) were included in the analysis. Official weigh-in and fight-night weights were recorded, and percentage weight regain was calculated. Fighters were divided into groups based on their percentage weight regain (<10% vs. ≥10%). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and independent t-tests and logistic regression were employed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that while fighters significantly regained weight between weigh-ins and fight-night, this weight gain did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) predict fight outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that weight regain may not provide a competitive advantage in Bellator MMA athletes.

Enhancing performance through biochemical monitoring and nutritional support in female weightlifters during pre-competition weight reduction: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Weight reduction is a common practice among female weightlifters before competitions to qualify for specific weight classes. However, this process can adversely affect their physical performance and health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of physiological and biochemical monitoring and nutritional support on the competitive state of female weightlifters during the pre-competition weight reduction period.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 28 female weightlifters from Sichuan Province, China, randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 14). Both groups followed their regular training schedules. The experimental group received personalized nutritional monitoring and supplementation, including detailed assessments, dietary logs, weekly consultations, and targeted supplements based on biochemical indicators and training needs. The control group continued with their standard diet and training without additional interventions. Serum indicators, fatigue scales, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were monitored (a total of 5 tests).

RESULTS

The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in creatine kinase levels by the fourth week compared to both baseline and the first week (p < 0.05), and maintained higher levels of testosterone, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and hemoglobin than the control group from the second week onwards (p < 0.05). Conversely, the control group showed an increase in creatine kinase and a decrease in testosterone and testosterone/cortisol ratio over the same period (p < 0.05). By the fourth week, the experimental group also reported lower fatigue and better sleep quality, as indicated by lower PSQI scores, compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Personalized nutritional supplementation has an improving effect on biochemical indicators, fatigue, and sleep quality in female weightlifters during the pre-competition weight reduction period. Implementing biochemical monitoring and personalized nutritional support during this period is a key strategy for enhancing the competitive performance of female weightlifters.