The MMA Draw Newsletter

The MMA Draw Newsletter

Extreme weight cutting helps fighters win, we have the proof

Everyone knows weight cutting is a big problem in MMA, but it also produces clear results.

Christopher A Baker, PhD's avatar
Christopher A Baker, PhD
Apr 10, 2023
∙ Paid
Khamzat Chimaev lifts Li Jingliang.
Illustration by BE Art Director Chris Rini

The research is clear—extreme weight cutting can (1) cause kidney damage, (2) increase a fighter’s risk for concussions, (3) make current concussion symptoms worse, and (4) cost a fighter their life. But can it also help fighters win their bouts in the Octagon? Unfortunately, the answer to the last question appe…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Nate Wilcox.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
Christopher A Baker, PhD's avatar
A guest post by
Christopher A Baker, PhD
Cognitive scientist at UIC.
© 2026 BE Presents Publishing Inc · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture