The MMA Draw Newsletter

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The MMA Draw Newsletter
Extreme weight cutting helps fighters win, we have the proof
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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
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The MMA Draw Newsletter
The MMA Draw Newsletter
Extreme weight cutting helps fighters win, we have the proof
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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…

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A guest post by
Christopher A Baker, PhD
Cognitive scientist at UIC.
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