UFC 324 kicked off the new year with a bang, as fans eagerly awaited the highly anticipated event and the start of the $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount. The night was filled with excitement and thrilling fights, but it was the events leading up to the event that had everyone holding their breath.
Just one day before the event, all eyes were on Cameron Smotherman as he collapsed on his way backstage after making weight. The incident once again brought to light the dangerous practice of weight cutting in the world of mixed martial arts. As Joe Rogan famously called it, weight cutting is nothing but “sanctioned cheating.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, weight cutting is a process where fighters dehydrate themselves to shed a few pounds before a fight, in order to compete in a lower weight class. This practice has been a part of the sport for a long time, but it has become increasingly dangerous in recent years.
The incident with Smotherman is just one of many that have occurred in the past, and it’s high time that something is done to address this issue. The physical toll that weight cutting takes on fighters is immense, and it’s not just limited to the immediate effects of dehydration. It can also have long-term consequences on the fighters’ health, including kidney damage and even death.
In light of these dangers, many have called for stricter regulations and weight cutting protocols in the UFC. And it seems like even the fighters themselves are starting to speak up. In a recent interview, UFC champion Kamaru Usman threatened to retire if UFC president Dana White denies his major request.
Usman, who is known for his dominant performances in the welterweight division, revealed that he has been struggling with weight cutting and has been asking for a change in the rules for a long time. He believes that the current system is not only dangerous but also unfair to fighters who are forced to compete at a disadvantage due to weight cutting.
Usman’s request is simple – to introduce a 165-pound weight class in the UFC. This would give fighters who struggle to make the 170-pound limit a safer and more competitive option. Usman himself has had to cut a significant amount of weight to make the welterweight limit, and he believes that this change would not only benefit him but also many other fighters in the division.
The UFC has been hesitant to introduce new weight classes in the past, but with the recent incident involving Smotherman, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something needs to be done. Usman’s threat to retire if his request is denied is a bold move, but it shows just how serious this issue is and how passionate he is about making a change.
It’s not just about the fighters’ health, but also about the integrity of the sport. Weight cutting gives certain fighters an unfair advantage, as they are able to compete in lower weight classes and have a size and strength advantage over their opponents. This goes against the very essence of mixed martial arts, which is supposed to be a fair and equal competition.
The UFC has always been at the forefront of innovation and change in the world of combat sports. From introducing new weight classes to implementing stricter drug testing policies, the organization has always been willing to adapt and improve. It’s time for them to do the same when it comes to weight cutting.
In conclusion, the incident with Cameron Smotherman at UFC 324 has once again shed light on the dangerous practice of weight cutting in the UFC. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed, and fighters like Kamaru Usman are leading the charge for change. The introduction of a 165-pound weight class would not only make the sport safer for fighters but also more competitive and fair. It’s time for the UFC to take action and make a positive change for the future of the sport.
