On Tuesday May 16, 2017, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) met and passed a set of ten regulations aimed at eliminating extreme weight-cutting procedures in combative sports including mixed martial arts (MMA). First proposed in March, the 10-point plan received unanimous approval from all six CSAC commissioners present at the meeting. weight-cutting regulations that could effect MMA big time, especially since they are the largest set of weight-cutting regulations in America’s MMA history.
Andy Foster, the CSAC executive officer who created the regulations with input from stakeholders, said the plan would come into force on June 15 ahead of UFC214, which is scheduled for July 29 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. According to Foster, the plan includes stricter penalties for weight-miss offenders, new weight categories and fight-day weight checks. The plan also introduces new weight classes including 165, 175, 195 and 225 pounds. However, it retains the “iconic” 170-pound category. With the introduction of the new weight classes, licensing will be by weight class. In other words, a licensee will have to pick the lowest division in which to compete. For this reason, doctors will play a big role in keeping fighters safe. This is particularly important because 39% of MMA fighters enter competition in a dehydrated state, according to a report published on mmafighting.com.
The 10-point plan is probably the culmination of the CSAC’s efforts to combat extreme weight-cutting procedures in combative sports. For instance, early March 2017, the commission increased fines for missing weight. More specifically, the commission enacted a law that allowed it to fine an offender 20% of both the show and win purse, with the win fine going to the offender’s opponent. The previous year, 2016, the commission introduced pre-fight hydration checks and banned IV rehydration.
Overall, the plan has received overwhelming support from various industry stakeholders including the UFC, Bellator and Invicta. The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) says that it will recommend the plan to its members at its annual conference in July.
