The challenge before the fight: a discussion on rapid weight loss in UFC Athletes

Abstract

This study analyzed some cases of rapid weight loss procedures in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and athletes linked to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), currently the largest promoter of the sport.Therefore, printed sources were used, such as specialized magazines or not; documentaries, television programs, interviews, articles on websites; documentary sources, regulations and protocols. It was noted that the rapid weight loss represents overconformity deviances, which are part of a code of conduct valued by athletes, but sometimes become problematic. The cases listed here obtained relative repercussions in the media and resulted in acute damage to the athletes, financial and marketing damage to the event promoter. There was also a certain malpractice among athletes and teams, event organizers, and the North-AmericanAthletic Commissions to try to prevent extreme procedures for rapid weight loss from occurring more often by putting athletes at risk, causing damage to the event itself.