From the time of a weigh-in to the moment the fight begins, you will often see many fighters go through a tremendous physical transformation. Within a 24 to 30-hour period, they can lose and gain as much as 10 pounds or more, which can be a huge advantage during the fight. While weight cutting is a typical part of many fighters’ game plans, it can be dangerous. Thoughtful, careful weight cutting can reduce the impact this process has on a fighter’s body.

The risks of weight cutting are not to be taken lightly. Organ damage is the most serious problem a fighter can encounter, but this type of extreme body change can also increase your risk of serious injury.

“Cutting weight can strain your kidneys and other organs,” states acclaimed MMA coach and manager Jeff Clark, who works at the San Diego-based gym TheArenaMMA. “Another major worry is that a fighter can deplete the fluid around the brain. This can increase the risk of trauma, as well as creating a higher risk of a knock-out”

In general, it is smart to start thinking about weight cutting about four to six weeks prior to the fight. Your goal is to get as close to the weight limit as possible, to give yourself more space to bulk up after the weigh-in. This means that a fighter typically should be about 7 to 12 pounds higher than fight weight a week prior to the weigh-in date. The best way to get to this point is with a combination of heavy training and eating a healthy and balanced diet that is low in fat.

Once you have reached the week prior to your weighing in, you can begin a more extreme campaign of weight cuts. Eliminate all liquids except for distilled water, which will alter the body’s pH balance and allow the body to dehydrate much more quickly. The night before the weight check, stop drinking and your body will begin dropping water weight. Going to the sauna will accelerate this process, and the weight should drop very quickly.

Once you have dropped the weight and weighed in, you need to rehydrate and put pounds back on. Don’t overdo it, slow and steady is the way to go. Drink items such as non-distilled water, Pedialyte and coconut water to replenish your system. Eat fruits and healthy carbs to help your body heal and regain weight.

Nolan Barias enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For further information about boxing classes in San Diego or to find local trainers in jiu jitsu in San Diego, please visit The Arena MMA site today.