‘Walking Weight’ Rule Introduced By ONE FC To End Dehydration

After tragically losing one of their brightest prospects due to side effects of weight cutting, this MMA promotion is hoping to ‘pave the way’ for the rest of the world’s organisations…. 

ONE FC recently lost one of their brightest prospects due to complications during a weight cut. Flyweight star Yang Jian Bing passed away tragically aged just 21 years old. The tragic event once again shed light on the elephant in the room, dangerous weight cutting by MMA fighters, a process that the UFC has already attempted to snub with the introduction of IV bans in line with the new stricter drug testing.

Hoping to further the safety of fighters, and challenging the UFC to follow suit, ONE FC has introduced a ‘walking weight rule,’ as explained by CEO Victor Cui:

“”ONE Championship has paved the way for MMA in Asia and we have always been at the forefront of innovation for the sport. By banning weight cutting by dehydration, we are leading the way globally for enhanced safety standards for professional MMA athletes,” CEO of ONE Championship Victor Cui said.

“We believe that through the implementation of this new weigh-in program, our fighters will enjoy a safer and healthier life inside and outside of the cage. I invite the other two major global MMA organizations, Bellator and UFC, to follow in our footsteps to protect athletes and to eliminate the process of weight cutting by dehydration.””

The new programme will include ultiple weigh-ins, and also tests leading up to and as close as three hours prior to the event. Is this the beginning of a new era of mixed martial arts weight cutting practises? Let’s hope so, as sad losses such as Bing’s need to lead to change.

The UFC would certainly do well to tow the line on this new method of weight cutting safety, as it’s only a matter of time before they too are left in a state of loss due to dangerous dehydrations.

Stay tuned.