Weight-Cutting Implications for Competition Outcomes in Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting

Brechney, Grant C; Chia, Eevon; Moreland, Ashleigh

doi:10.1519/jsc.0000000000003368

Cited by 19 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…This result is supported by recent data from another research group who also found that MMA training load is only reduced in the week of the bout [17]. In addition to extreme 'weight cutting' seen in our cohort and MMA competitors in general [8,9], it is more likely that performance would have been impaired. Though we did not collect any direct performance data, evidence from boxing suggests that a taper of 10 days or fewer causes a reduction in combat sport performance until several days after competition [45].…”

Section: Plos Onesupporting

confidence: 89%

“…This apparent lack of a physiological response to solely technical training is especially relevant given that successful and unsuccessful participants may be distinguishable by their lower body force production [7]. The requirement of incorporating a multitude of potentially conflicting technical and physical focused training sessions, coupled with the requirement to "make weight" for competition [8,9], clearly highlights the challenge and importance of formulating a well-structured and periodised training plan.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As such, current MMA training practice has not been quantified and described in relation to frequency and relative intensities of each training category, periodisation and tapering strategies, nor the associated effects of training on fatigue, recovery and adaptation [20]. Additionally, it is also unclear if training practices are manipulated in those athletes who are actively engaging in body mass reduction strategies in order to 'make weight' for competition [8,9]. It is therefore difficult to determine which training methods, loading strategies and recovery protocols are most appropriate for this population [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management

et al. 2021

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The aim of this study was to quantify typical training load and periodisation practices of MMA athletes. MMA competitors (n = 14; age = 22.4 ± 4.4 years; body mass = 71.3 ± 7.7 kg; stature = 171 ±9.9 cm) were observed during training for 8 consecutive weeks without intervention. Seven athletes were training for competitive bouts whilst the remaining 7 were not. Daily training duration, intensity (RPE), load (sRPE and segRPE), fatigue (short questionnaire of fatigue) and body region soreness (CR10 scale) were recorded. Using Bayesian analyses (BF10≥3), data demonstrate that training duration (weekly mean range = 3.9–5.3 hours), sRPE (weekly mean range = 1,287–1,791 AU), strain (weekly mean range = 1,143–1,819 AU), monotony (weekly mean range = 0.63–0.83 AU), fatigue (weekly mean range = 16–20 AU) and soreness did not change within or between weeks. Between weeks monotony (2.3 ± 0.7 AU) supported little variance in weekly training load. There were no differences in any variable between participants who competed and those who did not with the except of the final week before the bout, where an abrupt step taper occurred leading to no between group differences in fatigue. Training intensity distribution corresponding to high, moderate and low was 20, 33 and 47%, respectively. Striking drills accounted for the largest portion of weekly training time (20–32%), with MMA sparring the least (2–7%). Only striking sparring and wrestling sparring displayed statistical weekly differences in duration or load. Athletes reported MMA sparring and wrestling sparring as high intensity (RPE≥7), BJJ sparring, striking sparring and wrestling drills as moderate intensity (RPE 5–6), and striking drills and BJJ drills as low intensity (RPE≤4). We conclude that periodisation of training load was largely absent in this cohort of MMA athletes, as is the case within and between weekly microcycles.

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Section: Plos Onesupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management

et al. 2021

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“…The athletes in Cluster 2 had a greater magnitude of total weight loss compared with those from Cluster 1 (2.8 ± 2.2 kg and 1.7 ± 1.2 kg, respectively) and a higher frequency of weight cutting throughout a competitive season (Table 2). A greater amount of weight loss would plausibly result in an increased risk of impaired physical performance [3,9,22]. However, it is unclear if such reductions in physical performance are outweighed by the benefit of competing against smaller opponents; such complications may contribute to the lack of clear benefit or detriment on performance as a result of weight cutting [1].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Influencing Weight Loss Practices in Italian Boxers: A Cluster Analysis

Amatori

Barley

Gobbi

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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It is common practice in combat sports that athletes rapidly lose body weight before a match, by applying different practices—some safer and others possibly dangerous. The factors behind the choice of practices utilised have not been fully studied. This study aimed to investigate the weight loss strategies used by Italian boxers and to look at the difference between higher and lower risk practice adaptors. A modified version of a validated questionnaire has been sent to 164 amateur (88%) and professional (12%) boxers by email. A heatmap with hierarchical clustering was used to explore the presence of subgroups. Weight loss strategies were used by 88% of the athletes. Two clusters were found, defined by the severity of weight loss behaviours. Professional fighters, high-level athletes and females were more represented in Cluster 2, the one with more severe weight-loss practices. These athletes were characterised by a higher weight loss magnitude and frequency throughout the season and reported being more influenced by physicians and nutritionists, compared with the boxers in Cluster 1. Not all the weight loss practices are used with the same frequency by all boxers. The level of the athlete and the boxing style have an influence on the weight-cutting practices.

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“…This study found BJJ athletes engaged in AWL/RWL less often, reduced BM by less and regained less BM post competition than those in other combat sports. Though this study shows that AWL/RWL in BJJ is not as extreme as related sports (Brechney, Chia, & Moreland, 2019), the effects of different standards of competition or time spent training or competing in BJJ were not discussed or analysed. Equally, due to the multi-national cohort used, the specific AWL/RWL characteristics of BJJ competitors in the UK cannot be directly inferred.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Pre-competition body mass loss characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the United Kingdom

White

Kirk

2021

Nutr Health

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Background: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based combat sport in which competitors engage in pre-competition acute ‘weight’ loss (AWL) and rapid ‘weight’ loss (RWL) to achieve the body mass (BM) required for their desired division. AWL/RWL practices of UK BJJ competitors have not previously been reported. Aim: Our aim in this study was to determine the prevalence, magnitude and stakeholder influences of AWL and RWL amongst BJJ participants in the United Kingdom (UK). A secondary aim was to explore whether there is any influence of time spent in the sport or competition frequency on AWL/RWL practices. Methods: In this study we used the rapid weight loss questionnaire (RWLQ) adapted for BJJ to determine the prevalence and magnitude of AWL/RWL in UK BJJ, the prevalence of methods used and the key stakeholder influences on these practices. As a secondary investigation we aimed to determine whether there was any effect of age starting BJJ on AWL/RWL. Results: Of 115 completed responses, 59% stated they performed AWL/RWL before competition. Mean BM loss for this competition was 1.9 ± 3.8 kg (2.3 ± 4.6%), with 34% of participants starting BM loss 3–7 days prior and 16% starting 0–2 days prior. Methods used tend to be achieving calorie deficit via exercise and diet rather than hypohydration, with little advice from formally qualified personnel. Participants who perform AWL/RWL started training (BF10 = 199, d = .72) and competing (BF10 = 107, d = .68) in BJJ younger than those who do not perform AWL/RWL. Conclusions: AWL/RWL is prevalent in UK BJJ, but not at the magnitude of other combat sports or countries. Though negative effects of extreme hypohydration are unlikely, there may be a higher chance of eating disorders in BJJ, particularly due to the young age of AWL/RWL commencement.

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Weight-Cutting Implications for Competition Outcomes in Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting

Cited by 19 publications

References 36 publications

Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management

Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management

Factors Influencing Weight Loss Practices in Italian Boxers: A Cluster Analysis

Pre-competition body mass loss characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the United Kingdom

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