Combat sports · Weigh-ins · Recovery

Weight cutting and weigh-in preparation

A planned, controlled weight cut so you make weight in the best possible condition and recover for the fight. Experience advising professional fighters and competitive athletes.

🇪🇸 Leer en español: recortes de peso
What it is and why it matters

Weight cutting
done right

Weight cutting is the process of reducing body weight to make weight in a specific division, then regaining weight to step into the fight in the best possible condition.

Done badly, the result is a dehydrated athlete with no energy and a body running on empty at fight time. Planned properly, it can become a competitive advantage.

The difference between a safe cut and a dangerous one lies in the planning beforehand, the amount to cut and the time available to do it.

Important notice: extreme or poorly managed weight cutting can be dangerous to your health. In this service we work with planned, progressive weight cuts and a post-weigh-in recovery protocol. We do not carry out or recommend aggressive last-minute cuts without prior planning.

How much is it reasonable to cut?

How much weight can be cut safely depends on the competition weight, the time available and the athlete’s walk-around weight during camp. We analyse this in the initial assessment to determine whether the planned cut is feasible and how to carry it out.

The process

Progressive weight cut planning

A well-executed weight cut starts weeks before the weigh-in, not the day before.

  1. 01
    Start of camp

    Initial assessment: walk-around weight and target

    We analyse your current weight during camp, the competition weight you need to make, the time available and your history of previous cuts. This determines the entire strategy.

  2. 02
    Fight camp

    Maintenance phase: nutrition during camp

    During the preparation weeks, your nutrition is designed to keep you close to your competition weight without sacrificing performance or muscle mass. The closer you are to weight going into weigh-ins, the less you have to cut at the end.

  3. 03
    Fight week

    Reduction phase: fight week

    In the final days before the weigh-in, we adjust carbohydrates, sodium and hydration to reduce weight in a controlled way. In some cases a sweating phase is included, always within safe margins.

  4. 04
    Weigh-in day

    Weigh-in: the key moment

    The protocol for the final hours before the weigh-in depends on the sport and the time available until the fight. We review the final strategy and set out the recovery protocol to follow once you make weight.

  5. 05
    After the scale

    Post-weigh-in recovery

    Once you make weight, the goal is to rehydrate and replenish glycogen efficiently in the time available. Post-weigh-in recovery can make the difference in how you perform in the fight.

Rehydration and refuelling

Post-weigh-in recovery

The time between weigh-in and fight varies by event: it can be just a few hours (local amateur circuits) or more than 24 hours (professional organisations). The recovery protocol varies enormously depending on this factor.

  • Progressive rehydration

    Regaining fluids progressively is more effective than drinking large amounts at once, which can cause digestive discomfort.

  • Electrolytes

    Sodium and potassium are critical for retaining water and restoring electrolyte balance after the dehydration of the cut.

  • Glycogen replenishment

    Fast-digesting carbohydrates to refill muscle and liver glycogen stores before the fight.

  • Pre-fight meal

    Your last meal before competing: timing, composition and quantity for maximum performance without discomfort.

Different organisations

Adapted to your circuit

Weigh-in rules vary by circuit and level of competition. The time available between weigh-in and fight completely shapes the recovery protocol.

  • Same-day weigh-ins

    Very limited time to recover. The strategy prioritises fast rehydration and easy-to-digest food.

  • Day-before weigh-ins

    More than 24 hours to recover. Allows a fuller, more complete rehydration and refuelling.

  • Circuits with extra controls

    Some organisations include hydration checks or ban certain methods. We take this into account from the planning stage.

Prepare for your next weigh-in

Weight cutting,
planned and safe

The sooner you start planning, the more room we have to cut weight intelligently and safely. Book a first session before your next camp.

FAQ

What athletes
usually ask us

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, message us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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How far in advance should I start planning my weight cut?

Ideally at the start of your fight camp, which is usually 8 to 12 weeks before the fight. The more time we have, the more we can work on your walk-around weight during camp and the less you will need to cut in the final week, making the process safer and less aggressive.

How much weight is it reasonable to cut?

It depends on the athlete, the time available and the time between the weigh-in and the fight. We assess this in the initial consultation. We do not recommend or carry out cuts that we consider dangerous to the athlete’s health.

Does weight cutting affect fight performance?

A poorly managed cut can seriously affect performance. A well-planned cut with enough post-weigh-in recovery time has minimal or no impact, and in some cases it can be an advantage if the athlete competes in a division where they are physically big.

Can you also help with fight camp nutrition, not just the cut?

Yes. We usually plan nutrition for the whole preparation cycle, from the start of camp to post-fight recovery. Weight cutting is one part of that plan, not something isolated.

Do you work with athletes who compete abroad?

Yes. We offer online coaching for athletes anywhere in the world. Follow-up is done remotely and we adapt to the athlete’s schedule, even if they are training in another country during camp.