Miller (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has introduced new weight cutting guidelines in an effort to stop excessive weight cuts and promote fighter health.

In recent months, there’s been extensive debate and discussion as to whether some fighters are cutting too much weight, and putting themselves at risk. In a recent article from the Las Vegas Review Journal, the UFC announced that beginning at UFC 200, fighters will need to be within 8% of their target weight at the beginning of fight week. UFC 200 will take place on July 9th.

Fighters who come in at over 8% for that particular fight week, will receive daily consultation and check-ups.

Jeff Novitzky, the UFC vice president of athlete health and performance, was quoted in the story stating:

“The only hard and fast rule in there, and I think it’s probably the most important thing in terms of the guidelines, is that 8 percent number. If they’re not, it’s not in the rules the fight won’t happen, but we sure are going to pay very close attention to them, including taking daily weight, daily vitals, and as it progresses, if they show signs of being dehydrated, they will be pulled from the fight.”

The UFC’s new headquarters, which will open in 2017 in Las Vegas, will include a health and performance center. Fighters will be able to access information regarding proper weight cutting technique and consult with nutrition experts.