What do NFL athletes, mixed martial artists, and boxers have in common? They all use extreme measures to achieve weight for their respective sports. Some fighters opt to use extreme methods, such as dehydration or starvation, while others take a more conservative approach by using diet and exercise. The question is, how do fighters cut weight overnight?
In some cases, fighters have to cut weight quickly in order to make their desired weight class; this often requires them to use more extreme methods. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how do fighters cut weight overnight and the risks associated with doing so.

Cutting Weight
Cutting weight for a competition is not easy. Many professional mixed martial artists have stated that they do not enjoy the process of cutting weight. The fighter’s body needs to be re-hydrated after the arduous process, which requires an entire day or more, depending on how much water weight has been lost.
How much weight do fighters cut in a day?
Professional mixed martial artists often cut anywhere from ten to thirty pounds in a few hours. Cutting weight is not an exact science, and it varies depending on the individual, their metabolism, diet, and water intake.
Is Dehydration Helpful?
It can be extremely dangerous for fighters because they are more prone to brain injuries; having one’s head get slammed into the canvas after already being dehydrated is not recommended.
The water typically lost during weight cutting will come back into the body over time, but some athletes choose to put themselves at risk by partaking in activities that require them to be fully hydrated.
Some fighters have died while trying to cut weight because their bodies have ceased sweating or they have suffered from seizures due to being dehydrated. This is why it is very important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after weight cutting procedures.
Another problem with cutting weight is that it puts stress on the kidneys, which are not able to function properly when a fighter has lost twenty-five percent of their body mass. That’s why many trainers prefer for athletes to stay hydrated by drinking water and juice instead of taking diuretics or laxatives.
Athletes who cut more than ten pounds typically need to see a doctor and have their weight monitored in order to make sure they don’t over-exert themselves when they try to re-hydrate.
Carbs and Creatine Loading
How do fighters cut weight overnight? Carbs are a fighter’s best friend when they have to make weight, but there is a right way and a wrong way of doing it. Some fighters prefer to load up on carbs, while others simply will not eat anything for three or four days in order to drop water weight.
The problem with loading up on carbs is that it can leave a fighter feeling bloated and heavy, which doesn’t help them when they have to perform in their upcoming match. The key to carb-loading for an athlete is being able to do so without gaining too much water weight.
Professional mixed martial artists who compete in high-level organizations such as the UFC are not generally concerned with how much weight they have to lose before a fight.
However, there are some organizations that do not allow their athletes to compete if they don’t fit into a certain weight class. These fighters will typically try to run or jump rope in order to shed water-weight quickly…a strategy that is definitely not recommended for those who have never done it before. This is how do boxers drop weight overnight.
Fighters Diet Plan For Cutting Weight
The best way for a fighter to cut weight is by eating lean meats, vegetables, fruit, and drinking plenty of water. This way they can rid themselves of excess water while keeping their muscles from deteriorating during the dehydration process. Losing weight quickly should only be attempted by those who are experienced in cutting weight, and it is always recommended for fighters to talk to a doctor before they make any drastic changes in their diet.
Cutting weight for an upcoming competition can be tough, but fighters must also focus on performance-enhancing training if they want to win. The mixed martial arts world consists of many talented athletes who are committed to victory at all costs.
What Does Excercise Do?
According to the Sports Fitness Advisor, fighters who are used to training with weights can expect their endurance and strength to decrease by about thirty percent when they drop weight.
How do UFC fighters cut weight? Some fighters in the UFC have a hard time regaining strength because they take several months off from intensive training when they are trying to make weight.
Being able to perform at an optimal level is what separates good fighters from great ones. Many athletes are capable of winning fights that they shouldn’t win if they are in peak condition, but it is all about training and determination.
When preparing for a fight, mixed martial artists put themselves through grueling workouts that consist of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and other disciplines.
A fighter’s trainer will have a plan for them which details what they must do in order to prepare themselves for the fight, but some athletes find it difficult to get a good workout when they are trying to lose weight.
Cutting weight for female fighters is especially hard because they can’t engage in the same weight-cutting practices as men. Some women cut their calorie intake by fifty percent, while others will only drink water for several days.
Conclusion:
This is not about ”how do fighters cut weight overnight”. So, the next time you watch a professional fight, take some time to admire the hard work that has obviously gone into getting both competitors in the cage. Their training isn’t limited to jiu-jitsu or muay Thai…they are also battling against their own body weight while serving as perfect examples of how important it is to eat healthily.
Chris Bent
Chris Bent is a professional MMA Trainer who has expertise in both Martial Arts and Karate and he loves to teach Men, Women and Kids.