Cutting Weight 101 (for Athletes)

Nathan Lambert
Feb 10, 2019. 

You’re an athlete that needs to get down XXX pounds in YYY days? Can I do it and am I risking my own health?

UFC is the premier location for weight cutting in the modern world. My former nutritionist at Cornell University, Clint Wattenberg, is now the Director of Sports Nutrition at the UFC Performance Institute. That’s probably the highest job that a weight cut expert can get, and he definitely deserves it. Recent news in the area was TJ Dillashaw’s ‘huge’ cut down to 125 pounds. He cut 29 pounds in 12 weeks (mostly water weight), which is remarkable. So how does someone like TJ Dillashaw do it? This guide will walk through steps that my teammates and I used to comfortably cut 5–6% body weight in a week.

TJ Dillashaw makes biggest weight cut of career

Watch the fights live on ESPN+ on the ESPN app. BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- When TJ Dillashaw agreed to fight Henry Cejudo for…

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TJ went crazy for this weigh in. I bet he turned the knobs on what I am going to outline to the max. Of course the amount of weight he cut is purely wild, but he also hit weight before going to bed the night before a 900am weigh in window. If you’re just getting into cutting weight, or browsing, let’s just say I can’t think of a worse level of discomfort. At this point in the weight cut your brain pretty much doesn’t work (forget why you sat down to eat after getting some milk) and you can lose a lot of bodily function.

The scale is your square of truth.

If you do the weigh in right you’ll have a negligible reduction in ability. For Cornell Lightweight Rowing, we did practice weigh ins followed by recorded tests in training cycles and we would regularly have personal bests following a practice weigh in. Use the weigh in as a tool to get an upper hand on your competitors — let it limit them and unshackle your performance. This guide should be comprehendible for anyone with a background in endurance training — by no means do you need a degree in biology to do this right, that’ll just explain the mechanisms.

Philosophy of a Clean Cut

Food weight: A tool for minimizing water.

The two main targets of the diet changes around a weight cut are 1) minimizing food weight and 2) minimizing water storage via food.

The first goal is simple and clear to even the uneducated athletes weighing in — eat less — but this often results in athletes eating salads and other light foods. We want less total food mass while operating at an elite level, so we want calorie dense foods, which is the opposite of salad. Below I will refer to the ‘fiber cut’ which is eliminating the low calorie high fiber foods, which is mostly your leafy greens, other vegetables, and some starches, check the nutrition facts.

Go to foods for a weight cut process— low carb, high protein, high fat. Yes, eating only peanut butter for a day is acceptable. (Caution: Greek Yogurt is mostly water, so don’t eat that once you’ve cut water, and you want unsalted peanut butter)

Everyone knows the human body is some super high percentage water. For every gram of muscle glycogen your body holds onto 3–4grams of water. The relationship between sodium and water weight is not as strict, but reducing sodium has a clear relationship to lower body weight. In order to minimize weight we want to run on simple low sodium, low sugar foods (this is the time where I would expect the most bang for your buck as being a partially fat-adapted athlete ; check out my profile for a soon to come article on fasting for busy college athletes and young adults). For good foods pre weigh in, search ‘low glycemic index,’ some examples include: eggs, nuts, full-fat greek yogurt, unseasoned meats. This refers to foods that will not spike your blood sugar and there are many solid resources on the matter for the diabetic population.

Water weight: The key for cutting weight.

We want to prepare our body to rapidly get rid of water and then re-ingest it post hitting the scale. The broad strokes picture (more below) is to get the system processing water fast and then shut off to zero water. We see that when you go from fast water processing to zero intake, the body will act like a hose that had high flow rate, it’ll keep excreting water and your weight will drop fast, and safely.

For example, normal lightweight rowing athletes (~6ft tall, 160lbs) will have ~2000 calories of muscle glycogen on hand and ~400 calories of glycogen in their liver. Those 2000 potential calories of carbohydrates would be about 500grams of glucose and 2000grams of water, 4.4pounds. This, and dehydrating the other cells in the body will be the main source of pounds dropped in a weight cut.

Timing: The Risk of Being ‘At Weight’

The time when athletes are at weight but waiting around is the reason weight cuts get a bad wrap in all levels of athletics (youth, collegiate, professional). When you time a weight cut right you will spend less than an hour at weight. Optimal for me was probably 15 minutes at weight, as I know I can sweat out about a pound per 15 minutes, but I would have wiggle room to hit the weight I need. When cutting early (like TJ Dillashaw), athletes spend hours or even close to a day at weight, which can have lasting damage on metabolism and other bodily processes (on top of the pain and suffering sitting at weight). If you spend enough time at weigh ins you will eventually see athletes pass out performing simple tasks trying to get the last tenths of a pound.

Note: I agree that youth athletes should not be required to cut weight. The lack of information, nutritionists, monitoring, etc available creates a huge risk for little reward.

Refueling: Electrolytes then Protein then Carbs

After a weigh in, your body is extremely depleted in multiple areas, and the ordering of re-fueling matters. Here’s my recommended process and why:

1. Drink an entire Pedialyte (the pediatric rehydration solution). Pedialyte has a medically designed balance of electrolytes, sugar, and water to maximally rehydrate the body. Other solutions like Gatorade tend to have too much sugar. Nuun tablets are also popular, but I promise you’ll see good results transitioning from Gatorade to Pedialyte.
2. Get a protein shake, protein bar, or other quick protein fix in. For the sweat out the body is training at a high intensity in a low fuel state. The protein will help recovery and prevent muscle degradation after (likely) being in an extended calorie deficit.
3. Eat some real food. Whatever you like, look for a balance of starches, greens, meats, etc — just make sure you get a decent load of fiber in there to help the gut get back up to speed.
4. Optional — I would recommend a light workout about 30–60 minutes after refueling. This, almost magically, helps flush the system of junk from the weigh in process. 30 minutes of light cardio will leave the system feeling fresh. The first time I did this I was blown away with the result — it only applies to weigh in’s with events the next day though.

Misconceptions & Mistakes

Philosophy: you want to minimize time close to your target weigh in weight. When you are this light, your body is prone to injury and sickness.

Every time you cut weight too slowly, you are putting your body in a calorie deficient state where it attempts to hold onto water and food. In my experience, I’ve seen that this response only gets worse the more you severely tax your system by not trusting the process. I encourage anyone to do a practice weigh in with a new method, but always trust the process.

Common Mistakes:

1. Cutting water too early.
2. Eating high fiber, low calorie foods.
3. Not being accountable to weights you CAN make.
4. Not over-hydrating pre-water cut.
5. Re-fueling with improper food.

Timeline

To start, here is a rough figure showing how your weight will fluctuate during the week up to a weigh in. Below is details for the different sections. You want to follow the blue line below, a smart setup followed by an incisive cut, weigh in, and recovery. The red is someone worried about weight that cuts too early.

The key to a good cut is resisting the urge to start the cut early. Look to stay around a normal wake up weight until a day or two before the weigh in.

Weight Management Phase (weeks out):

Far out from the scale you really just want to put yourself in a position for success. The key fact is that 3500 calories equates to one pound of metabolized fat in humans. If you’re trying to make your cut a little easier, lose 1 pound a week with a 500 calorie deficit a day, or 1.5 pounds with a 750 calorie deficit. Note, losing more than 1.5% of body weight per week for an extended period of time is dangerous and causes lasting metabolic deficiency.

Pre-Cut Phase (far–5 days out):

Eat clean here. Don’t overdo sodium or sugary foods, but there is flexibility. Use this time to get a clear read on where your wake up weight actually is. This is often the last few days you can hit an easy calorie deficit.

Fiber & Sodium Cut (5–1 days out):

Eliminate your salads and sandwiches (both deli meats and breads tend to be loaded with salt). This period turns into eating simple foods such as plain omelettes with a little cheese and grilled chicken. Towards the end of the fiber cut you will be down a couple pounds as your intestinal track clears out. (Remember not to salt your food, it’s always a mini-disaster when you throw away your almost cooked dinner).

Half way through the Fiber and Sodium Cut you should really hit the water hard. Drink too much. I would put down a couple hundred ounces of water a day on top of that needed for training. You’re doing it right if you have to go to the restroom every 15 minutes. At this time I would also enter a lower carb diet and higher calorie density foods. You can get 2000 calories of peanut butter in about half a pound.

Water Cut (1–0 days out):

Cut water about 18 hours before the weigh in. This means 0 drinking and no watery foods like fruit. From here you will want to match the amount of calories you expect to burn by the weigh in (about 1700 if resting) with only foods such as peanut butter. Calorie density is not the only requirement — low glycemic index is also key. A diet of only peanut M&M’s, while tasty and seeming viable, will spike your blood sugar and make your body balloon with the little water that is left. Toss on an extra layer or two and drift until you have to sweat out.

An hour or two before the weigh in check in with how many pounds you have left. A ~2% weight cut is normal to end off the process in the last day. At 155 lbs I would sweat out a pound per 10 minutes or so once ‘warmed up.’ It will likely take you about 10 minutes to get the sweat going, depending on the exercise, room temp, and clothing choice. I would recommend wearing a non-breathable base layer (think raincoat) with warm layers on top. This base layer can cut the sweat out time by a half. Work backwards from when you want to make weight to start your sweat out, and make sure to leave ~20 min of wiggle room.

Cutting water late will also let the body rebound substantially faster.

Recovery Phase (Pre-Competition):

Follow the details above on refueling, but make sure your urine is clear before you go to sleep. Humans tend to be able to process about 48oz of water an hour, so don’t overdo it on fluids too quick.

I would encourage a strong preference to real, unprocessed food following a weigh in to maximize performance. You can expect to be back up to a few pounds above your wake up weight by the time you go to bed post weigh in.

Below is a summary chart of what I went through.

Summary of a weight cut of 3–4% of normal wake up weight from rowing at Cornell. Weigh in at 500pm on Friday afternoon, pre Saturday morning race.

Reflection

Weighing in is, in my opinion, one of the fairest way to regulate a competition. It has gotten a lot of negative press during my time in the area — mostly due to athletes working hard to make weight without a good foundation of knowledge. I’ve heard of competitors sitting in a sauna, wearing a trash bag, to sweat out the night before a race. This kind of image is what universities crack down on, and for good reason. I don’t blame the un-informed, I just hope to create a healthier environment. I hope to see sports like wrestling, lightweight rowing, and mixed-martial arts continue to use it.

I hope this article reaches some athletes who do not have the benefit of a top-tied nutrition coach. Thanks for reading and feel free to reach out if you’re interested in more! More on practical sports-nutrition to come.

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Nathan Lambert

Trying to think freely and create equitable & impactful automation @ UCBerkeley EECS. Subscribe directly at robotic.substack.com. More at natolambert.com

Mountain Force Seeks To Revamp Its Title Program & Fill Vacancies.

Logan UT  

Sept 9, 2020                                                                                                                                          

Roger Mckay

Every fighter dreams of winning a championship some day. Day in and day out, they train hard and work towards improving their record to one day receiving the call to fight for a title belt. A title in combat fighting can mean different things to different fighters. For some, it can mean that they are the best in their weightclass division. To others, it can mean a huge accomplishment of overcoming struggles and obstacles to achieve one of the highest honors in combat fighting. Regardless of what it means, most fighters can agree that a title shot is a dream come true. 

Mountain Force (MTF) has taken a deeper look into this and realized that it's title program is in need of reorganization. That it needs to be taken to the next level that adds value to the phrase "mountain force champion."   Simultaneously, the MTF organization is looking to fill all of it's vacancies next year in 2021.  According to management, their current or old system would choose any random fighter with any record, even a debut record, and give them a "title shot."  There is no regards to whether or not these fighters would pursue a long term commitment or career in MMA or Kickboxing.  

"I'm tired of this participation trophy culture or generation sports have succumb to," Mountain Force president Juan Pablo said.  "When I was growing up, you received a trophy because you earned it; because you were number one or number two out of a hundred competitors or teams. Nowadays, people get butt hurt when competitors don't get any trophies or titles. Where is the incentive to work or train hard?  Where is the strong work ethic to achieve?"  

He continues, "That's why Sh*t got to change with our title program. I know we are not the UFC or Bellator, but I want fighters to have that burning desire to work and train hard to become a Mountain Force ammy or pro champion.  I don't want them to win a title and feel like it's another participation trophy, like it is under our current system.  I want them to feel proud that they are an MTF champion. We will be making a more concerted effort to highlight these MTF champions in our marketing campaigns, among other things, because they deserve it. This will help to add more value to our title program."   

What are some of the changes that they are looking to implement?  Under the new MTF title policy, contenders will be required to have:

4 or more fights for amateur males and 3 or more fights for amateur females.                                          

5 or more fights for pro males and 4 or more fights for pro females. 

According to Mountain Force, more than 4 fights for ammy males and more than 3 fights for ammy females demonstrates a fighter's long term commitment to the sport-mma or kickboxing.  That is, a fighter has earned a right or the opportunity to fight for one of the highest honors in combat sports. These fighters have paid their due process.  These tend to be individuals who are not in a cage to scratch off a bucketlist item.  

Moreover, a fighter's record has to be above .500 percent to be considered for a title shot.  "I don't understand how a losing or debut record affords you a title fight," Juan Pablo said. "That just proves my point of rewarding mediocrity or participation culture.  It's time mountain force rewards hard work and dedication. I am excited to hold BMF title bouts for fighters who records maybe under par but are as tough as nails and have serious beef with another fighter."

Under the revamped title policy, a fighter who wins a title must defend it at least once.  If they successfully defend their title, they are given the privilege to keep the belt to hang at home or the gym.

"I think to prove you are the champ, you have to defend or protect what's yours," Juan Pablo continued. "Under our old program, fighters didn't have to defend their title.  No more.  If they refuse, they will have to vacate the champion's seat and return the belt to us.  Again, we are not the UFC; we don't tell fighters that in order to remain MTF strawweight or whatever champion, you got to keep defending your title forever.  No, we would like our belts hung up in different gyms around the nation.  There are awesome stories of triumph behind every belt hung at a gym or trophy case.  I want them to share their Mountain Force journey with their fellow teammates or with prospective gym members seeking that same fight path." 

     Juan Pablo crowns Tyson Craig after defending & retaining the featherweight title.

Mountain Force said title holders cannot be choosers.  Meaning that if you hold a MTF title, you are subjected to defending your title on who they choose would be a great challenger to strip the title from you. "Don't get me wrong, it will be someone with a similar record, fight percentage, and who meets all the criteria for title eligibility," Juan Pablo said.  "Someone once told me there's a big difference between a fighter and someone who fights.  A fighter is always ready to fight anyone after weighing out a few things. Someone who fights, is the one who picks and chooses.  Imagine Khabib Nurmagomedov refusing to defend his title against someone Dana White chooses or is next in line to a title shot against him. If he does, his belt gets taken away.  A title holder is a fighter."

Juan Pablo mentioned that they will be implementing their new title program and policies from scratch on January 1, 2021 for both MMA and Kickboxing. These are the following vacancies for MMA effective January 2021. Kickboxing, to be determined:

Amateur Male:  Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, & Heavyweight.

Amateur Female: Atomweight, Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, & Lightweight.

Professional Male:  Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, & Heavyweight.

Professional Female: Atomweight, Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, & Lightweight.

Fighters looking to fight in Mountain Force, can sign up at mountainforcemma.com/fighterinquiry

Mountain Force Fights Return to Idaho with Safety Protocols In Place.

Idaho Falls, ID. 

Sept 5, 2020

James Wayne

Mountain Force MMA have started hosting fight nights again. However, theses fight nights aren't what they used to be like before covid-19 took over the world. 

So what is different? For starters Mountain Force now has to submit a Covid-19 Social Distancing and Safety Protocol plan to both local and/or state health departments as well as the Athletic Commissions they are sanctioned under. 

Under the new guidelines & plan, fighters are required to now test for Covid-19 about 4 to 5 days prior to weigh-ins. This is in addition to the bloodwork (Hep B, Hep C, & HIV) already required to compete. A negative Covid test is required for competition. Self isolation is encouraged after testing to minimize the fighter's risk of infection. Also, a track record of their whereabouts after testing is also encouraged. So if anyone who they were around tested positive for Covid, they would need to take extra precaution or retest.  

Mask wearing is mandatory when a fighter is not warming up or in competition.  Corners and all participants are required to wear masks. Chairs and tables are socially distanced in the locker rooms as well.

Some states and sporting entities like the MLB or the UFC are not allowing any spectators to gather in person to watch a game or fight event. However, the states (Utah, Wyoming, & Idaho) Mountain Force host events are allowing large gatherings but under very strict guidelines.  Therefore, spectators are allowed to watch an Mountain Force event in person.  Mountain Force first MMA event after reopenings was on August 1, 2020 in Evanston Wyoming. They are now preparing for their second event (MTF 17) on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls.  

"We've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," Said Mountain Force president, Juan Pablo.  "Without fans and sponsors in the stands, we wouldn't be able to afford to cover our overhead.  Sporting companies like the UFC, with huge broadcasting contracts, can still operate without fans. They also have a worldwide pay per view base. We are not there. Not even close. I'm just happy we are allowed to host fights at during these uncertain times; especially during a time when all large annual events have been cancelled. "

What are some of these strict guidelines imposed to host an event with a crowd, let alone an MMA event?  Every state makes sure all events follow the recommended general guidelines of the CDC which   is social distance 6 ft apart, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and wear a mask when social distancing is impossible. However, each state is different on their capacity allowance for large gatherings. 

Bonneville County, which is in the Yellow level and where Mountain Force will hold their Idaho Falls fight event, allows up to 1 person every 28 square feet.  Mountain Force was ecstatic to hear this order.  Melaleuca Baseball Field in IF, where Mountain Force will host MTF 17, is 30,000 square feet. 

Thus, this will allow between 1000 to 1200 socially distant force fans in the stands. By socially distant, I mean, every row will be blocked off for seating. The fans will sit in groups of household number or according to how many tickets you have purchased; and distanced 3 bleacher chairs from the next group. Despite the large number of guests allowed at MTF 17 in Idaho Falls, this event will be operating at 33% capacity. Moreover, Bonneville County has a mask mandate in place in which patrons are required to wear a mask or face covering except when eating, drinking, or at their seats. 

"I just hope we don't have any issue with non-compliant fans," said Juan Pablo.  "Like, in order for us to hold this event and many more in Idaho during this pandemic, we have to implement all guidelines set forth by local health & municipal departments.  Idaho Athletic Commission has clearly stated that any failure or violation of following all safety protocols can result in my license getting revoked or suspended. So I just hope everyone can see this as a grand opportunity to attend a sporting event that does come with safety guidelines but hasn't been cancelled."

This is an excerpt taken from Idaho Athletic Commission Covid-19 Requirements for event sanctioning:

Provide sufficient security to manage and monitor the crowd and ensure that social distancing and/or mask mandate requirements are being met. It is up to the promoter to enforce any violations of the local CDH/CDC guidelines among the crowd. If this cannot occur, it is recommended the promoter does not allow a crowd and has a broadcast/pay-per-view event only.

Mountain Force's next fight event in Idaho (tentatively December 2020)  is predicated on the safety outcome & compliance of all participants & fans at MTF 17 event on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls. 

 

"It's up to all of us to do our part, big and small, for Mountain Force to continue hosting fights in Idaho during this pandemic, " Juan Pablo said. "We cannot get mad if something doesn't seem right or fair or a show is cancelled or postponed. Nothing is normal right now.  I have to remind myself that we are truly living in different times. It's a different story day in day out.  Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to host fights.  Many of my fellow promoters in other counties & states such as California can't host fights right now.  To them I say hang in there.  I am grateful that fighters and coaches have the opportunity to fight; and that the fans have the opportunity to feel some type of normalcy while simultaneously supporting their fighters. Keep fighting." 

Middle School Saves The Day. Wrestling Team Feed The Masses. Mountain Force Gives Back.

Mountain Force President & Promoter, Juan Pablo poses with Rick Stimpson (in green) along with West Minico Middle School Wrestling Coaches after presenting donation check.  Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Burley Idaho. Dec 30, 2019.
Johnny Moreno


Two weeks til Fight Night and Mountain Force 14 (MTF 14) is venueless.
The event was scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019 and was to be hosted at College of Southern Idaho or CSI Mini Cassia Extension Campus in Burley, Idaho. However, due to some scheduling concerns and other undisclosed factors, Mountain Force was left with no venue to host MTF 14.

Mountain Force's President & Promoter, Juan Pablo said he went into deep panic mode when he found out that "we couldn't hold our event there any more." He further explained that he had to quickly scramble to see what venues in the area were available on the day the event was scheduled. "The list of places were next to nothing. Everywhere we searched or called were booked."

With the assistance of  Pete Nunez & Hector Castro, local gym owners & coaches at Full Force MMA in Burley, Juan explained that they searched high and low, even in Twin Falls.

One venue in Twin Falls was large enough & available on the day they needed it. But Juan's priority was to try and keep it in the Burley/Rupert area. The Twin Falls venue would be the last resort.  During this time, West Minico Middle School in Paul Idaho was proposed as a possible venue to host MTF 14. Paul Idaho is about 10 minutes North of Burley City on Highway 27.

In order to host the event at the middle school, it would first need to be approved by the Minidoka school board. "At this time, I was saying my prayers that our event will get approved," Juan said. "All the marketing, promotions, and sales were centered around this fight night being on December 7 in Burley or nearby towns like Paul or Rupert. This would totally save us on cost if we don't have to move it outside of the Burley area."

The word came back that the school board approved the event. "I was so happy & relieved. I want to thank Rick Stimpson, wrestling coach & school board member, for being our advocate before the school board. With so many misconceptions about MMA and MMA events, Rick was instrumental in putting his fellow board members concerns at ease.  Also a big thank you to Pete Nunez and Hector Castro for reaching out to Rick," Juan said.

Force Fans pack the West Minico Middle School gymnasium for MTF 14 to begin.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Juan mentioned that they had to make some adjustments to how many seats were now available given a smaller venue. "We lost some seats but I was just happy that we found a home for MTF 14, that it was in the general vicinity of CSI Burley campus, and that the show was going to happen on the date we planned and promoted."

The show went on as schedule.  It was a sold out show according to Juan. "We had to discontinue selling tickets hours before doors opened. I think everyone there had a great time. The fight bouts were amazing. The fighters put on a great performance for their fans, family, and friends.  The crowd was by far one of the most energetic & loudest crowd at a Mountain Force event. Can't forget the Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest. That was intense. It was a great fight night."

Force Fans participate in the half time Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest at MTF 14.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Not only did the West Minico Middle School save the day, the West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team played a role in contributing to the event as well. The wrestling team was given the opportunity to sell concession goods to general admissions and was contracted by Mountain Force to feed all VIP guests. Food items and ingredients were donated by local restaurants and caterers.

"With our VIP program, each VIP ticket includes a hot catered meal from a local caterer and Pepsi & Rockstar Drinks who sponsor our fights," Juan said. "A lot of force fans rave about our VIP meal program because they don't have to go out to eat before coming to our fight events. They can kill two birds with one stone."

Juan said it felt great to give West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team the opportunity to cater the VIP food. All proceeds that were raised from catering & concessions went to benefit the team-travel, uniform, fees, etc.  According to Rick Stimpson, they are able to afford a checklist of items needed for the 2020 wrestling season.

Force Fans in VIP mingle & feast at West Minico Middle School gymnasium before MTF 14 commence.
Photo Courtesy of Polo Aguayo

At the end of the night & before the main event, Juan Pablo, who was also the cage announcer, expressed his gratitude to sponsors, the athletic commission and officials, fighters, and force fans. He then called up Rick and his fellow wrestling coaches to the cage and presented them with a check for $2000.00 for the middle school facility; of which $1800 was donated. The regular day rental rate is $200.

Debut fighter, Axel Alonzo, thanks his fans, family & friends during post fight win interview.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

When asked if Mountain Force will return to Burley, Juan said yes. He went on to say "we are looking to return Fall 2020. I think the Mini-Cassia community would like us back. They have some of the most dynamic fighters in the area & some of the loudest fight fans in the region. I really admire how the fans, family, and friends rally behind their fighters like no other I have seen in other areas we host mma and kickboxing events. I'm grateful for everyone's contribution on what I think was a successful night. In the end, everyone involved came away with a win."

Lost Bouts Postpones Mountain Force Logan Fight Night

Logan. 1.15.2019
Jake Mason

Mountain Force MMA staff, fighters, and fans were preparing for another fight night in Logan Utah on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the new Cache County Event Center. I was looking forward to covering this event as well. Two weeks ago, they had 10 scheduled bouts with fighters coming from Idaho, Colorado, and Utah. Then, According to Mountain Force's President & Promoter Juan Pablo, the nightmare began.

Two of the 10 bouts were dropped because of injuries.  "That is pretty standard or normal," Juan said. "Every card you are going to have 1 to 2 bouts get cancelled due to injury during training. I tried getting replacements but two weeks is little time for most fighters who plan to win. Normally, they need 1 to 3 months of fight camp to get ready. With 8 bouts, we will still be ok and still manage to have a great show. What happened next is what I wasn't prepared for."

Last Monday, Jan 7, the Mountain Force Logan fight card had 8 scheduled bouts. This is a week they call hell week in the MMA world. And it was nothing more than that for Juan and his staff. On Tuesday, Jan 8, Mountain Force received word that one of the fighters scheduled was arrested and jailed. "It's so sad," said Juan."It's sad because he was doing everything by the books to prepare for his fight. He was even scheduled to get his physical and bloodwork done the day of his arrest. Even if he would've posted bail, there was no way he would fight in that type of mindset. I hope when he gets out that he will iron out all his legal issues, get back in the gym, and get him in the cage because he loves MMA."

That brought Mountain Force Logan card to 7 Bouts. Juan indicated he is now nervous but still can manage 7 bouts and find fillers in between bouts and rounds to make it a good show for the fans. On the day of Utah's Athletic Commission's deadline for all medicals, bloodwork, and contracts to be submitted, Juan received a text that one of his scheduled fighter's family member was in a freak roadside auto accident and died at the scene. "I felt so sorry for this fighter and their family and hoped they get through it," Juan explained. "At the same time I'm asking myself why me. How can this be happening all at the same time."  Juan also mentioned that two other scheduled or contracted fighters did not get their medicals & bloodwork in on time to compete.

"I couldn't believe what was happening-watching this fight card go from 10 bouts to 4 bouts in a matter of a week." He said. "I want to thank a lot of my fellow promoters and matchmakers like Brian and Bruce Smith of TuffNuff down in Vegas and Leonard Thierry of No Mercy Extreme Fighting in Colorado Springs, among others for coming to my aid and providing us with replacement fighters and support; and coaches like Steve Eargle of Cedar City BJJ and Brian Zehler of Zs Gym in Fort Collins. Unfortunately, the deadline expired and we couldn't add new fighters."

Juan explained that there is a minimum amount of bouts a promotion would need to host a MMA show in Utah and they fell below that threshold. Moreover, they would lose a significant amount of money with a low number of bouts if they had the opportunity to host a fight event with 4 to 5 bouts. "At the end of the day, most fans come out to see their brother, cousin, son, dad, mom, daughter, friend, or favorite fighter compete," Juan said. "And these fans pay a fee at the door which helps cover the cost of putting on these events. Without these fans coming through those doors, we would go bankrupt."

Juan mentioned that he and his staff are making significant changes and protocols to assure something like this doesn't happen again. "My heart goes out to our fans and sponsors who were looking forward to another Mountain Force show. Fortunately, the new date (March 30, 2019) isn't too far away. We will honor all tickets purchased for the January 19 event or reissue tickets for the new date or give them refund if they choose."

"My heart goes out to those fighters who trained, sacrificed, and prepared for a fight that couldn't happen.  We did offer all of them a spot on any of our upcoming mma or kickboxng cards. Some are scheduled on an upcoming fight card. I am well aware somethings are way beyond our control like when someone loses a loved one. However, there are somethings we can control such as making sure fighters get their bloodwork, medicals, and contracts done ahead of deadlines; and having back up opponents should a fighter get injured or cannot compete."

On March 30, 2019, the new date, Mountain Force will be celebrating its 1 year anniversary. It had its first fight night on March 17, 2018. In 2018, they had completed 6 MMA events and 1 kickboxing event in three states-Utah, Idaho, & Wyoming. Juan stated that in 2019, Mountain Force will be hosting about 7 MMA events and 4 kickboxing events. "I'm really excited," He said. "We have a strong fighter and fan base that continues to grow and I'm thankful for their love & support for our platform. This little promotion is going places. just wait and see."

Jake Mason
Independent Writer