Word came down yesterday that state of Massachusetts has eliminated their double weigh-in policy for MMA events. I covered some of the political aspects of the whole situation back in May. At that time, the Massachusetts athletic commission had reached out to New Jersey for thoughts and information on if the practice of double weigh-ins was a good one. New Jersey, thankfully, had several people send back information that pointed out the very serious health concerns of having a fighter have to make weight mere hours before they enter a fight.
Acting on that advice, Mass. removed the policy.
I think this is great news. Would it be healthier all around if fighters didn’t cut weight at all? Yes, absolutely. But the only way for that to work is with the introduction of many, many more weight classes. Guys are going to cut weight regardless of if they’re weighing in 24 hours or one hour before a fight. That’s just the reality of how the vast majority of fighters’ brains work.
What is strange is that they left the same-day weigh-ins in place for boxing. The idea that they would see the merits in MMA fights not drying themselves out so close to a fight but not boxers, who are at a much higher risk already for brain damage in a standard fight, is bizarre to say the least. But the rule does stay in place that both participants can choose to waive the second weigh-in.
KICK International was also put in place as the sanctioning body for Massachusetts amateur MMA. KICK ensures fighters undergo blood testing for HIV, Hepatitis and other blood diseases as well as setting regulations for promoters. The full list of KICK guidelines can be found here.