The Impact of Rapid Weight Regain on Fight Outcomes in Bellator Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rapid weight regain on the fight outcomes in professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes competing in Bellator.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty fighters (16 male and four female fighters) were included in the analysis. Official weigh-in and fight-night weights were recorded, and percentage weight regain was calculated. Fighters were divided into groups based on their percentage weight regain (<10% vs. ≥10%). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and independent t-tests and logistic regression were employed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that while fighters significantly regained weight between weigh-ins and fight-night, this weight gain did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) predict fight outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that weight regain may not provide a competitive advantage in Bellator MMA athletes.