Massachusetts eliminates double weigh-in policy for mixed martial arts

by John Morgan on Jul 22, 2010 at 6:45 pm ET

A recent change in mixed martial arts regulation in the state of Massachusetts has eliminated the need for double weigh-ins.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently received notice of the change, which retracts a policy that had been in place since the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission's inception in March 2010.

The change is the latest adjustment to regulation of MMA in Massachusetts, which also recently implemented the regulation of amateur MMA in the state.

Massachusetts' previous double weigh-in policy, which will remain in place for boxing contests held within the state, called for fighters to weigh no more than 1.0625 times their maximum contract weight at the time of a fight.

For instance a 155-pound fighter could weigh no more than 164.7 pounds, while a light heavyweight's limit would top out at 217.8 pounds.

While the initial policy was implemented with the best intentions of fighter safety in mind, several MMA observers – including MMAjunkie.com's own Dr. Johnny Benjamin – questioned the wisdom of the rule, which differs from procedures outlined in the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.

Benjamin pointed out the following concerns in a March column on the subject:

* Initial weigh-in is 36 hours prior to the scheduled fight time. The final weigh-in (cannot be more than 6.25 percent greater than contracted weight) is scheduled for "fight night." If that weigh-in is too close to actual fight time, the potential exists for a fighter to enter the cage not fully hydrated. The final weigh-in needs to be completed eight hours prior to the first scheduled fight.

* A provision exists for an overweight fighter to be allowed (at the discretion of the MSAC) additional time to lose up to one percent of weight to make the limit. This is reasonable for the initial 36-hour weigh-in but not the final weigh-in on "fight night". There should be no attempt to encourage a fighter to cut weight within a few hours of the fight.

In April, Nick Lembo and Dr. Sherry Wulkan of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board each voiced their concerns directly to the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission, and the organization has now agreed that a single weigh-in within 36 hours of a scheduled bout is sufficient for mixed martial artists.

As was the case with MMA, boxers can still mutually agree to waive the policy.

Additionally, in April, the commission added amateur MMA regulation to its guidelines. KICK International, which oversees MMA in 22 other states, was the first organization approved to regulate amateur MMA, and the non-profit organization is in charge of the state's first fully regulated all-amateur card, Premier Fighting Championship I, which takes place this Saturday, July 24 at the Paramount Theatre in Springfield, Mass.

The UFC makes its first trip to the state of Massachusetts in August with UFC 118.

I figured they would when most fighters wouldn't want any part of that. It was a stupid rule to begin with.