Pederneiras: Several Fighters Will Move Up in Weight with IV Ban

Weight classes across the board in the Ultimate Fighting Championship could be seeing makeovers now that the weight-cut process has changed. Earlier in June, USADA informed fighters that they will no longer be able to rehydrate with IV bags after weigh ins.

While UFC fighters and personalities like Joe Rogan have voiced their disgust with the IV-bag ban, Nova Uniao coach Andre Pederneiras breaks down what this could mean for the future of fighters in their weight classes.

“If you announce that it’s going to happen in six months or a year from now, fighters will move up a weight class if they can’t rehydrate only drinking water,” Pederneiras explained to MMA Fighting. “But doing it this way, you’re imposing something that we can’t agree with. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone. Everyone had the right to do it and it’s not something that enhances your performance.”

Pederneiras wanted to make it clear, however, that UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo would not be impacted with the new rules as he doesn’t cut too much weight in the first place. “Aldo doesn’t cut much weight,” Pederneiras said. “When he’s not during a camp, he’s lighter than when he’s training. He stops taking supplements, so he’s lighter. He tends to lose weight instead of gaining weight. Aldo weighs around 160 pounds when he’s off camp.”

What do you think of the IV-bag ban? Does it make cutting weight safer, or will fighters still try to make weight without proper rehydration? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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