.png)
Joe Rogan, longtime UFC commentator and popular podcast host, has once again voiced his strong opposition to weight cutting in mixed martial arts. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan discussed the dangers of extreme weight cuts with former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka, proposing a radical change to how weight classes are structured in the sport.
Rogan argued that, similar to boxing, the UFC should introduce more weight classes to reduce the need for fighters to undergo severe dehydration just to compete. He believes that the practice is both unsafe and unnecessary.
“I think weight cutting should be eliminated,” Rogan stated. “I said this to Ari Emanuel when they first bought the UFC. I said, ‘Listen, man, you know what we should do? Get rid of weight cutting. Just stop it.’”
He elaborated on how the UFC could enforce such a change, suggesting that fighters should be randomly tested to ensure they are competing at a natural weight.
“Show up with a scale. ‘Hey, buddy, step on the scale. You’re 190 pounds? How the f*ck are you making 145?’” Rogan proposed.
He added that there should be weight divisions every 10 pounds to close the massive gaps between some classes, like middleweight (185 lbs) and light heavyweight (205 lbs). His proposed system would include 185, 195, 205, 225, and then an unlimited heavyweight class.
Rogan further suggested that instead of extreme weight cuts, fighters should compete at their true walk-around weight. He pointed to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as an example, questioning what weight he would fight at if weight cutting was not an option.
“Find out what does Islam Makhachev weigh. Islam Makhachev is a UFC champion, best pound-for-pound fighter on Earth. Find out what he weighs.”
Rogan believes that forcing fighters to compete at their natural weight would lead to better performances and prevent fighters from suffering extreme dehydration before fights. According to him, the current system allows competitors to rehydrate after weigh-ins, which creates unfair size advantages.
While the UFC has yet to implement such changes, Rogan’s idea highlights an ongoing debate about fighter safety and the impact of drastic weight cuts on athletic performance.