What's Happening?
Ahead of UFC 321, two fighters have missed weight during the official weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi. Jose Miguel Delgado exceeded the featherweight limit by one pound for his fight against Nathaniel Wood, while
Azat Maksum missed the flyweight limit by three pounds for his bout with Mitch Raposo. Maksum has been fined 30% of his purse as a result. Despite these issues, the main event fighters, Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, successfully made weight for their heavyweight championship fight, as did the co-main event fighters, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, for the strawweight title.
Why It's Important?
Missing weight can have significant implications for fighters, affecting their performance and financial earnings. It also impacts the integrity of the competition, as fighters who miss weight may have an advantage due to not undergoing the same weight-cutting process. The fines imposed serve as a deterrent and ensure fairness in the sport. The successful weigh-ins for the main and co-main events ensure that the title fights will proceed as planned, maintaining the event's appeal and competitive integrity.
What's Next?
The fighters who missed weight will need to address their weight management strategies to avoid future penalties. The UFC may also consider implementing stricter regulations or support systems to assist fighters in making weight safely. The focus will now shift to the fights themselves, with fans and analysts eager to see how the weigh-in issues might affect the performances of Delgado and Maksum.
