Alex "Poatan" Pereira, a prominent figure in the UFC, has garnered attention not only for his striking prowess but also for his dramatic weight fluctuations. This article delves into the weight loss methods employed by Pereira, examining the science, strategies, and potential implications of his approach.
Pereira's Weight Cutting History
Pereira's journey through different weight classes highlights the extremes he has undergone to compete. He transitioned from middleweight (185 lbs) to light heavyweight (205 lbs), demonstrating a willingness to manipulate his weight significantly to gain a competitive edge. This has, at times, involved cutting upwards of 50 lbs before a fight.
Prior to his rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Pereira weighed in at 232.4 pounds the morning of the event, a substantial increase from the 205-pound light heavyweight limit. Just two weeks before October 4, he revealed he had 29 pounds to cut, which he successfully accomplished. This pattern of substantial weight regain between weigh-in and fight night has become a recurring theme in his career.
Pereira's Methods: A Detailed Look
Pereira's weight-cutting process is a carefully orchestrated endeavor, relying on a combination of techniques to shed pounds rapidly.
- Fluid Depletion: A cornerstone of Pereira's weight loss strategy is aggressive fluid depletion. This involves manipulating sodium and carbohydrate intake to encourage the body to shed water weight. "It takes me about 4 hours to lose 10 kilos (22 lbs). They have a method that they can use which helps me lose very quickly," Pereira stated, highlighting the efficiency of his team's approach.
- Sauna and Sweating: Pereira's team employs methods to maximize sweat production. Alcohol-based gels are applied to his skin to stimulate perspiration, followed by layering in a sweatsuit and engaging in workouts that combine jogging and sparring. He then enters a portable sauna box before resuming workouts in the sweatsuit. This cycle is repeated to encourage maximum fluid loss. As explained by his coach Plinio Cruz, "Our mission is to open the pores so the sweat can keep coming out…Now, we maintain the sweat coming out. Let him lay down a bit to relax the body from the cut and maintain sweating. And then repeat the process."
- Thermal Wrapping: After the sauna and workout cycles, Pereira is wrapped in a thermal covering to further promote sweating while resting. This technique aims to maintain the elevated rate of perspiration without the added stress of physical activity.
- Team Support: Pereira emphasizes the importance of teamwork during the weight-cutting process. His team assists in various ways, including scraping moisture off his body with hotel key cards as it emerges from his pores. This hands-on approach underscores the collaborative nature of his weight loss efforts.
- Mental Fortitude: Pereira's calm and focused demeanor during weight cuts is notable. According to Cruz, "With him it’s calm because he doesn’t stay stressed out, he knows the difficulty, knows he has to get through this." This mental resilience is likely a crucial factor in his ability to endure the demanding process.
Potential Risks and Concerns
Drastic weight cutting, as practiced by Pereira, is not without potential risks. Dominick Cruz has explained that significant fluid loss, including fluids from the brain, can impact a fighter’s tolerance to strikes. Daniel Cormier, drawing from his wrestling background, has called drastic weight cutting "the most dangerous thing in the world." The rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to a range of adverse effects, including:
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- Reduced Cognitive Function: Dehydration can impair cognitive function, affecting decision-making, reaction time, and overall mental acuity.
- Decreased Physical Performance: Weight cutting can lead to muscle cramping, fatigue, and reduced power output, all of which can negatively impact athletic performance.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Dehydration can decrease joint lubrication and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Cardiovascular Stress: Rapid fluid loss can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to irregular heartbeats and other complications.
- Impaired Kidney Function: Repeated weight cutting can put a strain on the kidneys, potentially leading to long-term damage.
Pereira's Perspective
Despite the potential risks, Pereira has expressed confidence in his weight-cutting process. He claimed that his weight cut for UFC 320 was the best of his career. This positive outlook may be attributed to the break he took before the fight, allowing him to cut weight under less stressful circumstances than in the past.
Alternative Approaches to Weight Management
While Pereira's methods have proven effective for him, other fighters and experts advocate for a more gradual and sustainable approach to weight management. This includes:
- Year-Round Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise regimen throughout the year can minimize the need for drastic weight cuts close to a fight.
- Strategic Nutrition: Working with a nutritionist to optimize macronutrient intake can help manage weight and body composition effectively.
- Gradual Weight Loss: Aiming for a slow and steady weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week can minimize the risk of dehydration and muscle loss.
- Hydration Strategies: Implementing a structured hydration plan can help maintain fluid balance and optimize performance.
The Future of Weight Cutting in MMA
The extreme weight cutting practices prevalent in MMA have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Some organizations have implemented measures to discourage drastic weight cutting, such as:
- Weight Class Adjustments: Adding more weight classes can allow fighters to compete closer to their natural weight.
- Increased Weigh-In Scrutiny: Monitoring fighters' weight fluctuations more closely can help identify and address potentially dangerous weight-cutting practices.
- Educational Initiatives: Educating fighters, coaches, and fans about the risks of extreme weight cutting can promote safer and more sustainable approaches to weight management.
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