{"id":3194,"date":"2026-08-07T16:43:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T16:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bugraoncel.com\/nutrition-and-weight-cut-strategies-in-combat-sports-2025-issn-position-stand\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T17:51:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T17:51:25","slug":"nutrition-and-weight-cut-strategies-in-combat-sports-2025-issn-position-stand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bugraoncel.com\/en\/nutrition-and-weight-cut-strategies-in-combat-sports-2025-issn-position-stand\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutrition and Weight Cut Strategies in Combat Sports: 2025 ISSN Position Stand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sports Nutrition<\/h1>\n\n \n
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Making weight in mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports often forces athletes to lose significant amounts of body mass in short timeframes. However, uninformed and unguided weight cutting processes lead to severe muscle loss, electrolyte imbalances, and major strength deficits during competition.<\/p>\n

Preserving muscle mass and overall health while performing at an elite level relies on evidence-based protocols rather than guesswork. In light of the 2025 International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) position stand<\/strong>, this process must be evaluated across 3 key phases.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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\n 1<\/span>\n Preparation Phase and Fundamental Nutrition Principles\n <\/h2>\n

The period prior to entering fight camp is the most critical phase for preserving metabolic health and baseline muscle mass.<\/p>\n \n

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\n 01. Weight Class & Weigh-in Rules<\/strong>\n Every combat discipline has unique weight categories, official weigh-in timings, and competition schedules. Nutrition strategies must be strictly personalized to this timeline.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 02. Energy Systems<\/strong>\n When fight duration exceeds 4 minutes, the aerobic system accounts for over 70% of total energy production; explosive bursts are fueled by anaerobic alactic and glycolytic pathways.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 03. Pre-Camp Weight Management<\/strong>\n Body weight during the general preparation phase should be maintained within a maximum of 12% to 15%<\/strong> above the target competition limit.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 04. Ergogenic Aids<\/strong>\n Evidence-based supplements with proven efficacy such as Creatine, Beta-Alanine, HMB, and Caffeine can be integrated to support training performance.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n 2<\/span>\n Fight Camp and Acute Weight Cut Phase\n <\/h2>\n

Weight cutting is divided into gradual long-term calorie restriction and acute protocols applied during fight week.<\/p>\n \n \n

\n Daily Macronutrient Lower Thresholds (per kg):<\/strong>\n