That’s one solution to the ever-worsening problem of drastic weight cuts in mixed martial arts…
The reason fighters cut so much weight in MMA is to enjoy as big a size advantage as possible over an opponent but if two fighters are diminishing their bodies to the point that their energy and ability to fight to their potential is hindered, then what’s the point?
Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone have the right idea in that both walk around at roughly the same weight and they have seemingly agreed to a rematch at their regular weight, rather than cut to 155lbs.
Having fought at lightweight in 2011, with Diaz coming out on top with a unanimous decision win, the pair of fan favourites have verbally agreed to run it back at middleweight.
Both Diaz and Cerrone have competed at welterweight in recent years but even 170lbs requires a minor weight cut for them so they’ve decided to avoid dropping any weight on fight week by just meeting at 185lbs.
The agreement came last weekend, when both Diaz and Cerrone were in attendance at UFC 235.
Exchange at UFC 235 last weekend, per Cowboy Cerrone.
Cowboy: Nate, when you fighting again?
Diaz: It's not me. UFC doing it.
Cowboy: Well, just so you know, I'll fight you.
Diaz: S—. We'll do it at 185. I'm done cutting weight.
Cowboy: Okay.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 10, 2019
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto documented the exchange on his Twitter account, revealing that Diaz and Cerrone intend to share the Octagon again in the near future.
Diaz has not fought in almost three years, while Cerrone was recently in talks to fight Conor McGregor but the fight fell apart due to McGregor’s reported insistence on fighting in a main event.
“Conor won’t fight unless it’s a main event,” Cerrone said (via ESPN). “I don’t know if it’s an ego thing or a status thing for him. I don’t give a shit. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, and I stand by that all the time. I guess he’s a prima donna and only takes main event spots. I don’t know.”
