Too many fighters ruin a solid fight camp with the same 3 mistakes — and it’s never because they weren’t working hard.
Here’s how to stop butchering your weight cut and actually walk into the ring sharp, strong, and fuelled:
1. You’re guessing your weight class
You wouldn’t step into sparring without knowing the rules — so why wing your target weight?
Start camp with a clear number. One that’s realistic for your body — not just what your mate fights at.
Get honest about where you're holding fat, how much you can safely lose, and how long you’ve got to do it.
This gives you a real target, not a fantasy. From there, everything — calories, carbs, sodium, even your sleep — can line up with that goal.
2. You’re cutting too fast, too soon
Biggest red flag? You’re already flat halfway through camp.
If you’re training hard but dropping weight too aggressively, your body goes into panic mode.
Recovery drops. Strength fades. You’re cranky, slow, and secretly worried about gassing out.
Keep it simple: aim for 0.5–1% bodyweight per week, time your carbs around sessions, and stay consistent.
Smart cuts feel controlled — not chaotic.
3. Fight week? You’re freestyling.
The week before weigh-in isn’t the time to start “figuring it out.”
Fight week is a checklist.
Every gram of food, every sip of water, and every sweat session needs to be planned.
No last-minute sauna scrambles. No guessing how much water to cut.
Just a calm, calculated descent that leaves you dry — but dangerous.
Fix these 3, and you won’t just make weight.
You’ll show up ready to win.
Need help with the meals that get you there?
The Fighters Cookbook has 50+ real fighter meals — designed for cutting, fuelling, and recovering without draining your body or brain.
Get It Here ⬇️
—
Lucas
Athletes Appetite
