In a display of unwavering determination, UFC's Tracy Cortez resorted to a drastic measure to meet the flyweight limit for her upcoming fight against Joanne Namajunas. Desperate to shed a mere half a pound, Cortez took matters into her own hands and chopped off a significant portion of her hair.
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Tracy Cortez Sacrifices Hair to Secure Weight for Namajunas Bout
In the high-stakes world of the UFC, athletes push their bodies to the brink to meet the rigorous weight limits required for their respective weight classes. For Tracy Cortez, the road to the flyweight division was paved with an unorthodox but effective solution: cutting her hair.
Leading up to Friday's weigh-in for her much-anticipated bout against former champion Joanne Namajunas, Cortez found herself facing an arduous task. Weighing in slightly over the 126-pound flyweight limit, she had less than 24 hours to shed an additional half a pound.
With time running out, Cortez made the bold decision to sacrifice her hair in a desperate attempt to make weight. In a harrowing video posted on social media, she can be seen holding a large fistful of hair before snipping it off with a pair of scissors.
"I had to do what I had to do," Cortez said in a post-weigh-in interview. "It was either cut my hair or risk getting disqualified."
Cortez's sacrifice proved to be successful. After stepping on the scale, the digital display read exactly 126 pounds, allowing her to compete in the flyweight bout without penalty.
Cortez's decision to cut her hair to make weight has sparked a heated debate within the MMA community. Some have praised her determination and willingness to go to any lengths to achieve her goal. Others have expressed concern over the potential risks and long-term consequences of such extreme weight-cutting practices.
Experts warn that excessive and rapid weight loss can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle loss, and other serious health issues. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the need for stricter weigh-in regulations in the UFC. Currently, fighters are allowed to weigh in the day before their fights, giving them ample time to rehydrate and recover before the actual bout.
However, some argue that this system encourages fighters to cut excessive weight and puts their health at unnecessary risk. Advocates for weigh-in reforms have proposed changes such as same-day weigh-ins or multiple weigh-ins throughout the fight week.
Tracy Cortez's hair-cutting incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme measures that athletes may resort to in order to compete in their desired weight class. While her determination is commendable, it is crucial to prioritize athlete health and safety over the pursuit of weight limits.
The UFC and other governing bodies have a responsibility to implement regulations and provide support to ensure that fighters can compete without jeopardizing their well-being. By promoting a culture that values athlete health and responsible weight management practices, the sport of MMA can continue to thrive while protecting the individuals who participate in it.
