Behind the Scenes of UFC 317: Coach Reveals Intense Fight Week of Cut Fighter and Unmatched Effort

Christopher Ewert’s UFC debut took an unexpected turn when he was cut from the roster before even stepping on the scale. He was set to fight Jackson McVey at UFC 317, but complications with his weight led to the cancellation of the match.

As the weigh-ins approached, UFC commentator Jon Anik announced that Ewert was released from his contract due to weight issues. Coach Javier Torres shared insights about the intense weight-cutting process they had undertaken.

"We really pushed hard," Torres said. "We started the cut at 216 pounds. By the time we arrived in Vegas, we were at 195. However, we ran into challenges."

They faced unforeseen flight delays which set them back significantly. Upon reaching Las Vegas, Ewert’s team had limited time for a final weight cut. "We tried everything–running, mitts, and sauna sessions. We cut weight until late into the night," Torres explained.

Despite their efforts, Ewert was only able to reach 197.3 pounds by 1 a.m. and struggled with cramps after that. They had hoped for the match to take place at a catchweight, especially since they accepted the fight on short notice. "We had conveyed our wish for a catchweight since Tuesday," Torres noted.

Interestingly, the world of MMA has seen several issues like this before. Weight cuts have become a prevalent concern, with many fighters experiencing similar struggles. According to a recent survey from the Association of Boxing Commissions, 27% of fighters reported severe difficulties in weight management, often impacting their performance and health.

MMA fans on social media reacted strongly to Ewert’s situation, emphasizing the ongoing debate around weight-cutting practices in the sport. Many argue it should be reevaluated to enhance fighter safety.

In summary, Ewert and his team put in immense effort, but circumstances led to this unfortunate outcome. Their experience sheds light on a broader issue in MMA that many fighters face today. For more on weight-cutting and its implications in combat sports, check this detailed report.

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