CSAC passes weight-cutting laws

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has voted to ban severe dehydration and use of intravenous therapy (IVs) to make weight. It now requires doctors to test fighters for signs of dehydration in physical exams before fights. Athletes will still be able to use an IV after weigh-ins if they need to for medical reasons, though it’s unlikely they’ll be cleared to fight by the commission.

“Dehydration and weight cutting are the biggest problem facing mixed martial arts today,” CSAC executive officer Andy Foster told commissioners. “There are more mixed martial events in California than any other state, so this is the biggest problem facing this commission.” He added he doesn’t believe fighters who need IVs to rehydrate are in the correct weight class.

These measures are emergency rules that were added on a trial basis and will be revisited by the commission at a later date.

Bellator makes offer Bendo can’t refuse

Benson Henderson became Bellator MMA’s most high-profile free-agency signing when he turned down the UFC’s offer of a contract renewal. The 32-year-old announced his decision in February and insisted it came down to “intangibles” like sponsorships and the ability to compete in kickboxing and grappling competitions.

The former WEC and UFC lightweight champion added he was interested in competing at 155lb and 170lb before he was booked for an immediate welterweight title shot against champion Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 153 in April.

Bellator president Scott Coker was delighted to welcome his new signing into the fold: “Benson is a tremendous athlete who puts forth an exciting effort each and every time he steps into the cage. He’s without question a great addition to this promotion, and brings countless amazing matchups to the table.”

On the radar: unsigned talent with big potential

Ma Hao Bin (China)

After celebrating his 22nd birthday in style by winning two fights in 95 seconds to claim the One Championship Changsha bantamweight tournament crown, this young man is set to star in the promotion’s aggressive expansion into China.

Katlyn Chookagian (USA)

Cage Fury Fighting Championships CEO Robert Haydak Jr. described this 27-year-old as “Frankie Edgar with a pony tail” after she won the promotion’s 125lb title thanks to well-rounded striking and grappling, backed up by top cardio.

Rodolfo Vieira (Brazil)

This four-time world BJJ champion has joined American Top Team to prepare for his MMA debut in Japan this fall. He’s found success grappling at 220lb, but will cut down to fight at middleweight.

What's hot, what's not

Bryan Barberena’s gymnastics

What better way to celebrate a huge victory over super-prospect Sage Northcutt than by emulating his celebration and hitting a totally sweet forward roll in the Octagon.

KO creativity

Tang De Pan escaped a guillotine from Biao Zhou at One Championship: Dynasty of Champions, by throwing him onto his head and knocking him out cold. Wow!

World MMA Awards

Thanks to you, FO’s loyal readers, this year’s Awards were another huge success with yet another record number of votes recorded. Same time next year.

Injury bug: 2016 strain

First Cain Velasquez pulls out, then just hours later Fabricio Werdum withdraws from the UFC’s Super Bowl weekend show. Let’s hope it’s not the start of an epidemic.

Bigg Riggs Steakhouse

After just one year and a few one-star Yelp and Facebook reviews, Johny Hendricks has let the grills cool and closed the doors of his restaurant in Midlothian, Texas.

Drunken cameraman

One cameraman might need lessons with Ido Portal after he struggled to keep his balance filming Alex Caceres’ UFC walkout. Perhaps is was ‘fro distraction?

STAR SIGHTING

Kindred spirits

Who? Eliza Dushku

Where? UFC Fight Night 81

TV ass kicker Dushku was present in Boston for the UFC’s first Fight Night card of the year, where she hung out with president Dana White and 125lb champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk. The Massachusetts native cheered loudest for Ilir Latifi’s KO win against Sean O’Connell because the fighter and Banshee actress share Albanian heritage.

$5,000

Edmond Tarverdyan, head coach at Glendale Fighting Club, was given a four-figure fine and suspended for three months by the California State Athletic Commission for falsifying his application as a licensed cornerman.

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