The Weight Cut: Extreme Weight Loss (2017)

Mixed Martial Arts has become a huge, multi-billion dollar global industry attracting fighters and viewers from around the world to its high octane action. However, behind the scenes many of the athletes competing in pro-MMA are keeping a dark secret about methods that they use to make the weight ahead of bouts. This documentary follows British MMA fighter Dean in the build-up to a big fight. After weeks of dieting and hard training Dean is almost ready for his fight, but he is 7kg over the maximum weight limit for the weight category of the bout. He, like many other fighters, uses the dangerous activity known as weight cutting to shed the weight overnight before the weigh-in. This process involves going "nil-by-mouth" while using frequent saunas and hot baths to sweat the weight off - a technique that has already claimed lives in the sport before users have even entered the cage. The film examines how the unhealthy practice of cutting weight in this way could affect Dean's long-term health.