California Commission Adds 20 Percent Fine to Win Bonus for Fighters Who Miss Weight

In the past, a mixed martial artist who failed to make weight in California would be docked 20 percent of his or her “show” money for the event. Now, that penalty is going to be a little more steep.

The California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday approved an additional 20 percent fine to a competitor’s win bonus if the fighter misses weight, according to a report from MMAFighting.com. The change will be implemented as soon as CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster is able to draft fighter bout agreements with the new language in place.

While the 20 percent fine of a fighter’s show money was distributed evenly between both the commission and the opponent, the 20 percent win bonus fine will go exclusively to the opponent. The additionally penalty only comes into play if the fighter missing weight wins the bout.

The CSAC will also begin to examine ways to counter extreme weight cutting in the sport. According to the report, CSAC chairman John Carvelli will put together a sub-committee to study state regulations regarding weight cutting before compiling a set of rules for the next commission meeting on May 16.

The UFC's next California event is scheduled for Anaheim on July 29, while Bellator MMA, a frequent visitor to San Jose, does not currently have a card announced for the state.