ONE Championship expects fighters to compete at “walking weight” Following the weight-cutting related death of Yang Jian Bing prior to ONE Championship 35, the promotion has implemented a new weight cutting policy for it’s fighters. Per a press release from the promotion, weight cuts will now be banned through the process of dehydration “The new program, which is the first of its kind for combat sports, is focused on athlete safety by introducing ‘walking-weight’ competition via multiple weigh-ins and tests before and during fight week, including 3 hours before an event begins. Urine specific gravity will also be checked the day after arrival and 3 hours prior to the event. Athletes must be within their weight class and pass specific gravity hydration tests all week and up to 3 hours before the event. If an athlete falls outside the weight, or fails a test, they are disqualified from the event. Doctors may request additional testing at their discretion. ONE Championship has paved the way for MMA in Asia and we have always been at the forefront of innovation for the sport,” ONE CEO Victor Cui stated in the press release. “By banning weight cutting by dehydration, we are leading the way globally for enhanced safety standards for professional MMA athletes. We believe that through the implementation of this new weigh-in program, our fighters will enjoy a safer and healthier life inside and outside of the cage. I invite the other two major global MMA organizations, Bellator and UFC, to follow in our footsteps to protect athletes and to eliminate the process of weight cutting by dehydration.” UFC lightweight Gleison Tibau fails a second drug test Several weeks after news of his first violation – testing positive positive for recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) – Tibau has been notified for a second failure from a sample “collected immediately after his bout” in Sao Paulo on Nov. 7. UFC officials announced on Wednesday. Tibau (34-11) is coming off a first round submission victory over Abel Trujillo at UFC Fight Night 77. It should be noted it was not revealed in the release if if it was EPO or other substances that appearance in Tibau’s test. Olivier Aubin-Mercier gets new opponent for UFC on FOX 18 RDS reports that Carlos Diego Ferreira will replace Joaquin Silva against Olivier Aubin-Mercier at UFC on FOX 18 on Jan. 30th. Silva was forced out of the card with an undisclosed injury. Ferreira (11-2) will be looking for redemption as he’s coming off back to back losses against Beneil Dariush and Dustin Poirier. Aubin-Mercier (7-1) has won three-straight fights since losing his promotional debut at the TUF Nations finale. UFC on FOX 18 adds two more bouts Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera Alcantara (33-6, 1 NC), is coming off unanimous decision victory over Leandro Issa at UFC 190 and has won four of his last five fights. Rivera (18-1) has won two straight fights in the octagon over Marcus Brimage and most recently Pedro Munhoz at UFC Fight Night 77. Levan Makashvili vs. Damon Jackson Makashvili (10-2) is coming off a split decision loss to Hacran Dias back in June. Jackson (9-1) is also coming of a loss to Rony Jason, however the Brazilian tested positive for diuretics and the bout was ruled a no contest. UFC on FOX 18 takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark. The main event features light heavyweight Anthony Johnson taking on Ryan Bader. Rivas vs. Lahat added to UFC 196 UFC officials announced Tuesday that A featherweight bout between Diego Rivas and Noad Lahat will take place at UFC 196. Rivas (6-0) is coming off a successful UFC debut after taking out Rodolfo Rubio back at UFC Fight Night 56 in November 2014. The Chilean was also a member of TUF Latin America. Lahat (9-1) is coming off back to back decision wins over Steven Siler at UFC on FOX 12, and Niklas Backstrom at UFC Fight Night 69. UFC 196 takes place in Las Vegas, NV. on Feb. 6. Fabricio Werdum is slated to defend his heavyweight title against Cain Velasquez in the main eve.t
