Ohio has some unique rules on their books when it comes to weigh ins and all UFC 203 athletes setting foot into the Buckeye State for the first time ought to be aware of these.
Somewhat controversially, Ohio has gone against the grain in the recent trend of earlier weigh ins anchored in the belief that this encourages greater weight cuts. Given this it is unclear if the Commission will allow early weigh ins for UFC 203. In addition to this Ohio rules also
- limit the weight discrepancy between opponents who tip the scales in different weight classes (perhaps most interestingly not allowing heavyweights, where one cuts down to 265, with a weight difference of more than 7 pounds from facing each other)
- Second weigh ins on the day of the event are allowed with rules on how much weight an athlete can regain from their initial weigh in
- Ohio gives athletes multiple chances to make weight with no restriction on how much weight can be shed overall but prohibits how much weight can be lost in an hour
- A list of strict penalties for fighters who fail to make weight
Below are the Ohio Athletic Commissions full weigh in rules for MMA
Weigh in procedures.
(A) The weigh-ins must be conducted by an inspector or a representative of the Ohio athletic commission at a place and time designated by the promoter in accordance with the rules bearing agency 3773 of the Administrative Code.
(B) All contestants must weigh in. With the exception of super heavyweights contestants are limited to shorts, shirt and socks.
(C) The scale used for the official weigh-in shall be provided by the Ohio athletic commission. If authorized by the executive director or the commission the scale may be provided by the promoter. If more than one scale is used, each contestant shall weigh in on the same scale as their opponent
(D) Allowance in weight class is the weight difference permitted between contestants in two different weight classes.
(1) There may not be a difference of more than three pounds between weight classes from straw weight up to and including the bantamweight class.
(2) There may not be a difference of more than five pounds between weight classes from lightweight up to and including the welterweight class.
(3) There may not be a difference of more than seven pounds between weight classes from middleweight up to and including the heavyweight class.
E) When a weigh-in is conducted the day prior to the event, with the exception of the heavyweight and super heavyweight class, all other contestants may be required to weigh-in at a second weigh-in the next day scheduled by the commission within eight hours of the starting time of the event. Contestants weighing one hundred fiftyfive pounds and lower will not be permitted to exceed the weight of the previous weigh-in by more than eight pounds. A contestant weighing more than one hundred fifty-five pounds will not be permitted to gain. more than thirteen pounds, from their recorded weight from the day prior. The random second day weigh-in will be at the discretion of the executive director.
(F) Amateur contestants may not weigh in earlier than ten a.m. the day of the event.
(G) A contestant one hundred fifty-five pounds and lower may not lose more than two pounds within one hour. A contestant above one hundred fifty-five pounds may not lose more than three pounds within one hour. There are no restrictions to the number of times a contestant may attempt to re-weigh within the prescribed time period. This rule applies to a second day weigh-in also..
(H) Penalties for a fighter being overweight:
(1) Up to a sixty day suspension and/or a fine .
(2) Overweight by one ounce to two pounds shall be fined by paying opponent one hundred dollars or ten per cent of purse whichever is higher.
(3) Overweight by more than two pounds but not over four pounds shall pay a fine and pay opponent two hundred dollars or twenty percent of purse whichever is higher.
(4) Overweight by greater than four pounds and if within the regulations for the bout to continue, shall be fined and pay opponent four hundred dollars or twenty five percent of purse whichever is higher.
(5) If purse exceeds ten thousand dollars the opponent will receive fifty percent and the state of Ohio will receive fifty percent.
(6) If the bout goes on no suspensions will be issued for not making weight.
(I) Weight allowances between weight classes do not apply to amateur contestants. They must compete within the weight class.
Combat Sports Law 