Yana Santos has raised alarms following recent incidents involving failed weight cuts by her opponents in the UFC. Santos has experienced this issue in four of her last seven bouts. Most recently, her fight against Macy Chiasson was marred by Chiasson’s weight miss at UFC 320.
Weight Controversy at UFC 320
During the weigh-ins for UFC 320, Chiasson tipped the scales at 137.5 pounds, exceeding the limit for their non-title bantamweight fight by 1.5 pounds. As a result, she faced only a 25% deduction of her purse for failing to make weight. This incident triggered a strong reaction from Santos, who called for more severe penalties for fighters who miss weight.
Santos’ Concerns Over Weight Accountability
Santos expressed her frustration, emphasizing a troubling dynamic where the burden falls heavily on the fighter who made weight. “If I refuse to fight, I face penalties including not getting paid and the risk of being cut,” she explained to MMA Fighting. This pressure leaves athletes feeling obligated to compete, regardless of the circumstances.
In a past bout, Santos fought Chelsea Chandler, who weighed in at 141 pounds—five pounds over the non-title limit. Santos won that match by unanimous decision, but the experience of facing a heavier opponent left her dissatisfied.
The Risk of Refusing Fights
Santos pointed to Leslie Smith as a cautionary tale. In April 2018, Smith was scheduled to fight Aspen Ladd at UFC New Jersey but declined to compete after Ladd missed weight. Smith received her show and win bonus but was subsequently removed from the UFC roster. Santos noted, “I’ve seen this happen multiple times. The fighter who makes weight ends up being punished.”
Call for Stiffer Penalties
The bantamweight fighter believes that stricter consequences for weight misses could deter fighters from attempting to game the system. “If penalties were more severe, fewer fighters would miss weight,” she stated. Santos understands that some may encounter legitimate issues with weight cuts but believes the system needs reformation.
- Current penalties often do not deter fighters.
- Santos insists that more significant penalties would promote accountability.
- The weighing process must be handled more transparently by the UFC.
Grievances Over Weight Management Practices
Santos is also troubled by the lack of communication surrounding weight misses. No one informed her about Chiasson’s weight issue until she witnessed it firsthand. “I had to approach Chiasson myself to ask for an apology,” Santos stated. She felt this lack of courtesy further diminished the integrity of the weigh-in process.
Despite prior respect for Chiasson, Santos’ opinion shifted dramatically after their fight and the surrounding circumstances. “It’s difficult to remain positive when handling situations like this,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for change in UFC policies regarding weight management.
