“What I have to lose when I sign the fight will be 27 pounds. Then I’ll lose 20 during training camp. Then the last week will be another 10,” Benavidez said. “By the time I start fighting this week, I’ll cut about 10 pounds. You’re doing everything right with the water manipulation, it evens out.”
That total, about 50 pounds, drew immediate backlash, with some fans labeling it weight bullying. The number is what stands out, but the implication is greater than the response. Losing that much weight to get to 175 suggests that Benavidez would be better off fighting at cruiserweight or heavyweight.
A fighter competing at 175 while walking around well above that mark changes what the division looks like. This begs the question of whether opponents are facing a natural light heavyweight or someone who comes on much bigger after rehydration.
Benavidez has always been known for running big streaks dating back to his time at 168. Moving up to light heavyweight was expected to ease that process, but it doesn’t sound like it based on what Benavidez is saying. Instead, his own explanation suggests that the scope of the cut has not changed as much as assumed.
He indicated no plans to move divisions again, and no opponent was linked to the comments. The focus remained on the process itself. The number he gave is what people will stick with.
A fighter who says he removes 50 pounds before competing adds to the debate. If Benavidez moves up to cruiserweight on a permanent basis, he will have less weight to cut, and his draining process will be less severe.
