The Weight of Expectations: Cyborg's Title Defense and the Pressure on Women in MMA The world of mixed martial arts is often criticized for its grueling physical demands, but a recent controversy surrounding Cris Cyborg's title defense has highlighted a more insidious issue: the pressure to conform to weight classes.
Female fighters are being pushed to extreme limits in pursuit of their craft, with severe consequences for their health.
Ketlen Vieira missed her target weight by seven pounds before her bout against Cyborg at the PFL's featherweight world title, prompting concerns about the fight's viability.