Sean Strickland has revealed that his weight cut ahead of UFC Fight Night: Houston was so severe that he temporarily lost vision in one eye.
The former UFC middleweight champion discussed the challenges of fight week on social media as he prepares for his main event showdown with Anthony Hernandez.
Strickland indicated that the process of making weight can be more punishing than the fight itself. His comments reveal the extreme physical demands placed on fighters before they enter the Octagon.
Strickland opens up about alarming weight-cut effects
Sean Strickland explained that dropping to the middleweight limit brings uncomfortable and concerning symptoms during fight week.
He described moments where his vision was affected while trying to reach the required number on the scale.
“This is really what we get paid to do. Cutting weight is worse than fighting. I don’t know why, but when I cut weight, I can only see out of one eye. Do I have double vision? I think it’s the worst part about cutting weight, having to walk with one eye closed…”
The statement underscores the physical strain associated with rapid weight reduction in mixed martial arts.
Main event remains focus after difficult week
Strickland is set to headline UFC Fight Night: Houston against Anthony Hernandez after both fighters made weight at the official weigh-ins.
Although the contest inside the cage is the main attraction, the preparation leading up to it can present significant hurdles.
Weight cutting continues to be one of the most debated aspects of the sport, with athletes often shedding large amounts of weight in a compressed timeframe.
With the hardest part of fight week behind him, Strickland now shifts his attention to Hernandez as he looks to deliver on fight night.
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