NYSAC revises weigh-in regulations after Cormier ruse

At UFC 210 with minutes left before the close of weigh-ins, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier weighed in 1.2 pounds over the 205 title fight limit. Less than three minutes later he weighed in again, and was 205 exactly. One possibility is a gravity leak. Another is that Cormier used an old high school wrestling trick – he appeared to be holding onto the towel in the interests of modesty, but was instead pushing down with 1.2 pounds of pressure.

The New York State Athletic Commission officials missed the ruse entirely. Cormier argued adamantly that he was only trying to cover his privates. No one bought it, but the fight went on for the title, which it might not have otherwise, had Cormier not been able to make weight two hours later, as provided for by New York regulations.

Now Mark LaMonica for Newsday reports that the NYSAC has added a revision to their weigh-in rules.

https://twitter.com/LaMonicaMark/status/866753898383634432

The relevant text is plain:

When on the scale, the combatant shall stand still with his or her feet flat upon the scale and shall not make physical contact with any person or object other than the scale. No other person shall touch the scale when a combatant is in the act of weighing in. While on the scale, the combatant shall follow any direction issued by the Commission.

In addition, state regulators have a more open-ended license to take action when they suspect weigh-in shenanigans.

The Commission reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any combatant who fails to weigh in at or below the contract weight, fails to act in good faith, engages in disruptive behavior, or violates any rule or directive of the Commission during the official weigh-in. In the discretion of the Commission, a combatant may be directed to immediately retake the scale to ensure that the combatant’s weight was accurately assessed.