Weight cutting is just as much a part of mixed martial arts as the traditional glove touch at the beginning of each bout. Fighters could be cutting as much as fifteen pounds in order to make weight at the weigh-ins before a fight. While that does sound dangerous, one of the safest ways to assure a safe and proper rehydration is through an IV.
A police was implemented years ago that saw USADA ban fighters from utilizing IV bags for rehydration purposes before and after weigh-ins.
After successfuly making weight for his “UFC 208” bout with Jarred Brooks, McCall needed to use an IV Bag as a method of rehydration at the suggestion of Dr. Jeff Davidson and UFC VP of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky. The decision to use an IV bag as a method of rehydration raised a few eyebrows, and the company has since explained their decision to let McCall use it:
“UFC was aware of the situation regarding Ian McCall in advance of UFC 208, and his need to receive treatment for an acute medical condition via a prohibited method under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. Prior to McCall receiving treatment, UFC was in communication with USADA and the New York State Athletic Commission regarding his condition. McCall has since submitted a retroactive therapeutic use exemption request to USADA – who is responsible for reviewing the use of any prohibited substance or method during the course of medical treatment.
Under the UFC Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Policy, to receive approval of a TUE, athletes must submit medical records demonstrating a verifiable medical diagnosis and legitimate medical need for the requested medication or method in accordance with the applicable guidelines. Further, it must be determined that the athlete pursued and exhausted all non-prohibited alternatives to treat his condition and would return the athlete to a normal state of health without providing a performance-enhancing benefit.”
