Making Weight - Coverage of Warriors Cup: Hageshi's Weigh-ins

Fight weigh-ins are a strange and unique thing to witness. The nerves are palatable. You can sense the tension as fighters await for their name to be called to step on that scale. For the amateur circuit, it’s the chance you get to see your opponent one last time (and for many, a chance for first introductions) before those punishing moments within the ring.

As someone who has participated in this process, I feel for the fighters. The incessant nagging is not just a hungry belly, but for what seems like your first sip of water in days. It’s the hard but necessary work. A contract that you agree upon. With a staggering 23 bouts and 46 individuals, it’s no surprise that I saw each person eye and mime for teammates to pass their water bottles and Pedialytes once it was over.