A weight cut can take a serious toll on a fighter, especially when there's a lot of water to shed. That makes getting the right nutrition immediately after stepping off the scale even more critical.
What fighters reach for once they've weighed in isn't random—it's carefully chosen. Every competitor has a strategy for refueling, and most have solid reasoning behind their preferences.
Below are the favorite post-weigh-in meals from ten MMA athletes across Western Canada.
Samson Bieri: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
""Nothing beats a solid teriyaki chicken bowl post weigh-in. They're delicious, light enough to sit well, and available almost everywhere."
Shawna Ram: Coach's Choice
""My coach has a method when it comes to calculating what I'm allowed to eat after weigh-in. It's not just grabbing whatever pasta or potatoes I want. There's honestly not much joy in my post weigh-in meals."
Dejan Kajic: Assortment
""After I step on the scale, I start with liquids, of course, then move on to a handful of nuts, avocado, a bit of chocolate, a large salad, and some carbs—usually sweet potatoes paired with chicken or fish. I used to grab a slice of pizza and dark chocolate almonds, but now I hold off on those until after my fight."
Cole Smith: Greek Food
""It's packed with potatoes, rice, and carbs, which is exactly what I enjoy."
Usman Khattak: Pasta and Salmon
""I prefer pasta and salmon for my post weigh-in meal, typically eaten an hour or two after rehydrating with fluids. This combo hits all the key nutrients I need to restore my energy and strength. Carbohydrates and protein are the most important elements to include post weigh-in, particularly when you've shed significant weight. I also snack on dates and figs throughout the day—they're excellent for your overall health.
Spencer Rohovie: Same Food From Last Six Weeks
""I don't like jarring my system with a sudden influx of carbs when my body isn't used to them. Sushi is a personal favorite though."
Jesse Bull: Steak, Prawns, Vegetables and Potato Fries
""I've stuck with this plate since I first started competing. It's one of my absolute favorites—I'm really just going big on flavor!"
Terrence Chan: Pho With Beef
""I tend to keep things straightforward after weighing in since I'm fighting within 24 hours. At that stage, I'm not eating for enjoyment—I'm putting in the right fuel to maximize my performance. Mostly straightforward carbs to rebuild glycogen stores, along with lean meats that are gentler on digestion. I also typically load up on salt. A pho with beef hits all the marks: high carbs, lean protein, and a salty broth. Steak and sweet potatoes are another reliable choice for me."
Adam Lorenz: Normal Meal (Chicken and Potatoes)
""A regular meal settles my stomach better, but it does kind of miss the chance to indulge a massive craving with something tasty, because by the time I finally get to junk food I've already been eating plain for over a day lol!"
Kody Smith: Pasta
""That's what I had at my very first fight, so it's sort of become a ritual. After I compete, I head to The Cat and Fiddle for a bacon cheeseburger because they always hook me up, lol."
