What is a rehydration clause?

A rehydration clause in a contract, often seen in combat sports like <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Mixed%20Martial%20Arts">Mixed Martial Arts</a> (MMA) or boxing, is a contractual agreement designed to limit the amount of weight a fighter can regain between the official weigh-in and the actual fight.

The primary purpose of a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/rehydration%20clause">rehydration clause</a> is fighter safety. Fighters often engage in extreme weight cutting, drastically reducing their body weight (primarily through dehydration) in the days or even hours leading up to the weigh-in. This allows them to compete in a lower weight class, theoretically gaining a size and strength advantage over their opponent. However, this rapid dehydration and subsequent rapid rehydration (rehydrating after the weigh-in) can be extremely dangerous, increasing the risk of kidney failure, heart problems, and other serious health complications.

A typical clause might stipulate a maximum permissible weight gain, often expressed as a percentage of the fighter's weigh-in weight or a specific number of pounds. Weight checks are often conducted in the hours leading up to the fight to ensure compliance with the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/rehydration%20limit">rehydration limit</a>. Failure to meet the rehydration clause can result in penalties, such as fines or even cancellation of the fight. Some organizations also have rules regarding IV rehydration (intravenous rehydration), banning or limiting its use because it allows for very rapid, and therefore potentially dangerous, rehydration. The specific details of a rehydration clause vary widely depending on the promotion and the individual contract negotiations.