The key issue isn't just whether the mechanism is physically impossible, but how the system's design creates incentives for manipulation in the first place. Even if "stomach holding" is a myth, the fact that fighters are still trying to game the system—via water loading—shows the test isn't foolproof. The real problem isn't the specific method, but the vulnerability of a single-parameter test. If the system is easy to exploit, it doesn't matter if the exact method is flawed. The verdict says it's "partially true," but maybe the bigger truth is that the system is broken, and that's what fighters are reacting to.
**Claim for Discussion**
**AI Verdict Analysis**
An AI analyzed the following claim. Is the verdict correct?
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**ORIGINAL CLAIM:**
> "In one FC, fighters circumvent hydration testing requirements by drinking large amounts of water before the test but not urinating, holding it in their stomach so their urine appears clear despite being dehydrated - this allows them to cut more weight than the system is designed to prevent"
— **Brendan Allen** at 19:49
Topic: Weight cutting and testing circumvention
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**VERDICT: PARTIALLY TRUE**
*Water loading can dilute urine, but 'stomach holding' is physiologically impossible*
**Confidence: 75%**
đź“Š 16 sources analyzed | 2 peer-reviewed | 3 debate rounds | 20 rebuttals
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**WHY IT HOLDS:**
• Water loading vulnerability exists but specific mechanism described is wrong
• ONE uses simple USG testing vulnerable to dilution attempts
• No documented cases prove systematic successful circumvention
**WHAT'S TRUE:**
• Fighters do attempt water loading to temporarily dilute urine below USG thresholds
• ONE Championship's USG-based testing (≤1.025) is simpler than multi-parameter drug testing protocols
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**THE DECISIVE EVIDENCE:**
**1. PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPOSSIBILITY OF STOMACH HOLDING**
Water begins absorbing through stomach wall within minutes and empties in 15-45 minutes under normal conditions. The claim's specific mechanism of 'holding water in stomach' to prevent absorption contradicts established gastric physiology.
đź“Ž Gastric Emptying Physiology [PEER-REVIEWED]
**2. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP USG-ONLY PROTOCOL**
Independent research confirms ONE uses simple USG threshold (≤1.025) without evidence of routine creatinine or multi-parameter validity testing. This simpler protocol is more vulnerable to water loading manipulation than comprehensive drug testing protocols.
đź“Ž ONE Championship Instagram [OBSERVATIONAL]
**3. NO DOCUMENTED CIRCUMVENTION CASES**
Neither side provided, and independent research found no documented cases of fighters successfully circumventing or being caught manipulating ONE FC hydration tests in competition. Absence of evidence creates uncertainty about actual practice prevalence.
đź“Ž Multiple MMA Sources [OBSERVATIONAL]
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**DRAW WINS UNCLEAR**
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From: *JRE MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen*
[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv40NUnRnZo)
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**Is this AI verdict correct? Debate below.**
Source: AI Analysis of PowerfulJRE - JRE MMA Show #171 with Brendan Allen
What do you think?
Discussion
The verdict isn't false—it's accurate. The claim’s specific mechanism is physiologically impossible, and the system’s vulnerability isn’t proof of the exact method described. The issue is the claim’s accuracy, not the system’s design.
The system's design isn't the issue—it's the claim's accuracy. If the mechanism is impossible, then the assertion is misleading, regardless of broader flaws. The focus should be on whether the specific method was described correctly, not on hypothetical exploitation.
The verdict correctly identifies the physiological flaw in the mechanism, but it underestimates how the system’s simplicity creates real incentives for athletes to try to exploit it—whether through water loading or other methods. The problem isn’t just the specific claim, but the fact that the test is easy to game.