Triple A MMA Partners with Echo Group, LLC to Offer Safe IV Re-hydration Therapy to Fighters Following Weigh-ins
Albuquerque, NM (March 26, 2014) – Triple A MMA has partnered with the Echo Group, LLC, with the support of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Athletic Commission, to offer IV rehydration therapy to fighters following weigh-ins for ‘Triple A MMA V: Redemption at the Rock’. This one of a kind program is being offered by the Echo Group, a New Mexico based Medical Resource Company, to ensure combat sports athletes are well hydrated prior to competition. Licensed EMS staff will be on hand at the weigh-in event on March 28, for fighters who wish to take advantage of the service.
IV rehydration is a legal way for combat sports athletes to hydrate safely and medically. Triple A MMA is the first mixed martial arts promotion to officially partner with an EMS Company to make this service available to fighters following weigh-ins. The cost to the fighter is minimal and can be deducted from their purse. IV rehydration is optional and a safe alternative to oral rehydration.
Triple A MMA C.O.O., J.R. Rodriguez stated, “Invicta FC fighter Jodi Esquibel commentates for us. She also works as an EMT. Jodie spoke to us about IV rehydration and how offering the service through a licensed EMS Company would benefit the fighters. As a promotion, we want to ensure that our fighters step into the cage 100% rehydrated and ready to go, but we want them to do it safely. We are very excited to partner with the Echo Group to offer this service to our fighters. We are equally excited to have the support of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Athletic Commission.”
According to a recent study by the Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University, a significant proportion of MMA fighters are not successfully rehydrating before competition and subsequently are competing in a dehydrated state. Most fighters rehydrate orally with water or other fluids immediately following weigh-ins. Oral re-hydration takes approximately 20-40 minutes and the body excretes a majority of the nutrients. This is not the case with IV rehydration.
“When it comes to IV Re-hydration, the neutral saline and electrolyte solution goes directly to where the body needs it, as soon as it is administered. The rehydration process is faster and the body absorbs most of the nutrients.” stated Elliott Guinn, President and CEO of the Echo Group. “Studies show that dehydration increases pain, decreases coordination and focusing. IV re-hydration decreases that, especially since a fighter has about 24 hours before their fight, which is not much time. We want to make sure the fighters are well hydrated, safely, before they enter the cage.””
Robert Romero, Acting Director of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Athletic Commission (PPAC), had this to add, “We know there are fighters out there that rehydrate via IV behind closed doors and in most cases it is not done by a trained medical professional. It is not easy to safely rehydrate someone. You have to know which solution to use and how much to use. This takes real medical knowledge. When we met with Triple A MMA and the Echo Group our main focus was the safety of the fighters. The PPAC was created with the intent of meeting and or exceeding the national commission standards. Offering fighters a safe IV-rehydration option in a controlled environment will ensure that what is going into their bodies is not harmful. It will also level the playing field by opening up this option to all fighters, in an unbiased environment.”
Trained, certified EMS professionals from the Echo Group will be on hand to manage the IV re-hydration process following the ‘Triple A MMA V: Redemption at the Rock’ Weigh-in event. The weigh-ins are open to the public and will take place at 2:00 PM/MST, on FRIDAY, March 28th, at Camel Rock Casino inside The Rock Showroom (17486A Hwy 84/285 Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87506).
’Triple A MMA V: Redemption at the Rock’ is Orthrus Promotions’ third combat sports event of 2014. Additional event dates and locations will be announced soon! *Tickets are $20 for GA, $30, $40 and $50. All seats are reserved and available to purchase now online, www.TripleAMMA.com, or by calling 505-508-0876.
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