This article is part of our MMA Barometer series.

Has there ever been a more exciting time for martial arts? The emergence of the UFC and sport of mixed martial arts has aided its growth, and martial arts have probably grown more in the last 20 years than they did in the previous 200. The skill level of fighters has improved drastically, the UFC has blown up as a mainstream sports organization, and new fighting techniques are being created every day. A legitimate competitor, Bellator MMA, has emerged to challenge the UFC for free agent fighters as well as TV ratings. This competition can only increase the growth of the sport, which is beneficial to both companies. However, with growth and legitimacy come more strict regulations and mainstream media. Two great examples are the Reebok deal (more on that another time) and the new UFC Fighter Conduct Policy.

The new UFC Fighter Conduct Policy is revolutionary for the sport. The UFC will finally adopt the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regulations while testing fighters for banned substances. This is undoubtedly a great move for the sport. Stricter testing and more severe penalties will reduce the amount of fighters who take performance enhancing drugs, which gives them a distinct, unfair advantage over opponents who choose not to use banned substances. The more strict policy will also surely add fighters to the "Falling" portion of this column. Some fighters who have historically abused performance-enhancing drugs will choose to stop taking them to avoid the severe penalties, but their performance in the Octagon may suffer. Others who have never taken performance-enhancing drugs may see a rise in their performance as the playing field is leveled. Either way, the stricter UFC drug policy is a landmark decision for the entire sport, and makes it so clean fighters have an even playing field. It will also make for entertaining additions to all categories of this column. Even though the policy is highly beneficial to the sport, it contains one very concerning rule.

USADA policy does not allow for fighters to rehydrate with IV bags that are over 50 mL after weigh-ins. This is a big adjustment for UFC fighters, as many cut a significant amount of weight and immediately rehydrate with multiple bags of saline. Fighters like Gleison Tibau, who cuts to the 155 pound lightweight limit from somewhere around 190 pounds, will have difficulty cutting such a substantial amount of weight. For instance, Tibau is used to rehydrating after weighing in at 155 pounds, so much so that he can step into the Octagon as heavy as 185. This will probably be difficult to achieve without the assistance of IV bags. The impact of this policy will be two-fold. First, fighters may hesitate to cut as much weight. They will know they cannot rehydrate as easily, so there could be fighters who move up a weight class to avoid going into a fight dehydrated and more susceptible to gassing out or getting knocked out. Second, and most worrisome, is the amount of brutal knockouts and concussions may increase. There is extensive research which supports the theory that a dehydrated brain is more susceptible to being concussed. This could eventually have a long term impact on the health of fighters if they continuously go into fights dehydrated and suffer severe head trauma. In an interview with Zane Simon of BloodyElbow.com, Nutrition guru Mike Dolce voiced his concern of the new rule, saying that if IV bags were banned it would, "Be the worst possible day in MMA because you will see a lot of very serious brain injuries as a result of that." Fortunately USADA has given a grace period until October 1st for fighters to use IV bags over 50 mL, so they will have time to adjust or decide whether they can continue to cut as much weight. Even though the new UFC Fighter Conduct Policy is revolutionary and overall beneficial to the sport of mixed martial arts, the policy that bans IV bags over 50 mL after weigh-ins is worrisome as it could lead to severe injuries inside the Octagon. The policy will also have an effect on the athletes mentioned in this column, as fighters who cut a substantial amount of weight may take time to adjust to new hydration methods. Moreover, they may simply decide to move to a different weight class where they do not hold such a significant size advantage at the time of the fight.

For now, here is a list of rising and falling stocks within the UFC at this time. There are plenty more fighters who could fit in any of the three categories, but we'll save them for another day.

Rising

Check Status

Falling