John Castaneda Shaved Head to Make UFC Vegas 121 Weight
The 34-year-old bantamweight hit the 136-pound limit on his second attempt ahead of the September 26 fight.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Local UFC fighter John Castaneda secured his place on the UFC Vegas 121 card after an unconventional effort to reach the bantamweight limit. The 34-year-old athlete successfully weighed in at 136 pounds at the UFC Apex after shaving his head to shed excess weight.
Why it matters
Castaneda is under pressure to perform, as he enters the match at the UFC Apex currently winless in his last three bouts. Making weight was a necessary hurdle to keep the scheduled fight with Alateng Heili on the event program.
Castaneda hit the 136-pound limit for his bantamweight clash at the UFC Apex after appearing 0.5 pounds over on his first try. He is currently seeking to snap a three-fight winless streak.
The players
John Castaneda
A 34-year-old bantamweight fighter who is currently winless in his last three bouts.
Alateng Heili
The opponent scheduled to face John Castaneda at UFC Vegas 121.
The details
After initially missing the target, Castaneda returned to the scale 20 minutes later with a shaved head to successfully meet the 136-pound requirement. His fight against Alateng Heili remains scheduled for September 26, 2026. This weigh-in process at the UFC Apex ensures he remains eligible to compete in the bantamweight division.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: John Castaneda weighed in for the upcoming fight.
September 26, 2026: UFC Vegas 121 is scheduled to take place.
Beyond the Strip
Professional combat sports in Las Vegas have long followed the strict weight-cutting protocols of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This event follows that established regulatory pattern for ensuring fighters meet their class limits before matchday.
Those attending the event at the UFC Apex on September 26 can expect the fight to proceed as planned. Fans following the card will see Castaneda compete in the bantamweight division as originally scheduled.
The takeaway
Fighters often go to extreme lengths, including rapid water weight loss or physical adjustments like shaving their hair, to hit their targets. Keep an eye on the official results of the September 26, 2026, fight to see if Castaneda ends his three-fight winless streak.
Further reading
For more on the local fight scene, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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Should professional MMA promotions enforce stricter regulations on how athletes make weight before fights?
