Ed West was 150 pounds on a good day, and making no money as a fighter.
Then the IFL came along offering a contract at lightweight. There were multiple fights, a minimum monthly salary, and health benefits. Fight heavier? No problem!
Three consecutive losses later, there was a big problem: West had severely damaged his career. He’d developed a reputation as a too-small lightweight unsuited for the big leagues. In reality, he was just a guy short on options.