If you fight at light heavy, you're going to be fighting guys that walk around at 225 or more when not fighting. And they are not going to be small dudes. Second thing i would say is, know what you're getting into. Don't get anxious and just get in there to fight! It's not going to be like a street fight. I know u know that.
But, once you get in there it's a different thing. Learning good technique is super important. I would say train for a year or 2 before fighting. Do some submission grappling tourney's and maybe some exhibition MMA fights (If some of the local shows near you have those) beforehand. They usually consist of everything in a normal MMA fight except punches and kicks to the head. Learn where you are at. You are only as good as who you train with! If your instructor is getting owned by white belts and new comers to the sport, look elsewhere! lol...
As far as dieting go's. Definitely take necessary supplements like a multi-vitamin and maybe even a good fat burner (Red Line, Hydroxycut, or if you don't like all of those man made joints and want to go all natural you could just take CLA).
Go for 5 or 6 meals a day. not big meals! And like fury said. Water is super important in aiding fat loss! But keep something going into your body every 2 to 3 hours. Proper portion size is important. Get a food scale if possible. They are pretty cheap.
Something like this.
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8:00a.m. - Breakfast
Protein Shake 1 scoop (w/water or skim milk) and your choice of 1 piece of fruit (apple, orange, banana)
or
Eggs whites (I use the "All-White's" shit you buy in the carton) 1/3 cup and a piece of fruit
or
Bowl of oatmeal (no sugar or additives, maybe some splenda) and a piece of fruit
Big glass of water
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10:00a.m. -Snack
Protein Shake (w/water)
or
1 cup of Nuts (Almonds, walnuts etc.. nothing high in salt or sodium tho. Go for the all natural kind)
or
1 cup of Green veggies
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12:00p.m. Lunch
Salad w/ mixed greens and Balsamic vinegar (maybe a small amount of protein mixed in Chicken breast/Grilled or broiled)
big glass of water
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2:00 Snack
Protein Shake (w/water)
or
1 cup of Nuts (Almonds, walnuts etc.. nothing high in salt or sodium tho. Go for the all natural kind)
or
1 cup of Green veggies
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4:00 - Dinner
Choice of protein Chicken, Tuna steak, Fish (Broil or grill it) 3.5 oz serving
Baked potato 3.5 oz. Broiled or grilled
4 oz. Green beans (RAW)
Big glass of water
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6:00 - Post workout snack
Protein Shake (W/ skim milk)
My personal preference for fight dieting is just staying away from anything high Saturated fats. I also take fish oil 3 times a day w/ meals. You just have to find what works for you, u know? Water plays a huge factor. They say that if you drink 16 oz of ice cold water before a workout and more cold water during a workout you will burn more fat. I find it to work very well. How many days a wekk are you training? Outside of the MMA training, Hit the treadmill or elliptical for 30-40 minutes. Staying active always helps.
Let me know homie!