As a fighter, my job is to train. I dedicated myself, a long time ago, to the gym so that this could be my full-time profession. As a MMA fighter, I have to keep up with my skills on a daily bases to be able to compete against other talented fighters.

When I’m not scheduled to compete and in camp, I am at the gym twice a day for at least two hours each session. When in camp, the 8-12 weeks before a fight, my training doubles. I am at the gym for six to eight hours a day with a full team with me at all times. My basic routine includes:

Conditioning and Technique (10:00 – 12:00am 2 hours – Basic) (10:00am – 1:00pm 3 hours – Camping)

Conditioning is very important to my training. I use techniques such as circuit and weight training to maintain my endurance and strength. My team and I have created a serious of workouts to keep me well rounded.

Circuit training is multiple exercises strung together, one right after another without rest. I mimic the length of time when I’m in a round to the circuit, so I can retain a solid focus and enough power to make it to the next round. I try to use large muscle groups instead of singling out one part of the body for an accurate use of muscles in a fight. Weights, bands, and ropes are used in the circuits to increase agility, strength, focus and intensity.

To compete at a professional level, you have to be well rounded in a mixture of martial arts. I have different coaches that specialize in specific areas to help with my technique. My coaches give me direction and advice on how to improve on a specific moves or how to get myself out of a bind and into a position that is more in my favor. They work hands-on with me in Brazilian Jujitsu, boxing, muay thai, grappling and more. My coaches and team are a key factor to my training.

Sparing and Fighting (5:00 – 7:00 pm 2 hours – Basic) (4:00 – 7:00 pm 3 hours – Camping)

To not over due myself in one day, I break up my gym sessions into two parts. In the afternoon, I work on sparing and fighting.

There is no better way to train in MMA, once you know the proper techniques, then to get into the ring! Each fight is different and you have to know how to counteract anything your opponent throws at you, as well as knowing your next move.

Working with other fighters is the best way to get a balance knowledge base of what to expect in the ring. I am lucky enough to work with other amazing MMA athletes who train at Xtreme Couture Gym with me. We see are selves as a team; I help them out and vice versa. This helps tremendously when in camp and preparing for a fight.

While in Camp Mode…

While in camp, I par off against other fighter in the gym who have similar techniques as my opponent. This helps me learn what I should anticipate when competing. You can never truly predict a fight or a fighter but I work very hard to prepare myself as best as I can.

Either in camp or not, training is my full time job. I am blessed by the opportunity I was given and appreciate all I have to show from it. I recommend to get up and do some sort of training to live a healthier, more active lifestyle. You do not have to work out as hard as I do but a balance routine is perfect for anyone who wants to stay healthy, fit an active.