Although they have yet to officially announce plans on working together, star nutritionist Mike Dolce says he would have no problem safely getting UFC heavyweight Daniel Cormier down to 205lbs.
“Daniel can be a world champion at heavyweight, but also at light heavyweight, 205,” said Dolce in a recent interview. “Unfortunately I was not working with him when he was training and competing in the Olympics. If I was, he would have made weight, had no problem, been healthy and he probably would have been an Olympic gold medalist.”
Dolce says he’s examined what went wrong for Cormier during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when kidney failure followed a dangerous weight cut. After making weight for the 211.5lbs weight class, Cormier was withdrawn from competition by USA Wrestling on the advice of doctors.
“I was speaking to Daniel and we went over the entire situation and again I saw the flaws in their methods,” Dolce tells Fight Hype. “According to his training and what his body weight is right now, we make the adjustments that I know that I have in my arsenal and I think 205 will be easy for Daniel to where I don’t know anybody in the world that would be able to stand up to him and compete against him in the wight class.”
After spending years helping infamously heavy fighters shed pounds for the scales, Dolce says Cormier’s case would be relatively painless.
“Johny Hendricks is 210lbs. He makes welterweight easily. He’s the No. 1 welterweight contender in the world right now. He’s 210lbs. He’s heavier than Hector Lombard is and he makes 170lbs no problem. With Daniel, it’s the same thing. Johny’s cutting 40lbs to make 170lbs where Daniel walks around at 240lbs. Easy. When Rampage was fighting at 205lbs, Rampage was weighting 250-260lbs.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Injuries galore. My god, did a lot of people get hurt at UFC 166. Give some credit to Junior dos Santos. Even in miserable defeat, he still may have broken Cain Velasquez‘ jaw.
Chael in Brazil. Chuck Mindenhall says the addition of Chael Sonnen to TUF Brazil instantly makes it must see TV. Will you watch?
What’s next? Dave Meltzer helps shed some light on where UFC 166’s biggest stars go from here.
Zombie not happy. Chan Sung Jung is now going after Ronda Rousey for wearing a shirt featuring the infamous ‘Rising Sun’ design on The Ultimate Fighter.
Japanese imports. News is that two of Japanese MMA’s biggest names, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Katsunori Kikuno, could be on their way to the UFC.
MEDIA STEW
UFC 166: Phantom Cam Highlights.
Training vlog with Luke Barnatt.
Tales From The Grind with Jorge Masvidal – Episode 3 “Seattle”
Highlights from XFC 26.
Tito Ortiz gets some boxing tips from Adam Carolla.
This week’s Knuckle Up with Eugene S. Robinson.
New UFC signees Tatsuya Kawajiri and Katsunori Kikuno.
TWEETS
Now we wait.
As of yesterday I have been the @BellatorMMA champion for 3 straight years. Time for some new challenges I think.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 22, 2013
No love for The MEXicutioner?
Thank you to @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta & #JoeSilva for the opportunities you have given me. Time for a new chapter in my fight life.
— joey beltran (@mexicutioner760) October 22, 2013
Diego>HS reunion>Gray.
Im thinking maybe nate diaz for the next fight would be a epic 5 rounder.
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) October 22, 2013
Basically, Wandy wants Chael to bring (presumably) Americans to face his handpicked Brazilian squad.
Ele escolhe os lutadores dele lá nos USA eu escolho os meus aqui o
— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) October 23, 2013
Tim Kennedy is already offering to help.
Hey @sonnench I have a skill set & experience that is perfectly suited for private security/bodyguard. You are going to need it in Brazil.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) October 22, 2013
A lot of red.
One of my favorite pics from #ufc166 http://t.co/x4UilKc1Ih
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) October 22, 2013
Eddie’s ready.
Another day in the books 1 more closer to regaining the title !! Thank you to everyone who Believes in Me . Ready and excited 2 Compete €o
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) October 23, 2013
I’d say train but I’m no pro.
Cleared to train. What’s next ?
— phil baroni (@philbaroni) October 22, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Oct. 22 2013)
NA
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via SocratesRising.
Lombard at 170 – who can stand with him?
The dude is a beast, he sort of reminds me of a mini-Mike Tyson. His judo background will help keep him standing. His hand speed, incredible power and overall athleticism and quickness is unparalleled in the division. I always enjoyed watching him dominate while fighting for Bellator. I think we can attribute some of his woes in his first couple losses in the UFC to stepping up to the big show with stiffer competition as well as being a full weight class above where he should be. The guy is 5′ 9″ tall.
I’d like to see him take on Maia / Shields to see how he fares against a ground expert at this lighter weight (that is if they can take him down). There are so many possibilities in this new division. Can anyone name a welterweight who gives Lombard any trouble on the feet (besides maybe Big Rig)? I’d like to hear your thoughts on who he should fight next (besides the champ – too soon) and why it would make an interesting match-up.
Check out the rest of the post here.
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