Tag: Interviews

UFC 161: Tyron Woodley Ready for the Wolves of the Welterweight Division

The welterweight division is the deepest and most competitive under the UFC banner, and Tyron Woodley is eager to get to the top of the ladder.The former standout wrestler from Missouri University blazed a trail through the Strikeforce organization goi…

The welterweight division is the deepest and most competitive under the UFC banner, and Tyron Woodley is eager to get to the top of the ladder.

The former standout wrestler from Missouri University blazed a trail through the Strikeforce organization going from surging prospect to title contender in less than three years. The rapid progress put the 31-year-old on the radar as a fighter to watch, and judging from his performance against Jay Hieron in his Octagon debut at UFC 156, “T Wood” is looking to get into title contention in the sport’s most successful promotion as well.

It only took Woodley 36 seconds and a nasty right hand to flatten the seasoned MMA veteran and make a thundering statement in the process. No sooner than Hieron hit the canvas in Las Vegas, the word around the MMA community was that Woodley had not only arrived, but was going to be a force in the welterweight division.

“The whole goal that entire camp was to make a statement,” Woodley told Bleacher Report about his UFC debut. “I not only wanted to make a statement to myself but also the team I fight for and the promotion. The UFC needed to see that I was there now and put everyone on notice.

“I think I’m ready, man. I don’t need to be powdered up. I’ve asked for tough fights on purpose. Feed me to the wolves. I already know who they are. It’s not like they have some secret animal they are going to unleash inside the cage. I already know who the wolves are in the welterweight division and I’m ready to fight any of them.”

The next step on his journey toward contender status will come next Saturday against Jake Shields at UFC 161. The former Strikeforce middleweight champion will be making his return to 170-pound waters where he hopes his unique blend of wrestling and jiu-jitsu will bring him back to title contention.

The Team Cesar Gracie fighter has one of the sport’s most impressive resumes as he’s collected victories over some of the top names to compete in mixed martial arts this past decade. While Woodley certainly acknowledges the past accomplishments of his opponent, the Missouri-native also believes he’s prepared for everything Shields will bring to the table at UFC 161.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Woodley said. “Shields is a top-level fighter that has been around the game for awhile. He has a ton of experience and he’s a true specialist at what he does. But at the end of the day, I feel my ability to be a complete mixed martial artist, with heavy hands, solid combinations, good takedown defense and great cardio; those things and elements are going to allow me to be victorious in this fight.

“This time around I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been to be honest. I’ve ran more. I’ve done more sprints. I’ve done more interval training. I’ve had more sparring and grappling sessions. I’ve had more weeks notice for this fight. Before, I was getting three or three-and-a-half weeks to prepare for an opponent. But in this fight, I’ve had eight, 10, 12 weeks to think about punching Jake Shields in the face. I’ve had time to think about stopping his takedowns and think about making it a miserable night for him.

“For me, that is a competitive edge. It’s the first time I’ve had this amount of notice to properly prepare, to neutralize everything he does well, and to get everything I bring to the table sharper. I’m there. I’m ready to fight now and that tells me that I’m going to be able to push a little bit harder than I have in the past.

“I’m expecting the best Jake Shields,” Woodley added. “I’m expecting his striking to be better. I’m expecting his conditioning to be good. I’m expecting his pressure to be there. If I’m mentally prepared for that and I’m equipped with the proper defense to get around those things, if he does come out and has does have some ring rust it is going to be a short night for him. If he comes out there and he’s not at an A+ performance, then you are going to see me knock him out. That’s what my goal is.

“I’m going in there to press him and press him and press him. Hit him with heavy hands on every shot. I want to make it an ugly night for him. If you start doing that to a person he is going to start getting desperate. He’s going to start shooting from way out across town. And I’m going to make him pay for it.”

Where a victory over Shields would move Woodley up the ladder of the divisional hierarchy, he’s also looking at the bigger picture. The welterweight divisional race has never been hotter than it is in 2013, and Woodley is eager to put himself into the upper tier at 170 pounds.

That being said, the former Strikeforce title challenger understands there are fighters above him in the standings. But mixed martial arts is a game of uncertainty, and Woodley believes he can make a tremendous jump with a victory over the former Elite XC champion in Winnipeg.

“I’m not just looking for a win over Shields, but a dominant performance,” Woodley said. “They need to see what I can do. They need to see the skills I posses. When they see me get the win by using those things, it will put me right in the picture for title contention. Johny Hendricks is next in line for the shot. Jake Ellenberger has won a few in a row. He lost a fight but climbed right back up. He’s fighting Rory MacDonald. If Rory MacDonald wins that fight he’s not going to fight GSP.

“A win in this fight can really put me right in that picture or in the next spot. But injuries happen. Positive drug tests can happen. There are a lot of unforeseen circumstances that can happen and you have to be ready to step up in the big show. Mentally, I’m just in the zone right now. I got my swag on. I’m feeling good about training. I’m feeling good about myself and everything I’m doing is with purpose. I’m running with purpose and I’m thinking about the fight. I’m sparring with purpose and when I get tired, I just push harder towards that purpose.”

Walking into the Octagon to face Shields at UFC 161, Woodley is fully aware of the challenges ahead of him. He understands Shields possesses a skill set that has been a nightmare for many fighters who have come before him, but he also believes in the work he’s put in.

Where other elite fighters have been competing for years on the biggest stages of the sport, Woodley just crossed over the four-year mark as a professional mixed martial artist. Nevertheless, while experience is something he can’t produce inside the gym, Woodley believes the skill set he brings to the cage tips the scales of advantage in his favor. 

“At the stage I’m at in my career it is a make up game,” Woodley said. “I can’t make up for lost time but I can really work my butt off. If you look at all the guys I’ve fought in [Paul] Daley, [[Nate] Marquardt, Jake Shields and Jay Hieron, those dudes combined and have probably 150 fights.

“Experience is something you can’t make up. These guys have been hit and dropped. They have been submitted. They have been losing two rounds and had to come back strong in the final round to win. They’ve had those experiences in the cage and they can bring that in there with them. That’s their advantage. But my advantage is mindset, hunger, athleticism, speed, power, conditioning and skill set.

“I’m a complete mixed martial artist. I can grapple. My first win was by submission. I can knock people out. I can grind out wins. I can take punches and I can give them. I’m a part of the new school in MMA. I’m a part of the new generation of guys who are aggressive, hit hard and really put on performances that people want to see.

“Fans should expect a passing of the torch,” he added in regard to his upcoming bout with Shields. “Out with the old and in with the new. They are going to see me coming out there and being explosive and building off my last performance. Don’t expect any other fighter. Don’t expect to see a fighter who is going out there and grinding out close wins, I’m going out there with a job and a mission to do. I’m going to get the job done by any means necessary.”

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand, unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Mike Pyle Eyeing Top 10 Competition Following Victory at UFC 160

Mike Pyle put on one of the grittiest performances of his career last weekend at UFC 160.Following a treacherous first round where he was dropped and close to being finished by Rick Story, the Las Vegas-based fighter bounced back with vigor to earn the…

Mike Pyle put on one of the grittiest performances of his career last weekend at UFC 160.

Following a treacherous first round where he was dropped and close to being finished by Rick Story, the Las Vegas-based fighter bounced back with vigor to earn the split-decision nod. It was a fight which required the savvy veteran to tap into every facet of his skill set. And while his ground game and striking turned the tide of the fight, it was perhaps his intangible attributes which ultimately secured the victory.

Over the three-round affair, the 37-year-old Syndicate MMA fighter displayed heart and determination all the while relying on his experience to help him persevere. It was a close fought back-and-forth affair, but after the 15 minutes had concluded, Pyle’s hand was raised in victory.

“It was a good war,” Pyle told Bleacher Report. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been in a three round battle and a fighter needs it every now and again to dig deep and get the job done. I’m happy with my performance. I’m happy with the outcome. I’m glad to be victorious, man.”

The opening minutes of the fight were spent grappling on the mat. But when the fighters returned to their feet, Story caught Pyle with a big shot that put the veteran flat on the canvas. The 29-year-old Team Brave Legion fighter immediately swarmed in looking for the finish, but Pyle was able to regroup and get Story under control inside his guard.

“The thoughts going through my mind were like, ‘I have to weather the storm and hang in there. I know I can beat this kid, I just can’t let him get anymore shots in on me,” Pyle said. “I tried to stay safe and [Steve] Mazzagatti did a good job by not stopping the fight. I was still in that fight and he did a good job.”

While Pyle rode out the rest of the first round off his back, the position would be repeated several times throughout the fight. But where the majority of fighters lose points with their backs to the canvas, Pyle remained offensive from the bottom as he made several solid submission attempts.

“I was just looking for whatever he gave me,” Pyle said. “I was just playing it by ear. If he gave me something I was going to take it. He gave me opportunities a couple of times but I wasn’t able to capitalize on them. That boy is really strong. Rick Story is a strong son of a b***.”

“I have put a lot of time into my ground game and I believe that showed through in this fight. I’m comfortable off my back. I know that I can hang with the best. That is all there is to it. I’m not afraid to be in that position and I’ll be there with anyone. I don’t care who they are. In a fight, you are going to end up on your back.

“It’s not just about scrambling up to get back to your feet. It’s about winning. You have to stay focused and make sure your defense is sound before your offense. I have a pretty good defense on the ground and it’s somewhere I’m comfortable.” 

Going into the final frame it was anyone’s fight to take and Pyle put his foot on the gas pedal. Where the first two rounds were spent in grappling exchanges, the third round saw Pyle open up with his striking and score at will. He consistently backed Story up with solid shots and scored enough to lock down the round on the judge’s scorecards. 

“I was just in better shape,” Pyle said. “I was in better shape and I could see a lot more openings because he slowed down a bit. I was moving a little slow myself but I was scoring. My corner was telling me it was time to get after him. I got a little complacent trying to put a play in and let him get that takedown at the end. But I was still able to use my jiu-jitsu again off my back and make the fight.

The win over Story at UFC 160 was Pyle’s fourth-consecutive victory and added to an impressive streak where he’s found success in seven of his last eight showings. That momentum has brought him to the doorstep of the top 10 and creates a likely scenario where he will see one of the division’s best standing across the cage the next time he steps into the Octagon.

That being said, the decisions as to what comes next or where he stands in the bigger picture of the welterweight division are out of his hands. For Pyle, the only thing within his control is his ability to improve with each and every fight and the slick welterweight is determined to be prepared for whatever comes his way next. 

“Let’s do it,” Pyle replied when asked about getting a top-10 opponent for his next fight. “Whatever comes my way I’m going to take it. I can’t predict and I can’t control what the UFC has plans for as the welterweight division. Hopefully I fit in there somewhere and we’ll just take it day by day.

“I’m only getting better, man,” he added. “My health is great. I feel 27 not 37 and I’m ready to keep going. Let’s do it.”

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Jon Fitch Bringing Added Motivation into Debut at WSOF 3

For the better part of the past decade, Jon Fitch has been heralded as one of the top welterweights in mixed martial arts.The former wrestling standout from Purdue University worked his way up from the lower rungs of a stacked 170-pound weight class to…

For the better part of the past decade, Jon Fitch has been heralded as one of the top welterweights in mixed martial arts.

The former wrestling standout from Purdue University worked his way up from the lower rungs of a stacked 170-pound weight class to become a perennial contender in the UFC fold. Unfortunately for the AKA staple, a lengthy layoff due to injury and a rough skid where Fitch dropped two of his last three bouts pushed the 35-year-old further from title contention than he’d been in years.

Adding insult to injury, following his loss to Demian Maia at UFC 156 back in February, Fitch was released from the promotion despite carrying a 14-3-1 record over his time with the company.

Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for the Ft. Wayne native to find a new home with World Series of Fighting, and Fitch will begin the next chapter of his career on June 14 when he squares off with veteran Josh Burkman at WSOF 3.

For Fitch, the new endeavor will provide new opportunities, and he’s looking forward to proving he’s still one of the best 170-pound fighters on the planet.

“I’m going to show everybody what I’m capable of,” Fitch told Bleacher Report. “And I’m going to show everybody what I’m capable of with support behind me. It’s going to be really nice to fight for an organization that is pushing and promoting me instead of trying to hold me back and put me down. 

“There wasn’t a fight I went into where I didn’t feel as if I was fighting for my job. If I didn’t win I was going to be fired. Every fight I had before was not just a fight against the guy in front of me but a fight against the people putting on the show.

“I’m really excited,” he added in regard to fighting at WSOF 3. “I only have a couple more weeks of training then I take off for Las Vegas. I can’t wait to get started in this new promotion and be on free TV with NBC Sportsnet. I think it’s a big opportunity and I can’t wait for it.”

The upstart promotion made headlines around the MMA community when it signed Fitch back in March, and he’s eager to get the next chapter of his career under way. His first challenge will come against a resurgent welterweight in Burkman.

“The People’s Warrior” has won both of his showings under the WSOF banner and collected victories in seven of his last eight bouts. While Fitch was victorious in their first meeting back in 2006, he’s not relying on history or memory for the upcoming tilt. Fitch knows the 32-year-old Utah native has evolved as a fighter since their initial clash and is looking at Burkman as a new challenge.

“I can’t really view this as a rematch because there has been so much time between the two fights,” Fitch said. “I’m looking at him as a new opponent. He’s switched his stance and changed a lot of things. I’m looking at him as a brand-new opponent and I’m excited for this opportunity.”

Following his win over Aaron Simpson at WSOF 2, rather than use his post-fight interview to hype a future bout with Fitch, Burkman suggested the San Jose-based fighter needed to get in line to fight him. While the commentary created a bit of confusion around the MMA community, Fitch understood his upcoming opponent’s point of view.

“I think he was trying to say that I shouldn’t get a title shot for my first fight,” Fitch said. “There were a lot of people talking that I was going to walk in and fight for the title in my first fight. I can understand where he’s coming from with that because he has two wins for World Series and could certainly make a case for himself that he deserved it. He’s put in the time and the work. But I don’t think they are going to be bringing in any belts until their fifth or sixth show or something like that. 

“I’ve put in the work and I could see myself fighting for a title with this organization very soon. But I also understand it’s a very young organization and it doesn’t have very many depths where fighters have had multiple fights competing for that organization for people to get behind. That makes it kind of hard to introduce belts that early. 

“I’m hoping the next fight will be a title shot. Obviously, I’d make more money but I understand what they are doing with the organization. I think they made the right call.”

With the the next chapter of his career rapidly approaching, Fitch will be looking to shake off the troubles of the past two years and put his unique brand of the grind back at the forefront of mixed martial arts. 

It was grit and heart that brought him to the pinnacle of the sport, and it will take more of the same to begin on his new journey. That being said, without the stresses and concerns he once carried, Fitch is certain he will put his best on display at WSOF 3.

“People can expect to see the best of Jon Fitch,” he said. “No filters. No worries other than the fight in front of me and I think that is going to bring out the best Jon Fitch you’ve seen.”

 

Duane Finley is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

With Victory at UFC 160, T.J. Grant Turns Focus to Benson Henderson

There are few fighters in MMA who have more momentum right now than T.J. Grant.Since dropping down from the welterweight division into the 155-pound weight class in late 2011, the 29-year-old Canadian has buzz-sawed his way to the top of a talent-rich …

There are few fighters in MMA who have more momentum right now than T.J. Grant.

Since dropping down from the welterweight division into the 155-pound weight class in late 2011, the 29-year-old Canadian has buzz-sawed his way to the top of a talent-rich lightweight division. This past weekend at UFC 160, Grant picked up his fifth consecutive victory as he earned a first-round TKO stoppage over perennial contender Gray Maynard.

Defeating “The Bully” earned the Nova Scotia-based fighter the opportunity to compete for lightweight champion Benson’s Henderson’s strap later this year.

While there is yet to be an official date set for the fight, the championship tilt could take place as early as August of this year, with Boston or Milwaukee being considered as potential options.

Regardless of when the title fight goes down, Grant is on a collision course with the lightweight champion, and will be looking to complete his impressive run with a UFC title. Nevertheless, for the next few days he’s enjoying the fruits of his labor before turning 100 percent of his focus to Henderson.

“Yesterday and today, I’m hanging out with my family and there is nothing,” Grant told Bleacher Report. “I’m chilling out, doing interviews and enjoying it. I really think you have to enjoy it. If what I’m hearing is true—and I haven’t heard anything from the UFC and only know what you guys know—they are talking about Boston and that is a quick turnaround.

“There isn’t going to be much time for a vacation or anything like that. I’m jumping right back into it, man. I’m healthy. I didn’t break any bones or get any cuts in this last fight. I’m ready to go right back into training.

“Taking a couple of days to get your mind clear is great. I had a pretty good week of rest last week as well. I didn’t really do anything except getting ready for the fight. My body is incredibly rested and I’m ready for the next challenge.

“It’s not even really in the brain yet,” Grant added about earning the title shot. “I just met Mike Tyson this weekend and all that other stuff. It’s like, ‘What’s going on right now?’ I’ve been fighting and training a long time. I’ve had 31 fights in my career and that is a lot more than most people. I’ve done it at a high level and it feels good to see everything I’ve put in, all the sacrifices I’ve made, everything is right in front of me right now.

“I’m not the type of guy who got to this point at the end of his career. I worked my butt off but I’m still in my prime. I’m the best I’ve ever been and I’m not slowing it down at all. I like my chances against anyone and I like where I’m at.”

For Grant, all the hard work has brought him to the top of the food chain in the lightweight division.

But defeating Henderson will be a sizable task.

Since claiming the title in early 2012, “Bendo” has successfully defended the strap on three occasions. The most recent came by way of a razor-thin and controversial split-decision against Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7, but nevertheless, Henderson left San Jose with his championship status intact.

The bout between Henderson and Grant will also present interesting stylistic challenges for both fighters. The MMA Lab-trained fighter has found success using an attack based on movement and a relentless gas tank, while Grant’s forward pressure has been unstoppable lately.

The surging Canadian believes his style will be difficult for anyone he faces and intends to bring the fight directly to Henderson.

“I’m not ready to make any bold statements, but I feel like I can beat anyone in the world,” Grant said. “My style works for me. I’m aggressive and push the fight. I make it happen, and I don’t think there is any way you can get in the cage with me and make me look bad. More so, I’ve never had anyone look good against me.

“I can tell you right now I’m going to go out there and I’m going to fight Benson the way I always fight. I’m going to make him work every second he’s in there and it’s going to be a good one.”

With the victory over Maynard and the title shot against Henderson set, Grant’s ascension up the divisional hierarchy is nearly complete. UFC commentator Joe Rogan called him the “dark horse in the lightweight division” during the UFC 160 broadcast, but that isn’t a mantle Grant is necessarily willing to wear.

Grant knows he’s put in the hard work to get where he is. If that progress has been overlooked by some along the way, then so be it. The newly minted No. 1 contender is confident in what he brings to the table and believes everything in his career is firing on all cylinders.

“If no one saw me coming and now I’m a contender, I guess so,” Grant replied when asked about being the dark horse in the division. “I always take it one fight at a time. I don’t look at everybody out there because I know there are a lot of tough guys at 155 and they all pose problems for me in different ways. Everybody is good in this weight class. But when it’s on to the next guy, then it’s on to the next guy.

“I put all of my focus and effort into beating who I’m facing next. I always try to add something new to my game. I’m just getting better and starting to put everything together. I feel confident and comfortable with everything. The progression of my career has just been perfect.”

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

K.J. Noons Believes All the Pressure Falls on Donald Cerrone at UFC 160

K.J. Noon has spent the past decade throwing leather in seemingly every other major promotion outside the UFC. This Saturday night in Las Vegas, the next chapter of his mixed martial arts career will begin, as he makes his long-awaited debut inside the…

K.J. Noon has spent the past decade throwing leather in seemingly every other major promotion outside the UFC. This Saturday night in Las Vegas, the next chapter of his mixed martial arts career will begin, as he makes his long-awaited debut inside the Octagon at UFC 160.

It is a moment the former Elite XC lightweight champion has been waiting for, and when the doors to the Strikeforce organization officially closed back in January, the opportunity to enter the UFC presented itself.

The 30-year-old Californian is looking to make an immediate impact in the UFC lightweight division, and he will have the opportunity to do so when he squares-off with Donald Cerrone on Saturday night.

That being said, stepping onto the sport’s biggest stage for the first time comes with a unique brand of pressure. And while Noons has a tremendous amount of experience competing in combat sports, there is little that he can do in preparation for fighting in MMA‘s most successful promotion. 

Nevertheless, “King Karl” isn’t thinking about “Octagon jitters.” He isn’t thinking about his recent rough patch or having lost four of his last five outings. The only thing Noons has on his mind is defeating Cerrone. In fact, the San Diego-based fighter fully believes the only pressure that exists in the bout rests squarely on “Cowyboy’s” shoulders.

“If there is any pressure, I’ve turned it into energy to prepare for this fight,” Noons told Bleacher Report. “For me, this fight is a rebirth. I’ve done my time. I’ve been fighting for awhile. I’ve already won a world title. Who is the pressure really on? I’m not the one everybody is up on. I’m not the one who is supposed to win. I’m not the one everybody knows about. If you think about it, the pressure is really on him not me.”

“I’m very excited about this fight. I’m excited to be in the UFC, and I’m excited to get an opponent like this. It’s a big name on a big card. The UFC putting me on the main card against a top opponent shows me I’m being recognized for the things I’ve accomplished in the past. They put me up there and I’m excited about it. [Cerrone] is at the top right now and a win will put me right up there. It also depends on my performance as well,” Noons added.

The matchup between Noons and Cerrone has become an early favorite for “Fight of the Night” honors. Both fighters have built solid reputations for their hard-charging styles and their love for the good “old-fashioned” ruckus. 

While the bout presents interesting stylistic differences between Noons’ boxing-based attack and Cerrone‘s Muay Thai/kickboxing skill set, the former Strikeforce title contender is looking forward to answering the challenges the WEC veteran brings to the table.

“He is great with his legs and he’s going to be using them in this fight,” Noons said. “It’s going to be a factor in the fight and dealing with his kicks is definitely something we’ve game planned for. He’s good all around. We’ve trained for everything and I’ve definitely upped my game in a lot of different areas. I’m looking to showcase that on Saturday night.”

“How many fights of mine have you watched?” Noons asked in regard to earning a fight night bonus. “How many bonuses do you think I should have won throughout my career? I’m not sure, but this might be a good fight on Saturday.”

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Working with Maynard and Weidman Has Simpson’s Next Chapter Underway

The cage door may have closed for the last time behind Aaron Simpson as a mixed martial artist, but the next chapter of his career is already under way.Since announcing his retirement in late March on the heels of his loss to Josh Burkman at WSOF 2, th…

The cage door may have closed for the last time behind Aaron Simpson as a mixed martial artist, but the next chapter of his career is already under way.

Since announcing his retirement in late March on the heels of his loss to Josh Burkman at WSOF 2, the Power MMA co-owner has been hard at work on his next endeavor.

As a lifelong competitor in the world of wrestling—both as an athlete and a coach—walking away from the realm of live competition was undoubtedly a difficult decision to make. And to this Simpson was no exception.

Having spent the better part of his 38 years grinding out the work to prepare in order to step onto the mat or inside the cage to see if the sacrifices paid off, competition is what Simpson knows best.

When you factor in the glory and recognition that comes from not only competing, but winning at the highest levels of the sport in which you choose to compete, it becomes easy to see why letting go and starting anew can be a difficult process.

Luckily for Simpson, the work he’s now dedicated to will still serve to pay dividends inside the cage.

The former UFC veteran has been selected by Sanford Health in South Dakota, the nation’s largest rural health care system, to head their Profile Performance program.

An off-shoot of the Profile program which is aimed at weight loss, Profile Performance was created to focus on helping athletes to achieve peak conditioning through a personalized nutritional regimen and a structured workout program.

When Vice President of Marketing for Sanford Profile Mark Elliot was putting the future of Profile Performance into scope; with the wealth of knowledge Simpson has accrued throughout his competitive career, he was the first option to head the new endeavor.

“We are very happy to bring Aaron Simpson on board for this program,” Elliot told Bleacher Report. “At Sanford Health—especially with Profile Performance—we are dedicated to the pursuit of helping our athletes reach optimal performance.

“With Aaron’s commitment to nutrition and his track record of being such a well-conditioned athlete throughout his career, we saw him as the perfect fit for what we want this program to accomplish.”

The program mixes athlete-specific nutrition plans with an interactive facing which allows doctors and coaches to monitor the daily activity of their athletes. Simpson believes the system is truly cutting edge and provides the high-level attention professional athletes require.

“The big thing with Profile Performance is we are tying technology in with high-level nutrition,” Simpson told Bleacher Report. “Not only are we providing them with what to eat and the reason they are eating it, but we also give them a scale that reads their metabolic rate and their weight and sends that information to an application on their phone and a website as well.

“This allows their coach to monitor the information as their athlete is going through the program. A coach can’t always be there every day to see how things are going and this allows them to log in and monitor the situation as it’s happening. They can see the losses and gain and make the necessary adjustments.

“It’s very interactive and hands-on. Coming from a wrestling background, I think people really have a mixed message when it comes to nutrition. They think they need to “carb up” and eat a bunch of pasta and they are not necessarily getting the correct foods to fuel their bodies.

“They may be lacking on the greens or fruits, nuts and different types of protein. They also need to know what to take and when. This information is very important and our program is going to take this process to the next level.” 

Where most new positions come with a feeling out period of sorts, Simpson jumped immediately into the deep end of the pool so to speak. As head of the Profile Performance program he began work with title contenders Gray Maynard and Chris Weidman for their respective upcoming bouts.

“The Bully” will step in against T.J. Grant this weekend at UFC 160 to determine the next contender for the lightweight crown, while Weidman has the task of dethroning the most prolific champion in the history of the organization, Anderson Silva, on July 6 in Las Vegas.

Playing such a crucial role in his client’s preparation is a task Simpson does not take lightly.

“I’ve always monitored my nutrition and my lifestyle on top of that,” Simpson said. “As a wrestler, I’ve been cutting weight all my life, but the focus really intensified when I made the drop from middleweight to welterweight. That was over a year and a half ago now. That is when I really honed in my focus on my personal nutrition.

“But I’ve taken nutrition seriously; it has just come in different phases. When I got out of college and was attempting to make the Olympic wrestling team, my focus changed again. Basically, throughout my career as an athlete, I’ve constantly tried to evolve my nutrition and preparation to ensure I get the very best out of myself.”

“Chris [Weidman] and Gray [Maynard] are huge for us. Chris is on track to become a world champion and Gray has the opportunity to earn a title shot in his next fight. Having those guys on board and committed to the program that will enhance their performances is a great thing.

“Knowing nutrition is such a big part of the daily regimen of training and recovery from training and with the program they have made solid strides. It has already made a significant difference for Chris. He’s eight weeks out and he’s looking better than he ever has.”

Simpson’s sentiment on Weidman‘s early progression is certainly something the surging contender echoed. The Long Island native is preparing the biggest fight of his young career and wants to ensure every possible angle of his preparation is covered in the lead up. Where most fighters who were sidelined for eight months with injury typically have a sluggish start to their training camps, Weidman has hit the ground running in that aspect.

“I’m lighter than I’ve ever been starting camp,” Weidman told Bleacher Report. “I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been and my body is primed perfectly for the challenges ahead. This is an opportunity I’ve wanted for a long time. I finally got it and I’m going to do everything in my power to make the most of it and become champion. I’m doing my very best to make sure the odds are in my favor and to make sure I don’t have any regrets by the time the fight comes. 

“I think the No. 1 thing I thought was really cool and different is you step on the scale every single morning and I have doctors, nutritionists, and Aaron as my coach, monitoring my weight every single day. They monitor my heart rate and blood pressure. They know if I’m under-training or over-training. That’s the biggest thing for me.

“Next comes my diet. I called up when they were working on my diet and they had seven nutritionists in one room working on my specific diet. Anytime you get that type of attention from professionals who know what they are doing, it is an awesome thing to have as a professional athlete.

“Everything is set up exactly for me and my body type,” he added. “They have the Profile shakes and bars and they worked my diet in conjunction to the Monster Milk products I am using. Everything is specified for me. I’m blessed to have Monster Milk and Profile working together to put me in the best shape to win this fight and become a healthier athlete.” 

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

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