28 Jun Fight Night -Perfect Year – Part II
The time has come and the work is all done. Now the fun part is here. The roughly 24 hours between when a fighter steps off the scale and steps out of the cage post fight is as good as it gets. The importance of post weigh in nutrition cannot be overstated but will also vary depending on how much weight the fighter cut. This article will primarily cover the other areas that need to be planned and executed for a great fight.
Areas of Focus
Mental Clarity. This means making decisions in line with reaching top performance. For example: getting rid of cell phones for that 24hrs before the fight. A fighter’s friends and family will be trying non stop to contact them before the fight, sending well wishes, asking about tickets. By giving up the phone and assigning someone the task of handling issues a fighter’s focus can be on the task at hand. Everyone hanging around from the weigh in until after the fight should be brought in with the mindset of unlocking peak performance.
Tools for the job: A simple habit like making a checklist of everything necessary for fight night and double checking with the promoter on what they will provide can save headaches. Making sure one of the coaches has a bucket and all supplies for wrapping hands and in between rounds needs is also key. The fighter’s gym bag should have all the essentials to perform and be ready well in advance.
Roles: The decision of who to put in the corner should not be left to the last minute. Rather, who will be cornering a fighter should be discussed at the outset of camp. How a fighter will warm up, who will hold pads, who will go in the cage, which coaches will sit closest to the cage should all be discussed well in advance.
Sleep: Getting rest the night before is also a big key for many fighters. Each individual should create a sleep routine, something that can be replicated in almost any situation, especially a hotel. Going into a fight well rested can make a big difference in performance.
Is a trend beginning to emerge?
By planning for contingencies in advance, every bit of energy and focus can stay on performing come fight night. The camp took care of the work, the plans removed the stumbling blocks ahead of time. Now is the time to embrace the joy of seeking the outer limits of potential. That is what fight night truly is, the opportunity to let this extreme situation, that of being locked in a cage with another trained fighter, push the outer reaches of human potential.
Perfect Year Compilation
Fight
Deload (coming Wednesday June 29)
Skill Development (coming Thursday June 30th)