Sweet Science Of Fighting Podcast
Sweet Science of Fighting
Sweet Science of Fighting interviews leading strength & conditioning coaches to provide you with the latest methods for enhancing your fight performance.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
Compressed Triphasic, Everyday Max, & Badger Sets w/ Dave Allanson (SSOF Ep 154)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsJames and David Ellenson discuss their journeys into Jiu Jitsu, the influence of mentorship on coaching philosophies, and the intricacies of training methodologies for grapplers. They explore the transition from traditional sports like rugby to grappling, the importance of strength training, and the application of various training protocols such as the Badger Protocol and Everyday Maxes. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored training approaches that consider the unique demands of Jiu Jitsu and the cognitive load on athletes.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Journeys02:22 The Influence of Rugby on Grappling05:21 Training Under William Wayland08:33 Neck Training Insights12:16 Coaching Grapplers: Challenges and Approaches15:08 Triphasic Training Explained18:11 Compressed Triphasic Training for Fighters21:27 Neck Training Techniques and Considerations35:29 Influences on Training Methods36:38 Everyday Maxes: A New Approach to Lifting39:45 Understanding Individual Needs in Training42:35 Balancing Training with Life Commitments47:52 The Badger Protocol: A Unique Training Method59:32 Navigating the Complexity of Jiu-Jitsu TrainingDave's IG: https://www.instagram.com/getstrong.rollmore/
Jul 7, 2025 • 56min
Finding Transfer From Training To Fight Night w/ Reiss Silva (SSOF Ep 153)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsJames and Reiss Silva discuss various aspects of coaching, particularly in the context of strength and conditioning for fighters. They explore the importance of adapting training methods to optimize performance, the role of conditioning and strength training, and the significance of isometrics in building tendon health. The discussion also touches on the concept of General Physical Preparedness (GPP) and how it applies to combat sports, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in training methodologies.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Podcasting03:02 Coaching Backgrounds and Experiences05:57 Conditioning Approaches for Fighters08:53 The Importance of Sport-Specific Training12:41 Managing Running in Training Programs15:48 High-Intensity Conditioning Techniques18:58 Assessing Fighter Readiness and Performance21:57 Auto-Regulation in Training26:29 Strength Training Philosophy for Fighters31:53 The Importance of Anaerobic Stamina34:31 Full Body Approach in Strength Training37:41 Isometrics and Tendon Health45:50 Balancing Strength, Cardio, and Skill Training51:52 Rethinking General Physical Preparedness (GPP)Reiss IG: https://www.instagram.com/reiss_silva11/
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Myth Of Periodization & The REAL Cause Of Back Pain w/ James Steele (SSOF Ep 152)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsJames Steele discusses his extensive background in sports science and research, focusing on topics such as back pain, periodization in strength training, and protein intake. He debunks common myths surrounding back pain, emphasizing its multifactorial nature and the importance of lumbar extensor strength. Steele critiques the concept of periodization, arguing that much of the evidence supporting it is weak and that training specificity often explains observed outcomes better. He also explores the perception of fatigue and its relationship to performance, concluding with insights on protein intake and its minimal impact on muscle growth beyond recommended dietary allowances.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to James Steele and His Background02:46 Understanding Back Pain: Myths and Realities16:02 The Myth of Periodization in Sports Training34:00 The Role of Coaches and Experience in Outcomes35:22 Periodization and Its Scientific Basis39:33 Mechanisms in Strength and Conditioning41:31 Evaluating Different Types of Periodization48:43 The Impact of Strength Conditioning on Performance51:22 Understanding Perception of Fatigue and Effort58:41 Protein Intake and Muscle Growth ResearchJames IG: https://www.instagram.com/james.steeleii/
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
How Instrumented Mouth Guards Tell Us What The Most Dangerous Combat Sport Is w/ Jon Bell (SSOF Ep 151)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Jon Bell and His Background01:44 Research in Sports Medicine and Instrumented Mouth Guards05:33 Impact of Head Injuries in Combat Sports10:04 Exploring Bare Knuckle Boxing vs. Gloved Boxing13:39 The Role of Neck Strength in Concussion Prevention17:57 Reactive Neck Training and Its Implications29:06 Comparing MMA Gloves to Boxing Gloves33:32 The Journey of Research in Combat Sports35:23 Comparing Safety: MMA vs Boxing38:48 Concussion Protocols and Testing in Combat Sports42:30 Implementing Safety Measures in Training47:15 Understanding Individual Resilience to Impact50:47 The Complexity of Brain Injuries in Fighters55:52 Challenges in Data Collection and Research01:01:15 The Importance of Collaboration in ResearchJon's IG: https://www.instagram.com/northern_grappling_co/
Jun 9, 2025 • 56min
How To Use "Canary Sessions" To Autoregulate Your S&C Program w/ Ed Lea (SSOF Ep 150)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsEd Lea discusses the current state of rugby in America, his journey in athletic performance coaching, and the dynamics of performance coaching. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between coaching staff and the need for a structured approach to strength and conditioning. Ed shares insights on seasonal training strategies, monitoring athlete performance, and adapting training to individual needs.Timestamps00:00 The State of Rugby in America02:57 Ed Lea's Journey in Athletic Performance06:01 Performance Coaching Dynamics08:41 Strength and Conditioning in Rugby14:47 Canary Sessions and Monitoring Performance28:58 Balancing Family and Training Commitments29:41 Sprints and Conditioning Strategies34:56 Preseason Training Approaches39:35 Adapting Training to Individual Needs42:47 Managing Congested Schedules48:53 Player-Centric Training Methods55:55 Flexibility in Training SchedulesEd's IG: https://www.instagram.com/edlea87/
Jun 3, 2025 • 53min
Training Olympian Throwers & What Translates To Combat w/ Mike Schofield (SSOF Ep 149)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsMike Schofield discusses his journey from elite coaching to academia, emphasizing the importance of biomechanics and strength training in throwing performance. He shares insights on the role of eccentric training, the significance of specificity in training, and the impact of asymmetries in athletes. Mike also highlights the importance of developing young athletes through a holistic approach that prioritizes movement experience and skill development over merely chasing strength metrics.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Personal Background02:46 Transitioning to Coaching and Family Life05:26 The Intersection of Biomechanics and Strength Training08:16 Chasing Performance: The Role of Physiology11:08 Understanding Fiber Types and Muscle Adaptations13:46 The Balance Between Strength and Skill in Throwing16:48 Programming for Throwing Performance19:44 The Importance of Individualized Training Approaches26:46 Eccentric Training Insights32:14 The Balance of Specificity in Training37:16 Understanding Asymmetries in Throwing43:09 Training Strategies for Young AthletesMike's Website: https://sportsperformancenz.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schofield-83765a215/
May 26, 2025 • 36min
Conditioning Case Study, How Much You Actually Need To Lift & Air Bike Limitations (SSOF Ep 148)
Conditioning Mentorship Info: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/coach-conditioning-mentorship-program/Conditioning Mentorship: https://performance.education/esd/Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsTimestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Mentorship Program04:33 Case Study: Sprint Conditioning for Jujitsu14:44 Strength Training Perspectives in Combat Sports17:20 Insights from Sprint Cycling Research28:41 Application of Training Insights to Combat Sports
May 12, 2025 • 46min
Calcium Sensitivity For Conditioning & Whole Body Vibration w/ Dr. John Babraj (SSOF Ep 147)
Conditioning Mentorship: https://performance.education/esd/Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsIn this conversation, Dr. John Babraj discusses various aspects of exercise physiology, focusing on sprint training, the role of isometric holds, vibration training, and the importance of calcium sensitivity in muscle function. He emphasizes the benefits of sprint interval training for enhancing performance and discusses the significance of heat acclimation in preparing athletes for competition in hot environments. Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Sprint Training and Exercise Physiology02:26 The Role of Isometric Holds and Vibration Training15:08 Understanding Calcium Sensitivity in Muscle Function26:56 Calcium's Role in Muscle Function28:22 Improving Muscle Efficiency through Training30:43 Calcium Sensitivity and Muscle Specificity32:00 Speed and Power in Sprinting34:24 Heat Acclimation and Performance39:25 Balancing Power Outputs in Heat42:27 Hill Sprinting ProtocolsJohn's IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnbabraj/
May 5, 2025 • 50min
Maximal Strength Training Without The Barbell + Exposing secretofathleticism (SSOF Ep 146)
Conditioning Mentorship: https://performance.education/esd/Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsJames discusses various aspects of strength training for combat athletes, focusing on the philosophy behind traditional versus non-traditional strength training, the importance of specificity in training, and the overshoot phenomenon in muscle adaptation. He also addresses common misconceptions in athletic training and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of strength and conditioning in combat sports.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Guests0:58 Strength Training Philosophy for Combat Athletes5:25 Maximal Strength Training and Its Application18:05 Specificity in Training for Combat Sports25:49 Integrating Training Methods for Optimal Performance28:40 The Overshoot Phenomenon in Athletic Performance32:53 Understanding Muscle Fiber Types and Their Impact37:27 DeTraining and Its Effects on Performance41:20 Marketing Tactics in Athletic Training Systems49:21 Advanced Eccentric Training Techniques
Apr 28, 2025 • 46min
UFC Chef Shares Easy Recipes To Fuel Training & Cut Weight Easier w/ Mario Limaduran (SSOF Ep 145)
Free MMA S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/mma-strength-conditioning-blueprint/BJJ S&C Blueprint:https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/bjj-strength-and-conditioning-blueprint/SSOF App & Community: https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/ssof-underground/Trifecta Nutrition: https://trifectanutrition.llbyf9.net/3JoV0k (Code "liftbig40" for 40% off)SSOF Rash Guard & Shorts Discount - Code "SWEETSCIENCE"https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/sweet-science-rash-guardSSOF Taniwha Rashies & Shorts - Code "SWEETSCIENCE" https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-rash-guardhttps://sweetscienceoffighting.com/taniwha-shortsIn this podcast episode, Mario, a culinary nutrition expert, shares his extensive background in nutrition for sports performance, particularly in the context of MMA and UFC fighters. He discusses his role at Trifecta, a meal delivery service, and how he collaborates with dietitians to create tailored meal plans for fighters during their training camps. The conversation covers the importance of nutrition in fight preparation, common mistakes fighters make, and practical meal ideas for athletes. Mario also highlights the growing demand for high-protein meals and the trends in the meal delivery industry, emphasizing the need for accurate nutritional information.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Culinary Nutrition and Podcasting00:25 Mario's Background in Culinary Nutrition01:54 Partnership with UFC Performance Institute03:17 Working with Fighters and Nutrition During Fight Camp04:54 Understanding Meal Preparation for Fighters07:58 Nutrition Changes Throughout Fight Camp11:22 Fight Week Recipes and Snack Ideas16:45 Meal Delivery Accuracy and Customization20:17 Trifecta's Performance Meals and Market Demand22:49 The Importance of Flavor in Nutrition26:07 Simple Seasoning Techniques for Healthy Meals30:11 Easy Meal Prep Ideas for Fighters36:28 Current Trends in Performance Nutrition39:47 Common Nutritional Mistakes Among Fighters44:21 Future Innovations in Trifecta NutritionMario's IG: https://www.instagram.com/chefmario._/
