Yeah, and that one will be smaller. Not too small, but lighter than the first one. Thatll carry me over into the next day.
What time are you calling it a night? Is sleep something you prioritize with recovery?
I usually get to bed around 10, 10:30. If I go any later it really affects me.
Besides sleep, what else do you use in your recovery throughout the day?
Cold therapy is pretty big for me. I use Normatec compression sleeves on my legs and arms as well. After that Ill hit the Hypervolt massage gun. Its a really good combo for relief and recovery. In addition to that I get a massage every other day. Its a pretty major part of my routine during camp.
Are you working with a chef or a meal delivery service?
Yeah, I have a chef who handles everything. They cook the food, weigh it, make sure Im getting exactly what I need. Thats only during a training camp, though.
How is your diet changing as you get closer to camp and have to start really homing in on the weight cut?
The meals get smaller. Ill cut my meal short if I feel like Im pushing it. Im really trying to get just enough fuel for my body to keep going. As soon as I feel like Ive had enough Ill put it away. Ill also be pretty strict on water intake. Thats the toughest part of cutting weight because it makes up so much of what youre cutting before you weigh in. Its not healthy, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Once youve made weight what are you doing to get food and water back in your system? Are you doing one big meal, hydrating first, or spacing it out over several small meals?
I take my time. Ive stuffed my face before, and it made me as slow as Ive ever been in the ring. I just eat regularly and try not to think about it too much. Im mostly getting my water intake and electrolytes back. Thats the most important part for me. Water is life, you know?
You do have to be careful with that though, because if you go crazy with it you end up with an imbalance of electrolytes. I listen to my body. Ill usually gain eight or nine pounds during that period. The next day Ill feel great, have my coffee, and get ready to go.
There are fighters who adjust their training during fight week to run later into the evening so their bodies are acclimated to being active around the time their fight will be going down. Is that something you incorporate into your preparation?
No, I dont really bother with that. By the time my fight is up my adrenaline is pumping. Im all riled up and ready to go. The pressure, the people watching, it boosts me up and I never feel tired. I let the moment take control.
Whats the first thing you eat when the fight is up? Not so much in terms of your celebratory dinner but the first thing your body needs when you get out of the ring?
Usually I have no appetite, actually. Why? I have no idea. I think it might be that Im just so hyped up at that point, theres so much adrenaline running through me that food barely even crosses my mind. When all that wears down though, I just wanna eat something really greasy. Last fight I had Whataburger and man, that was crazy. Just get me the nastiest shit you can possibly get. And Ive earned it! You think about it man, youre talking three months straight of just strict, disciplined eating, nothing good, nothing fun. You cant have a bite of anything that isnt part of the plan. Its so hard. When Im finally done Im just like, Give me some Skittles and Whataburger.
Thats your combo?
Skittles and Whataburger. Dont knock it until youve tried it.
See more here:
The Real-Life Diet of Boxer Ryan Garcia, Who Celebrates With Post-Fight Whataburger - GQ
