Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, is known for his outspoken personality and unorthodox approach to fighting. But what exactly goes into his training regimen and dietary habits? Let’s explore the details behind Sean Strickland’s preparation.
Sean Strickland’s Unconventional Diet
Strickland has gained notoriety for his seemingly carefree attitude towards food. Unlike many fighters who adhere to strict diets, Strickland has been seen enjoying pizza and cheeseburgers. He once celebrated a shift from welterweight to middleweight with a cheeseburger for breakfast.
However, Strickland does make dietary adjustments when necessary, particularly to make weight before a fight. During these periods, he focuses on a high-protein diet to maintain muscle mass.
Sean Strickland’s Comprehensive Training Routine
Sean Strickland follows a specialized workout routine targeting various parts of his body. Here’s a glimpse into his regimen:
Arm Workouts
- Hammer curls
- Bicep curls
- Overhead press
- Triceps pushdowns
- Push-ups
He typically performs 2-3 sets of each exercise.
Leg Workouts
- Deadlifts
- Weighted squats
- Extensions with machines
- Leg press
Back Workouts
- Dips
- Pull-ups
- Dumbbell rows
- Dumbbell shrugs
Chest Workouts
- Bench press (3 sets)
- Dumbbell fly (3 sets)
- Dumbbell press (3 sets)
- Cable crossover (3 sets)
Cardio and Conditioning
- Running and Boxing: Running and boxing are important components of his cardio regimen
- Sparring: He often spars with fans during open workouts, and places emphasis on hard sparring.
- Tabata Rounds: Strickland utilizes Tabata rounds, tailoring exercises to the specific demands of his upcoming fight. This involves performing different exercises each minute, followed by a minute of rest, repeated for the duration of a three- or five-round fight.
- Conditioning Circuits: His conditioning circuits are designed based on his opponent’s anticipated fighting style, incorporating exercises that mimic the movements and demands of the fight.
- Airdyne: Sean incorporates the Airdyne bike into his cardio routine, performing sprints for one minute intervals.
- Heavy Bag/Ball Slams: Exercises such as ball slams are included in his training to get his heart rate up
Philosophical Approach to Movement
Strickland emphasizes the importance of movement and striking as a philosophy. He believes that it’s easier for objects in motion to stay in motion, emphasizing fluidity and adaptability in combat.
Team and Training Location
Sean Strickland hones his skills at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, under the guidance of coach Eric Nicksick. Nicksick’s coaching methods have been praised within the MMA community. Some of his stablemates include Francis Ngannou, Dan Ige, Miesha Tate, and Chris Curtis. In preparation for his fight against Israel Adesanya, Strickland trained with Alex Pereira.
Early MMA Training
Strickland began his MMA journey at the age of 14 and made his professional debut in 2008 at the age of 17.
Fighting Style
Sean Strickland is known for his boxing-heavy fighting style, particularly his mastery of the jab and right cross. He employs a unique style, often described as the MMA version of the ‘Philly Shell’ boxing style. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Additional Training Insights
- In the past, Strickland has participated in demanding physical challenges, such as training with David Goggins, involving intense running and calisthenics.
