Max Griffin is gearing up for a crucial fight against Michael Chiesa at UFC 310, and he’s ready to showcase his skills in what he describes as a “show-stealing performance.” In a recent interview with RG.org, Griffin discussed his preparation, mindset, and the significance of this upcoming bout, emphasizing that he feels more prepared than ever.
Griffin’s last fight against Jeremiah Wells was both challenging and rewarding. He described it as a “tough fight,” noting that Wells is “very tough… really explosive,” which made it difficult to prepare. He elaborated on his tactical approach, stating, “It was real technical because I had to feint and then throw and cover. It’s challenging. It’s like a trap.” This victory was particularly significant for Griffin as it marked the end of his previous contract. Taking a calculated risk, he chose to fight out his contract, a decision that ultimately paid off. “We opted to fight the contract out to just see what’s cracking at the most bang for my buck. It’s a risk, you know, but now we got a new four or five contract, got some money that I wanted. Oh, so I’m in a good place,” he revealed.
@MaxPainGriffin talks about taking a gamble in his fight against Jeremiah Wells which paid dividends 💰🤑
Catch the whole interview!
✍️ https://t.co/eJm5Mv6UWJ pic.twitter.com/VLXqIt4AO9
— Garrett Kerman (@FightAnalystLLC) November 7, 2024
With a new contract secured and a high-profile opponent in Chiesa, Griffin’s focus has intensified. He attributes his longevity in the sport to an extensive recovery regimen. “Recovery, recovery, recovery, recovery. I’m a king of recovery,” he stated emphatically. His routine includes cold plunges, sauna sessions, chiropractic care, red light therapy, and cryotherapy. He places significant importance on sleep as well, explaining that “if you sleep like ****,” it can negatively impact performance. To optimize his recovery, Griffin uses a Whoop device to track his sleep and overall recovery metrics: “It talks about your sleep, your recovery… the Whoop really helps me like do what I know works for my body scientifically with the data.”
Griffin’s commitment extends beyond physical conditioning; he embraces a growth mindset essential for continuous improvement in MMA. “You have to grow. You have to read. You have to learn. There’s always something more to do,” he said. This mentality has been crucial in maintaining his competitive edge throughout his career.
As UFC 310 approaches, Griffin is particularly excited about fighting on a pay-per-view card in front of a full crowd—a stark contrast to the quieter settings of recent fights at the UFC Apex. “It’s such an opportunity for me to shine with all these eyes and have a spectacular victory… with the crowd,” he explained. His confidence is bolstered by rigorous training and high-level sparring partners, including Anthony Hernandez, who recently excelled in a five-round fight: “It goes to show what we’re doing day in and day out. It’s good to see that the ***** working, man; the proof’s in the pudding.”
Tailoring his training specifically for Chiesa has been another focus for Griffin. He is preparing for Chiesa’s southpaw stance by exclusively sparring with southpaws and honing specific wrestling techniques that Chiesa favors. Griffin is acutely aware of Chiesa’s strengths: “His only chance is on the ground. So he’s going to try to get me on the ground. It’s no secret.” This strategic preparation illustrates Griffin’s commitment to not just competing but excelling.
Despite the high stakes surrounding this matchup, Griffin maintains an optimistic outlook on the entire process leading up to the fight: “I love the process. I’m telling you, the process to me is the best part about the fight.” This positive mindset allows him to stay present and make the most of each training session.
As UFC 310 draws near, Max Griffin appears poised for success both physically and mentally. With renewed confidence from his new contract and extensive preparation behind him, fans can expect an explosive showdown when he faces Michael Chiesa—one that could very well define his career trajectory moving forward.
