Max Griffin punches Tim Means in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 29, 2022 (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Max Griffin is gearing up for a pivotal matchup against Michael Chiesa at UFC 310, and he's not holding back. In a recent interview with RG, Griffin opened up about his preparation, mindset, and why he believes he has the edge over his opponent.
The welterweight contender is coming off a hard-fought victory against Jeremiah Wells, which Griffin describes as challenging but rewarding. "It was a tough fight. Jeremiah Wells, very tough guy, really explosive, kind of hard to prepare for," Griffin said. He explained the tactical approach he took in the fight, noting, "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 was the last fight on his previous contract. Taking a calculated risk, Griffin chose to fight out his contract, a move that paid off handsomely.
"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.
With a new contract in hand and a high-profile fight on the horizon, Griffin is more focused than ever on his preparation. When asked about his longevity in the sport, Griffin credited his meticulous approach to recovery. "Recovery, recovery, recovery, recovery. I'm a king of recovery," he emphasized. Griffin detailed his extensive recovery regimen, which includes cold plunges, sauna sessions, chiropractic care, red light therapy, and cryotherapy.
The fighter also highlighted the importance of sleep and data-driven recovery methods. "I really prioritize sleep. That's such a big thing if you sleep like ****," Griffin explained. He uses a Whoop device to track his recovery and make informed decisions about his training and lifestyle. "It talks about your sleep, your recovery, different insights. So everyone's different, but the Whoop really helps me like do what I know works for my body scientifically with the data, the back it."
Griffin's commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond physical recovery. He stressed the importance of a growth mindset, stating, "You have to grow. You have to read. You have to learn. There's always something more to do." This attitude has helped Griffin maintain his competitive edge even as he advances in his career.
The upcoming fight against Michael Chiesa at UFC 310 represents a significant opportunity for Griffin. When asked about the matchup, Griffin expressed excitement and confidence.
"It's such an opportunity and platform and opponent just for me to just look the best I've ever looked," he said.
Griffin is particularly enthusiastic about fighting on a pay-per-view card with a full crowd, a stark contrast to his recent experiences at the UFC Apex. "It's nice right now actually at my state. And this is just like, it's such an opportunity for me to shine with all these eyes and have a spectacular victory, um, with the crowd," he explained.
Griffin's confidence stems from his rigorous training regimen and the high-level partners he works with regularly. He spoke glowingly about his teammate Anthony Hernandez, who recently dominated in a five-round fight. "It goes to show, like, what we're doing day in and day out. It's good to see that the ***** working, man, the proof's in the pudding," Griffin said.
As the fight approaches, Griffin is laser-focused on his preparation. He's tailoring his training specifically for Chiesa, noting, "I'm fighting the southpaw. So I'm only sparring southpaws. And I'm working on certain wrestling moves that he likes." Griffin is well aware of Chiesa's strengths and is preparing accordingly: "His only chance is on the ground. So he's going to try to get me on the ground. It's no secret."
Despite the high stakes and intense preparation, Griffin maintains a positive outlook on the entire process. "I love the process. I'm telling you, the process to me is the best part about the fight," he said. This mindset allows him to stay present and make the most of each day leading up to the fight.
As UFC 310 draws near, Max Griffin appears to be in peak form, both physically and mentally. With a new contract, a wealth of experience, and unwavering confidence, he's poised to make a statement against Michael Chiesa. Fight fans can expect an explosive matchup when these two welterweights collide in what promises to be one of the most exciting bouts on the card.
Garrett Kerman
