Tag: muscle gain

“Keith Jardine Returns to Strikeforce in Dec; Brings on Mike Dolce for Move to Middleweight”
By Damon Martin
‘The Dean of Mean’ Keith Jardine will be back in action this December in the Strikeforce cage, and he’ll have some extra help as he makes his move to the middleweight division.
Jardine first announced that he expected to fight on the December card via his website.
“It looks like I’ll be fighting again for Strikeforce in December,” Jardine wrote. “It’s a little ways off, but it feels good to have a date.”
The card Jardine will appear on will also likely be the landing destination for the upcoming lightweight title fight between Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez and challenger Jorge Masvidal.
While the fight for the former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ 2 competitor is still a few months off, Jardine has been promising a move to 185lbs ever since his last fight in Strikeforce. In that bout, Jardine battled to a draw with former champion Gegard Mousasi.
Following the match-up Jardine announced his intentions to drop down to middleweight after a long career that was spent at both heavyweight and light heavyweight.
To ensure that he has the easiest weight cut possible, Jardine has employed the services of famed MMA nutritionist MIKE DOLCE to lead the charge.
Dolce has worked with several high profile fighters either in an initial weight cut process, or those who have had trouble making weight in the past. In all instances however Dolce’s reputation has made him one of the most sought after trainers in the business.
Jardine told MMAWeekly.com in early August that he would love his next fight to be against former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le, but any big name would suffice because his ultimate goal is to get a shot at the 185lb title.
“I’ve fought so many guys that have had the belt, but never fought for the belt myself,” Jardine said. “I’ve probably fought five world champions before, and it’s about time I fight for the title.”
News on who Jardine might face in December has not been released yet, but sources have indicated that the card is still being put together by Strikeforce matchmaker Sean Shelby.
Follow Damon Martin on Twitter @DamonMartin

Matt Mitrione Adds Mike Dolce to Camp for UFC 137 Preparation To Face Kongo
Posted on August 25, 2011 by Damon Martin
Mixed martial arts has become a lot like football over the last few years in the spirit of being a game of inches.
The skill level has hit new heights and once a fighter reaches the point of being in the UFC, the difference between being a winner or a loser can be as simple as eating the right kind of foods before a weigh in or during training camp.
It’s for that very reason that former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ competitor Matt Mitrione is the latest competitor to bring nutritionist guru Mike Dolce on board as he prepares for his next fight against Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 in October.
The creator of ‘The Dolce Diet’ has worked with some of the best fighters in the game, but generally speaking most don’t think about dieting or nutrition when it comes to the heavyweights.
That very perception is what Dolce hopes to change by working with someone like Mitrione, who has shown tremendous athleticism and improvement while building a 5-0 record in the Octagon.
“He and I became friends during TUF 10 and danced around the issue of working together since then, but the timing wasn’t right. Until now,” said Dolce when speaking with MMAWeekly.com on Thursday.
Mitrione was on the 10th season of the ‘Ultimate Fighter’ where Dolce served as an assistant coach to Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.
Now as Mitrione gets ready for his bout with Kongo in October, he adds another piece to the puzzle that he hopes will get him ready for one of the biggest fights of his young career.
“Nutrition is the only missing piece of me truly achieving my potential,” Mitrione stated.
Coach and athlete will work together leading up to the UFC 137 event in Las Vegas. Mitrione has worked there as well for his camp in the past, training at Xtreme Couture, but has also continued with teams in Indianapolis and Cincinnati to get ready for the bout.
Damon Martin is the lead staff writer and radio host for MMAWeekly.com
Follow @DamonMartin on Twitter

by Duane Finley, HeavyMMA.com
The fight between Amir Sadollah and Duane Ludwig was billed as a battle of Muay Thai practitioners. That’s exactly how it played out.
As the first fight on the televised portion of the UFC on Versus 5 card, Sadollah and Ludwig wasted no time getting down to business. A striker vs. striker match-up, there wasn’t a lot of expectation the action would hit the mat, and when they met in the center of the Octagon it was fireworks.
Ludwig, who is heralded for his one shot knockout power, came out swinging as Sadollah did his best to keep the distance early. After a quick flurry followed by a knee, the two fighters locked into the clinch but Ludwig was able to reverse and break free. They continued to fire on one another at every turn and midway through the round, a Ludwig left hook buckled Sadollah. While he continued to apply the pressure, Sadollah was able recover and make it out of the round.
In the second frame it was more of the same as they continued what was started in the first. Standing toe to toe both fighters traded leg kicks and combinations while refusing to give ground. Sadollah opened up with his trademark push kicks and after landing two hard shots to the body, Ludwig countered with a right hand. Both fighters continued to exchange at a rapid pace with Ludwig constantly getting the better of his opponent.
Going into the final frame and being down two rounds, Sadollah attempted to turn up the heat. After landing two hard body kicks he shot in for the takedown which was quickly stuffed by Ludwig. The action hit the fence where Ludwig was able to land knees before working free. Running out of time, Sadollah continued to throw everything he had in his arsenal but every combination thrown was answered with more accuracy and power from Ludwig. With half a minute remaining on the clock, Ludwig scored a takedown and the fight remained on the mat until the final bell sounded.
When the judge’s decision was announced Duane “Bang” Ludwig was awarded the unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). The win tonight in Milwaukee makes it two in a row for the UFC veteran.

“Mike Dolce’s the best in the business! Mike Dolce is positive, and he’s a motivator. When Mike told me I would lose weight, I believed him…which made me believe in myself.”
“I got Mike Dolce with me,” Sonnen said. “He says we got it (my weight) under control, and I believe him.”

“The Dolce Diet, it’s amazing! It’s not just for cutting weight.  It’s about learning to eat properly for your health.”
~VITOR “THE PHENOM” BELFORT

I’ve had 30 fights and I’ve never felt better than I do now with the help of Mike Dolce and The Dolce Diet.”

Mike Dolce is a complete genius! Smoothest weight cut @JohnyHendricks has ever had. This guy KNOWS what he’s talking about! @TheDolceDiet

[blockquote cite=”Chris Leben, UFC Middleweight”]“I can’t thank Mike Dolce enough. I have never felt better, faster or more clear headed in a fight than I did tonight. Thank you The Dolce Diet! (On his :27 second knock-out of Wanderlei Silva at UFC 132)[/blockquote]