ironworks
06-05-2014, 12:52 AM
When the possibility of the Chael Sonnen vs. Vitor Belfort fight was first announced last week, Mike Dolce braced for a difficult decision.
You see, the renowned nutritionist and trainer has worked with both fighters for several years, and while his client roster includes some of the biggest names in MMA, he has rarely had to choose between sides. Thankfully for him, though, he was spared having to make what would have been be a tough decision.
Since the proposed Sonnen vs. Belfort fight at UFC 175, which can only be made official if the Nevada Athletic Commission licenses Belfort on June 17, would be contested at 205 pounds instead of 185 pounds (yes, Dana White misspoke last week), Dolce's services aren't needed as much.
"Fortunately, at 205 pounds, neither guy needs me in person and both are using me as a consultant," he said.
"In such cases, I forego my professional fee for both athletes and simply offer my abilities as a health coach, keeping the talk of MMA out of the conversation."
Dolce has been working with Sonnen since 2005, and interestingly enough, it was Sonnen who gave Belfort Dolce's number in 2009 and recommended they work together.
July 4 weekend was already scheduled to be a busy one for Dolce as he is currently contracted to oversee Ronda Rousey's "weight cut and fight-week peak," as well as BJ Penn's, who'll be making his featherweight debut against Frankie Edgar that weekend, too. In fact, Dolce heads to Hilo, HI this week to oversee Penn's training until fight week next month.
And while Dolce seems to welcome a busy and hectic schedule, it's safe to say he's happy to have a little less on his plate this time around.
You see, the renowned nutritionist and trainer has worked with both fighters for several years, and while his client roster includes some of the biggest names in MMA, he has rarely had to choose between sides. Thankfully for him, though, he was spared having to make what would have been be a tough decision.
Since the proposed Sonnen vs. Belfort fight at UFC 175, which can only be made official if the Nevada Athletic Commission licenses Belfort on June 17, would be contested at 205 pounds instead of 185 pounds (yes, Dana White misspoke last week), Dolce's services aren't needed as much.
"Fortunately, at 205 pounds, neither guy needs me in person and both are using me as a consultant," he said.
"In such cases, I forego my professional fee for both athletes and simply offer my abilities as a health coach, keeping the talk of MMA out of the conversation."
Dolce has been working with Sonnen since 2005, and interestingly enough, it was Sonnen who gave Belfort Dolce's number in 2009 and recommended they work together.
July 4 weekend was already scheduled to be a busy one for Dolce as he is currently contracted to oversee Ronda Rousey's "weight cut and fight-week peak," as well as BJ Penn's, who'll be making his featherweight debut against Frankie Edgar that weekend, too. In fact, Dolce heads to Hilo, HI this week to oversee Penn's training until fight week next month.
And while Dolce seems to welcome a busy and hectic schedule, it's safe to say he's happy to have a little less on his plate this time around.