When I first got the call for UFC 314, I was 40 pounds over my fighting weight. That’s not a typo. Forty. Pounds.
Some people thought I wouldn’t make it. Hell, part of me wasn’t sure either. But I did — and here’s how.

The Wake-Up Call

It started with a brutal look in the mirror. I was out of camp, out of shape, and honestly… mentally checked out. Injuries, personal setbacks, and a long layoff had taken a toll on me. But when the UFC offered me a spot on one of the biggest cards of the year, I had two choices:

Say no, or fight for my life — literally and figuratively.

I said yes. Then I got to work.

Step 1: Mindset Comes First

Before I touched a treadmill or cut a single calorie, I had to get my mind right. No more excuses. I told myself: “This is the comeback. This is the fight that changes everything.” I wrote that sentence on my bathroom mirror. Every day I saw it, and every day I reminded myself what was at stake — not just my record, but my pride.

Step 2: Clean Fuel Only

I cut out everything: sugar, processed food, alcohol. I went strictly clean — lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats. My nutritionist worked with me daily to build a plan that helped me burn fat while preserving strength. It wasn’t about starving myself — it was about fueling for performance.

Typical day:

Breakfast: Egg whites, oatmeal, black coffee

Lunch: Grilled chicken, quinoa, steamed greens

Dinner: Bison or fish with sweet potato and avocado

Snacks: Almonds, protein shakes, Greek yogurt

Water became my best friend — a gallon a day, minimum. No sodas. No shortcuts.

Step 3: Training Like I’m Already in the Cage

I doubled up on sessions: morning conditioning, evening technique. I trained six days a week. On my worst days, I reminded myself that every drop of sweat was a step closer to 170 lbs.

Sled pushes. Hill sprints. Pad work. Sparring. Wrestling. Sauna cuts. I even added hot yoga once a week to keep my body from breaking down.

There were mornings I could barely walk from the soreness. But I pushed. Because I knew my opponent wouldn’t care if I was tired. On fight night, I had to show up like a machine.

Step 4: Support Squad

I didn’t do this alone. My coach, my nutritionist, my family — they all held me accountable. They reminded me who I was on the days I forgot. And when I hit that scale at 170.0 lbs sharp, I didn’t just feel like a fighter. I felt reborn.

Fight Night Is Just the Beginning

Cutting 40 pounds wasn’t the hard part. Staying disciplined every single hour was.

UFC 314 wasn’t just about the win — it was about proving I still belong here. That I can overcome doubt, fatigue, pain — and rise stronger.

So to anyone out there struggling with their own mountain — whether it’s 5 pounds or 50 — know this:

You can. If you’re willing to fight for it.