Athletes
Max Griffin: ‘I’ve Never Been More Prepared’
Welterweight Max Griffin Aims For A Signature Victory Over Fellow Veteran Michael Chiesa At UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura
Max Griffin made his UFC debut back in 2016 against Colby Covington at UFC 202: McGregor vs Diaz 2. Now, he’s one of the longest tenured 170-pounders in the division and he’s looking for his second win of 2024 when he takes on Michael Chiesa at UFC 310.
At 39 years young, Griffin still goes out of his way searching for ways to improve, something that many fighters his age might neglect at stage in their career. He’s 20-10 overall, and by focusing on his health ahead of his 31st professional fight, he feels better than ever.
“I went and got stem cell at CPI, Cellular Performance Institute,” Griffin said.
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“That’s been a game changer, so I did that. (I’ve) Been doing some cool brain stuff at Jysen, brain training so my brain is better. This is literally the best I’ve ever been ever, body wise, spiritually. And then even training, the stuff we been doing, the extra things, so much stuff, I’ve never been more prepared than I am right now.”
It’s been more than two years since Griffin last competed in a packed arena, where he lost to Neil Magny in Columbus, Ohio, but this time he’s on one of the biggest cards of the year.
“When (UFC matchmaker) Sean (Shelby) put me on this card, he gave me Chiesa and then 310, I was like more excited about 310 than him. The fans love the fights and to be with the crowd. The last time I was here, I fought Carlos Condit and beat him, so I have a lot of juice here. I love the crowd and it’s special to be on a card like this.”
Throughout Giffin’s career, he’s beaten the likes of Tim Means, Song Kenan, and Mike Perry. He’s the type of fighter who has always been able to rebound and has proven to be a true divisional mainstay.
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As he gets ready to enter the Octagon, it’s strictly business for the California native, who admits he and Chiesa have a good relationship.
“I like Chiesa, I’ve known him for a long time. He’s been a staple in the UFC for so many years, won the Ultimate Fighter, and we’re kinda friends, but it’s business. He’s a big name, he’s beat some of the best of the best and has been around the game forever.”
While preparing for this matchup, Griffin’s training camp was unlike ever before. Over at MMA Gold Fight Team, they incorporated a routine called “Fun Friday” which wasn’t actually fun, but it has Griffin feeling like he’s already fought.
“Fun Friday was not fun, shout out to Fluffy (Anthony Hernandez), that’s what he’s been saying. Yeah, my teammates put me through the ringer, it was real bad.”
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“I got beat in training,” Griffin explained to UFC.com “I feel like I lost, so It put me on a whole other level mentally that I had to get to. And I f**king achieved that and crushed it. I’ve never been more prepared.”
When he assesses Chiesa’s skills, there’s a lot of respect from the Griffin side, especially when it comes to the grappling department.
“He got a good body triangle, head inside single, all his takedowns. He likes to grapple, he likes to clinch, he’s like an octopus, and he has a good guillotine. He’s tough, he’s good.”
Since we last saw Griffin perform, he’s made a lot of improvements. By going through one of the most grueling fight camps of his life, combined with a major focus on his health, it seems like the veteran is somehow peaking as an athlete.
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And when it comes to getting his hand raised, he plans to stick to his gameplan and show that he’s the more complete mixed martial artist.
“I just gotta do my stuff. I don’t care who it is, it could be anybody. Michael Chiesa just happens to be the guy that we’re going to execute on. I don’t care what he’s going to do, he’s going to have to grapple me, he’s going to have to wrestle, and I have a lot more ways to win.”
UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura took place live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 7, 2024. See the final Prelim & Main Card Results, Official Scorecards and Who Won Bonuses - and relive the action on UFC FIGHT PASS!
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