MMA

S6E14: Quantifying the MMA Athlete - Energy Demands, RPE & Harsh Reality of Periodization

SEASON 6, EPISODE 14

Marc interviews Dr. Chris Kirk, PhD, exercise physiologist, researcher, and strength & conditioning coach whose specializes in combat sports performance.

SUMMARY OF EPISODE:

2:15 – Chris’ background in academia and sport

5:25 – How Chris got into training MMA athletes

7:25 – Looking back on early career challenges with athletes

10:45 – How to work around movement imbalances in young athletes

15:45 – Chris’ research career and area of focus in his work

23:15 – Quantifying the MMA training activities – Heart rate? RPE?

26:10 – What is RPE? (What does it inform the athlete or coach?)

30:30 – Comparing RPE feedback from team vs. individual sport?

35:30 – Harsh reality of periodizing training in MMA/combat sport athletes

38:45 – Challenges for today’s MMA fighters

41:50 – Old-school weight making strategies in MMA – there is a better way

44:30 – Athlete’s with ‘all or nothing’ approach to weight-cutting

48:45 – Do combat sport athletes struggle with more cold and flu?

52:20 – Surprising findings in Chris’ work with MMA fighter

RESEARCH PAPERS:

Kirk, C., Langan-Evans, C., & Morton, J.P. (2020). Worth the weight? Post weigh-in rapid weight gain is not related to winning or losing in professional mixed martial arts. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 30 (5), 357-361. http://doi.org/10.1123/IJSNEM.2019-0347

Kirk, C., Clark, D.R., Langan-Evans, C., & Morton, J.P. (2020). The physical demands of mixed martial arts: A narrative review using the ARMSS model to provide a hierarchy of evidence. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38 (24), 2819-2841. http://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1802093

DR. CHRIS KIRK, PHD:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisKirk_ASP

QUESTION OR COMMENT?

Hit us below in comments…