Mark Yeoman Maximuscle ambassador

Nick Osipczak - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and the sport you compete in?

I've been training in MMA since the age of 20, and competing professionally since 23. I was selected to represent the UK in the TV series The Ultimate Fighter season 9: UK vs USA, where I reached the semi-finals. This landed me a contract with the world's biggest MMA event - the UFC.

MMA is an exciting combat sport in which some of the toughest and best conditioned athletes compete in a mixture of rules taken from Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Fights are won by knock-out, submission or points, and are generally three, five minute rounds.

How did you become involved in your sport?

Whilst at Loughborough University, I began training Kung-Fu, where I gained success in the sparring competitions. I had begun following the explosion of MMA, and my love of watching the sport soon led me to taking my first class. There was no looking back, as I had begun my journey of trying to become the best fighter I could be, seeking out the best gyms, coaches and training partners I could find.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

When leading up to a fight, I train six times a week, twice a day. I break my training up into striking, ground-work, strength, fitness and sparring. As I get nearer to fight day, I tailor my training to be more fight-specific, and begin monitoring my weight so I can meet the limit agreement of my bout.

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

When I wake up I take a Sports Vitamin and some Maxi-EFA just to look after my general well-being. Half an hour before my work out I'll take a Viper Boost capsule to get me up for the session, and help me get the most out of it. Straight after the session I'll take a Progain shake to get some protein and carbs in. Nearer fight time, when I'm watching my weight and have to reduce the carbs I consume, I'll swap the Progain for Promax, as this is just protein.

How do Maximuscle products help you during your training and whilst you compete?

Training as much as I do, it is CRUCIAL to supplement my diet. Nutrition is a massive part of competing at a high level in any sport, and I use Maximuscle because they have all the products I need.The products I take help me get the most from my sessions, and more importantly, they help me recover properly so I can be at my best for the next one.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Representing my country on TUF 9: UK vs USA, and doing so well! I was an underdog going in because of my age and inexperience, but I surprised a few people by reaching the semi-finals, and only losing by decision.

Who are your heroes?

The current UFC champion in my weight category, Georges Saint-Pierre, is definitely someone I look up to. He is the consummate professional who is the best in the world at welterweight, yet constantly improving and very humble!

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

Mostly I like to relax, and there is no better way of doing this then by being in bed! I make the most of my time off in between fights because I know how hard I have to work when my next fight camp starts. I spend plenty of time hanging out with my friends, and I also enjoy teaching at my club in South London (new-wave-academy.com).

How do you stay relaxed and focused when the pressure is on?

I think my sport is 90% mental, so I spend a lot of time working on this area. Trying to keep everything in perspective, and doing a lot of visualisation is something I work hard at, as well as enjoying the present.

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

I love Progain, because it is so complete. Previous to using this, I used to make my own post-workout shake, by adding lots of individual ingredients, but this has everything all in one, so it's a lot more convenient, and it tastes great too!

What are your future goals?

I have many things I want to accomplish in life, but first I want to concentrate on reaching my potential as a fighter, and test myself with some more tough fights. Each opponent is a new challenge, and there are still some skills I wish to learn and then use in a real situation before I can happily retire!

MMA nutrition tips and training advice videos from 'Slick' Nick Osipczak