Mike Dolce

By Michael Hatamoto

MMA dietician Mike Dolce believes other fighters can learn from the hard work and dedication displayed by former No. 1 middleweight contender Chael Sonnen.

Here is what he recently had to say when speaking with MMASucka Radio:

“Chael is an amazing guy, an amazing athlete, a class act – I think every fighter on the planet could learn from Chael Sonnen, he built the fight and he chose the fight against the baddest man on the planet, we all know that you don’t pick a fight with Anderson Silva unless you’re crazy or really talented and Chael is really talented.”

Dolce and Sonnen temporarily lived with one another, with Dolce watching over the American Gangster’s diet leading into the fight, and helping him make weight prior to the fight.  Perhaps Sonnen took his trash talking too far, but his work ethic and loyalty to teammates and training partners in the gym certainly have not been questioned.

The morning before UFC 148 weigh-ins, Sonnen weighed 205 lbs., but successfully weighed in at 185 lbs. on Friday afternoon.  Instead of relying just on the traditional weight cutting methods boxers and MMA fighters often utilize, Dolce is able to find a healthier, more beneficial method for fighters to make weight.

Dolce’s book may not be a groundbreaking look into dieting for athletes – but he’s proven to be extremely helpful when he has a more hands-on approach to their training camp.  In addition to helping Sonnen, Dolce has offered guidance to Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves, Jake Ellenberger, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Michael Bisping.