Aljamain Sterling: UFC Fitness Secrets for African Athletes

Sterling trains six days a week but keeps it simple. He mixes wrestling drills, explosive cardio, and strength work to build power that matters in fights. You don’t need a wrestling mat to do this. Grab a rope for resistance, find a hill for sprints, or use your bodyweight for burpees. Try 3 sets of 10 hill sprints after your regular training. It’ll boost your speed and endurance without costing a dime.

Make His Diet Work for You

Sterling eats clean—lean protein, veggies, complex carbs—but you don’t need protein shakes. Swap them for local foods like beans, fish, chicken, and plantains. Pre-workout, eat a carb-and-protein combo (like grilled fish with rice or beans with plantains) to fuel your session. Post-workout, focus on recovery with a bean stew or chicken and greens. It’s cheap, easy, and gives you the same energy boost as fancy supplements. Plus, it’s better for your wallet.

Train with Purpose, Not Just Pain

Sterling doesn’t just go through the motions. Before every session, he visualizes his moves. Spend 5 minutes before training picturing yourself nailing your technique. It sharpens your focus and builds confidence. He also prioritizes recovery—sleep, stretching, and light yoga. For African athletes, that means resting after matches instead of pushing through pain. If you’re sore, take a day off or do light stretching. Your body needs it to keep getting stronger.

Here’s the real kicker: Sterling’s success isn’t about having the fanciest equipment. It’s about consistency. Train smart, not just hard. Start with one small change—swap your pre-workout meal for something local. Then add another. Before you know it, you’ll feel stronger, faster, and more focused. Ready to get started? Your journey to becoming a champion starts today.