Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is a lifelong fan of superheroes. It is therefore fitting that for the man nicknamed "Spider", his last rival, Israel Adesanya, at Saturday's UFC 234 is the mile Morales of Petr Parker de Silva whom he had met during his decades of career. in martial arts. . Both are fantastic, otherworldly talents who control time and distance, and even after Adesanya, 29, won unanimously official victory, the scene that unfolded in the octagon was one. encapsulation as pure as any of the legendary states of Silva. .

It was quite impressive that Silva chose to stand up to someone in his first game in over a year, who many see as a younger version of Silva himself. But he did all of this when he was 43, a point where most UFC fighters are comfortably retired. And no matter how tempting it may be to credit Silva's success with literal superpowers and / or the ability to experience time at Matrix speed, he gives credit to a more conventional set of habits. : diet carefully designed and eager to seek ways. smarter than anyone. The man who could be the greatest of all time in his sport recently spoke to GQ to discuss the evolution of his middle-aged training; what you do to gain energy after you gain weight And a post-fight meal, without which we can not do without.

GQ: How has your diet changed since you started in the UFC?

Anderson Silva: I haven't really changed much, but what I've really tried to improve is eating a well-balanced diet. I don't eat sugar; I left out the bad carbs, salt and alcohol; and I try to drink more water today than before. My doctors say it helps my body absorb nutrients, so if I don't stay hydrated it doesn't matter what I eat.

I also try to keep a good mix in my diet. Two days in a row I should eat poorly, then eat a lot of carbs, then two days I should only eat protein. The most important thing, however, is to omit the sugar and salt.

Are you working with a nutritionist?

Yes, and the team of doctors. It also works. I'm so happy and honestly feel younger than ever. But again, for all the help I've received, the most important thing is to leave out the sugar and salt.

Do you still use sparring in your workouts? I know there are fighters who have recently spoken about its complete elimination.

I still train three times a week. I'm a better fighter for doing this and still feel good about it. It helps my body become familiar with the movements of combat, especially since where I am right now is the most important thing I need to focus on, not strength or speed.

Does your diet change at all during a training day compared to a training or weightlifting day?

No, they are more or less the same. I try to maintain a consistent diet no matter what type of exercise I do.

Explain to me the usual day to eat when you are in the middle of the battlefield.

I start the day with protein: usually four eggs, chicken, and a protein shake. It was before my first training. Once the first session is over, I go home, I drink my regenerating cocktail and I rebook. Sometimes it'll be salad and chicken, sometimes just salad and oatmeal, just for the good carbs.

In the afternoon, I will do other work, then return to the gym to work out in the evening. Then I will eat another meal, usually protein. In general, I try to separate the carbs and protein in my meals throughout the week. I will also try to keep this diet consistent. I eat at camp all week, almost the same thing every week.