Energy System Profiling for MMA Fighters - Brett Grelle & Alexander Sauza
Welcome to the Performance & Sport Science Study Group Webinars, we invite speakers who complement the NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science textbook, demonstrating how the NSCA CPSS chapter concepts are applied in real-world scenarios! In this webinar, Brett Grelle and Alexander Sauza, Coordinator of Sport Science and Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning at UFC Performance Institude, present on how they profile and train the energy systems of fighters.
They cover a holistic approach to athlete preparation, focusing on energy system profiling (alactic, anaerobic, and aerobic systems) and its key principles like power, capacity, efficiency, and flexibility. The presentation highlights UFC's specific protocols for immediate, short-term, and long-term metabolic power, training recommendations for development, and future directions including understanding energy demands in competition and leveraging AI-driven platforms for real-time feedback. The speakers emphasize the importance of tailoring training to address individual athlete's strengths and weaknesses within the context of their weight class and fighting style.
If you're interested in working with Brett and Alexander, apply to the UFC Performance internships!
Support & Courses Available
Ready for more support to help you prep for the CPSS exam?
1) Join our Facebook Group, “CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) Study Group,”.
2) Check out our FREE CPSS Study Guide with "Need to Know" concepts, summary notes, and practice questions.
3) Use our CPSS Prep Course with chapter lectures and practice questions to pass the NSCA exam; click the link here to check it out.