Right around 3 a.m. local time Sunday, the brand new Co-op Live in Manchester, England, will be rocking for the start of the UFC 304 main card. Lights will be flashing. The arena sound system will scream out “Baba O’Riley” as the big screens show an almost poetically violent UFC highlight reel that gives goosebumps to even the most seasoned cynics of this tortured sport.
Then, somewhere close to 6 a.m., the main event will be wrapping up and throngs of fans will stumble out in the light of a new morning. The whole thing is what you might call unconventional timing for a pro sports event. Or, if you’re UFC interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall, you might call it “absolutely terrible” for the local fans.
But what about the fighters? How does one prepare one’s brain and body to compete in the wee morning hours?
Put this question to the fighters on the UFC 304 main card, and you’ll get an array of answers. [Read more.]