There aren’t a lot of guys kicking around the UFC at 38-years old – particularly in the lighter weight classes. At that age, many start to write off fighters and consider them on their decline. However, if you look at the recent performances from Max Griffin, he’s doing anything but.
Griffin recently beat Tim Means in a war, and then shortly thereafter became the first in the UFC to take undefeated Michael Morales to a decision. He attributes his sustained performance to one key part of his life.
“I’m a learner, I’m a grower. I figure once you stop trying to learn, that’s when you start declining,” Griffin explained. “I have a young mind too. I’m not one of these old guys who says ‘I’m getting old’. I’m 38, but I still get carded when I buy alcohol.”
While that mindset has allowed him to continue to get better at his age, he’s also realized the importance of taking care of his body. He’s added a lot of pieces in order to stay healthy and active in the gym.
“Recovery too. I do a cold plunge every day in my tub. I’m doing the red light baths, I’m getting massages every week,” he said. “I’m really taking care of my body and it’s been paying dividens.”
Because he’s been able to stay in the gym more, the gains he’s seeing are significant. With all of those things happening, he can’t begin to put parameters on how much longer he could do this.
“I was rolling with a young guy today – he was as strong as hell, but I was able to handle him,” “I’m looking good and I’m feeling good too. I’m getting faster. I’m getting stronger. My timing it getting better. My intelligence is getting better. Stuff is clicking more and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”
Griffin will look to show off those improvements this weekend at UFC Vegas 86. He takes on Jeremiah Wells as part of the ESPN+ prelims, which start at 4pmn EST.
You can hear the entire audio of this interview at 2:12.
