By Lewis Mckeever:
UFC 145 sees a clash of hot prospects, Rory MacDonald and Che Mills. With a somewhat puzzling choice of matchmaking employed by Joe Silva, pitting up Rory MacDonald against a heavy underdog in Che Mills, it’s nice to see the young Canadian is not underestimating his opponent and is heavily focused on his co-main event slot. MacDonald took to sportsnet.ca, posting up an online blog detailing his preparation for UFC 145:

“In terms of my schedule this week, I mainly have UFC obligations to take care of, including media interviews, press conferences and so on, all stuff I am happy to do. Then I’ll train once a day, usually late, just to keep me sharp and keep my heart rate up. I’ll also be keeping a close watch on my diet during this time, as the weigh-in takes place on Friday.”

“When you put all of that together — the media obligations, the training and the weight cut — there really isn’t that much time left for downtime or sightseeing. Your mind is constantly occupied and there is always something to do or think about.”

The 22 year old then proceeds to discuss the psychological tuition needed to deal with the pressures of an upcoming fight:

“When I’m actually walking to the Octagon on fight night, my focus becomes more intense and I’m thinking more about specific techniques and moves I plan to use. Everything becomes more defined and accurate at this stage. Rather than just a fight, it becomes a test of technique, and I’m strategizing, going over in my head what tricks I can use to get the better of my opponent as quickly as possible.

“There won’t be any negativity in my head at this point. No doubt, anxiety or fear. I don’t allow any of that stuff to enter my head. If anything, this is the most confident and self-assured I have ever been in my life. You have to be, moments before you step in the Octagon and fight. You have no other choice.”

It’s refreshing to see such maturity and confidence derived from MacDonald’s words. You can read the rest of Rory’s blog here:

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