Miočić's 'man in the shadows' reveals the secret to endurance: 'That's what separates champions'

Dr. Paul Biondich, a sports nutrition expert and chiropractor who has worked with numerous professional athletes, shared insights into the training and nutrition strategies of elite fighters, particularly his work with former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miočić.

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Stipe had no problem with strength. He is genetically Croatian, and we are extremely strong people. We want to improve his endurance.

Biondich, who has Croatian roots, explained that when he joined Miočić's team, the focus was not on increasing strength, which Miočić already possessed due to his "genetically Croatian" heritage, but on enhancing endurance. This shift in perspective, focusing on maintaining power throughout a fight, contributed to Miočić becoming known as one of the most durable heavyweights.

"Nutrition becomes a job," Biondich stated, emphasizing that for top athletes, diet is not merely supplementary but a core element of their training regimen. He elaborated that the intense physical demands of sports require corresponding nutritional intake, encompassing not just proteins but also micronutrients, meal timing, hydration, sleep, and recovery. Elite athletes must meticulously manage these aspects, treating nutrition as a critical work component.

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A professional does what an elite athlete does not want to do. Nutrition becomes a job.

Comparing North American and European food quality, Biondich noted significant differences, attributing them to soil depletion in North America, which results in lower micronutrient levels in food. Consequently, he believes that dietary supplements are becoming increasingly essential, not only for professional athletes but also for the general population aiming to improve their health and well-being.

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In North America, the food simply isn't what it is in Europe. The soil is depleted, and the micronutrients are no longer there in the same way.