Eye-opening sleep routine: UFC fighter’s recovery revolution
In a bid to rescue his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a former BMF champion made some major changes to his recovery routine.
Jorge Masvidal made a name for himself as one of the most captivating fighters in the UFC - both inside and outside the Octagon. His high-profile rivalries with stars like Nate Diaz and Colby Covington helped cement his reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the sport. But behind the scenes, Masvidal was battling something far more personal: chronic sleep deprivation.
Speaking with the sports biologist Gary Brecka - who also works with UFC CEO Dana White - Masvidal revealed that he had been sleeping just four hours a night since the age of 17. That relentless fatigue eventually caught up with him, affecting his performance and marking the beginning of the end of his fighting career.
A scientific approach to recovery
Brecka designed a comprehensive recovery protocol for Masvidal, incorporating cutting-edge techniques aimed at restoring his physical and mental health. Among the most notable methods were:
- Red and infrared light therapy
- Pure oxygen breathing exercises
- Hydrogen-infused water baths
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
These treatments were intended to boost blood circulation, accelerate muscle recovery and calm the nervous system.
Masvidal unable to save UFC career
Thanks to these interventions, Masvidal was finally able to sleep between seven and eight hours a night. But the damage had already been done. Despite the improvements in his health, Masvidal couldn’t regain his competitive edge. He closed out his career with four consecutive losses, including a devastating knockout by Kamaru Usman - an outcome that ultimately sealed his retirement in April 2023.
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