Fighting, Fatigue, & Functional Coaching with Former Pro UFC Fighter, Anthony Christodoulou

What does it take to cut 100+ pounds, fight in the UFC, and come back as an elite coach? In this raw and tactical episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with guest Anthony “Tony Diamond” Christodoulou, a BJJ black belt, weight cut expert, and former UFC fighter, to unpack the science and the suffering behind performance at the highest level.

From brutal training camps and botched cuts to functional labs and smart recovery, this conversation blends the hard-won lessons of a fighter with the data-driven tools of a modern coach. 

Whether you're an MMA athlete, high-performer, or coach looking to level up, this episode delivers the real stuff.

00:00:00 - Introduction and setting the stage for the conversation
02:26 - Tony discusses his journey from obesity to MMA fighter
05:01 - Tony talks about his weight struggles leading to binge eating and weight cuts
07:37 - Tony shares how he worked odd jobs and became a coach to support his MMA career
13:35 - Tony explains his approach to helping clients with small, manageable steps
16:24 - Tony talks about his experience with weight cutting and training for fights
20:52 - Discussing hydration and nutrition protocols after weigh-ins
25:06 - Tony talks about his use of electrolyte drinks and carbohydrate-rich meals post weigh-in
41:21 - Emphasizing mental resilience in training and achieving fitness goals
49:12 - Tony explains the "death by burpees" challenge and its benefits for fighters