What should I eat the day of a fight?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on January 18, 2026
Have carbohydrates every 2.5 to 4 hours. Eating 1-1.2g per kg (60-80 g) of starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, pasta, rice, bread and fruit at timely intervals of 2.5-3 hours from 24 hours prior to the fight will ensure your glycogen stores are refuelled.
What do UFC fighters eat the day of the fight?
Rice and potatoes are both carb-heavy foods so will keep a fighter's energy up throughout the day. Meanwhile, a fighter's protein intake is maintained by eating chicken. The teriyaki source is a low calorie way of adding flavour to the meal, but it is high in sodium.Do fighters eat on fight day?
Yes, since kickboxers weigh in in the morning or the day before the fight, most fighters eat and drink right after weighing in. They fuel themselves with carbohydrates for energy, and replenish the fluids and minerals lost from cutting weight to prepare their body for performing at peak levels.What's good to eat before a boxing fight?
The following food combinations are great choices before boxing:
- Fruit and nuts with Greek yogurt.
- Peanut butter with apple or banana slices.
- Whole grain bread with turkey or chicken.
- Cottage cheese with fruit.
- Pita bread with hummus.