Issue 039
July 2008
MMA veteran and up-coming challenger for the EliteXC lightweight crown, Yves Edwards recently explained to Fighters Only that with his hectic training schedule, the tools of his trade are never far from his side.
“I carry my bag pretty much everywhere I go,” the Texan said with a laugh. “Sometimes, if I’m out in the daytime, I’ll go to a gym even if I’ve never been there before. But if I’ve heard about it, I will stop in and see if they’ll let me work out with them.” Unsuspecting hobby fighters, be warned – there is a Thug-jitsu expert on his way.
Shorts
Every fighter has their own considerations when deciding what equipment to choose. “I’ve got big thighs, kind of like my mom,” he joked. “I prefer baggy shorts. Full Contact Fighter, I like their shorts, I like their style, but they get a little tight around my thighs.”
However, it appears that help is at hand, “I haven’t worn those Tap out shorts yet - I like what they look like, I want to check those out.”
Boxing gloves
Announcing his deep brand loyalty, Yves uses 16oz Ringside gloves for stand-up sparring. “I love those gloves. They are infused foam, they are like the most comfortable gloves I have ever owned, so much so that I’ve got two brand new pairs of them at home, sitting ready for me to use them.”
Nutrition and supplements
“I’m not a real big supplement user,” Yves explained. “My supplements are pretty much limited to Muscle Milk and fish oil. I’m not a big fan of supplements and carrying around any of that stuff. I’m a bit spoilt, I just love to eat; I just get out of the gym, go home and my wife cooks a nice meal for me and I’m happy at that point.”
Gumshield
Yves outlined the importance of continuing to search for the right kit for each individual and gave his gumshield as an example, “I always used to wear a Shock Doctor mouth piece until I met a guy from a company in Florida called ‘Jaws’. I love that mouthguard, it’s a custom mouthguard - it’s probably the best.”
The lightweight joked that due to the incredible comfort it affords, he sometimes wears his mouthguard when out shopping! “It fits in there so perfect, it’s like a workout just trying to pull it out.”
Protective equipment
Most fighters seem to have no worries in this department; but for some, keeping good looks intact is something of a struggle. “I definitely wear head gear,” Yves said. “I don’t want to get head butted - my face is too pretty to be walking around with bumps all the time! Ringside doesn’t carry head gear anymore, but I love the Fight Gear head gear.”
MMA sparring gloves
Getting ready for competition, Yves uses the Tap Out MMA sparring gloves and clearly appreciates the protection they offer. “They are built a lot like the Combat Sports sparring MMA gloves. A friend of mine had a pair of those and when he hit me with them it wasn’t so bad!”
The added protection, however, does not seem to have impeded the lightweight fighter’s grappling. “They haven’t gotten in the way at all. It feels like I’m wearing a regular MMA glove.”
