Before he was famous, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva worked for the fast-food chain McDonalds.

The Brazilian still enjoys an occasional Big Mac but has come a long way since his days flipping burgers, and so have his tastes in food. 

The ‘Spider’, who is undefeated in over five years, fought in Japan seven times prior to joining the UFC and developed a soft spot for sushi during his many trips there.

Brazil has a large population of Japanese immigrants and boasts plenty of sushi restaurants, meaning Silva gets to indulge his fancy as often as he likes. 

It’s not just Silva who is drawn to the sushi counter again and again.

A range of fighters from Amir Sadollah to Alistair Overeem are all advocates of its nutritional benefits.

Meals at sushi restaurants are usually high in protein and low in refined carbohydrates, perfect for a fighter in training.

The protein helps his muscles repair themselves after hard training sessions while the lack of heavy carbs keeps his weight at optimal levels. 

Sushi for champions

Wherever in the world you are, sushi is pretty much the same fish, rice, and vegetables accompanied by slices of ginger, a dollop of wasabi and a splash of soy sauce. 

How to pick the best kind of sushi 

It’s hard to tell great sushi from OK sushi at first glance, but there are a few tell tale signs you should look for.

The fish should be brightly colored (a sign of freshness) and spongy to the touch, don’t be afraid to pick a slice up between your fingers to check.

The fish should be light on the tongue and depending on the type of fish, easy to chew. 

What to eat, what to avoid

Rather than load up on rice opt for fresh slices of sashimi, which keeps the calories down but the protein content up. 

Avoid going nuts with the soy sauce, which is high in sodium.

Too much salt in your diet can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and place stress on the kidneys. 

Benefits of sushi 

Fresh fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which act as natural anti-inflammatories.

That’s right, eating fish can help stop your joints from aching. Also, Omega-3 has been proven to sharpen mental acuity. 

Fish contains fatty acids known as DHA and EPA, which can even make you happier.

Studies have shown that they can help beat depression and anxiety, making it extra helpful if you get nervous before competition. 

KNOW YOUR SUSHI

Sashimi

Thin cuts of fresh raw fish, usually laid out on a plate with little to no decoration, served with only a dipping sauce. 

Nigiri

A thin slice of fish draped on top of a short wad of plain rice, usually about two inches long.

Miki

A long roll of rice with different types of filling on the inside. Often coated in paper-thin pressed seaweed (known as nori).

Temaki

Known as a hand roll, these are cone-shaped rolls made from dark-green edible seaweed paper stuffed with fillings.

Inari

A small pouch of sheet tofu containing a large wad of rice.