When South Coast Health Hub physiotherapist Mick Baines and Raise Performance head S&C coach Chris Jaffery first met a then‑ranked‑12 Alexander “the Great” Volkanovski back in 2018, neither man imagined they were about to help craft one of Australia’s most dominant world champions. In their recent appearance on The Performance That Matters podcast, the pair break down the principles, setbacks and light‑bulb moments that turned a talented featherweight into a pound‑for‑pound superstar.
3 Big take‑aways
- Confidence before kilos
Volkanovski’s chronic back flare‑ups meant he’d finish a fight camp, rest for a week, then re‑injure himself the moment he returned to training. The first mission wasn’t chasing personal‑best lifts – it was rebuilding trust in his own body so he could stay on the mats year‑round. - Slow‑cooking beats crash‑courses
Whether it’s a junior footy player or a UFC hopeful, Baines and Jaffrey preach long‑term athletic development. “One session won’t make you – but a lot of good sessions, stacked over years, will,” says Jaffrey. Patience and intelligent load management trump 25‑session weeks fuelled by panic. - Integrated care wins camps
In fight week the duo’s roles flip: Jaffrey winds training volume down while Baines “patches the engine” so the champ can nail every technical session despite the weight‑cut grind. The key is seamless communication with coaches, dietitians and training partners – the same multidisciplinary model Raise Performance now offers all athletes, not just UFC stars.
Why it matters for you
Most athletes aren’t chasing world titles, but the problems are the same: inconsistent training blocks, lingering niggles and confusion about what actually moves the performance needle. The podcast reinforces the Raise Performance philosophy:
- Evidence‑based testing to find true weaknesses
- Individualised programming that fits your sport, schedule and body
- Physio‑to‑performance integration so rehab and S&C speak the same language
- Athlete‑centred coaching – no cookie‑cutter workouts, no ego‑driven PB hunts
Whether you’re eyeing a state title, a junior rep squad or simply a pain‑free return to weekend sport, the principles that shaped a UFC champion can raise your game too.
Ready to train like a pro?
Book an assessment with Raise Performance and see how our testing‑to‑coaching pathway can unlock your next level.
