I once read a quote that said, “When your heroes become your competition, you’ve made it.” I didn’t fully understand it until the night I saw Tim Boetsch, my client, on the televisions outside the Superdome in New Orleans for his main event, facing none other than Dan Henderson. The cameras flashed, the crowd roared, and there he was, the fighter I used to watch on a screen in college, standing across from Tim as his opponent. Every fight camp, every long day in the gym, every adjustment to nutrition and recovery had led to this one moment.
Standing in his corner, surrounded by the intensity of the Octagon, I realized how far we’d come—not just as a team, but as a family of athletes pushing each other to the highest levels. Training alongside one of the best fighters in the world, Demetrius Johnson, at the Matt Hume camp had already set a standard of excellence for us. But nothing compares to the surreal reality of watching your client compete on one of the biggest stages in MMA history.
My name is Ryan Matter, and I’ve built a career helping people from all walks of life—from everyday individuals chasing their goals to elite fighters under the brightest lights. Each client’s journey has mattered, but standing in Tim’s corner and witnessing the sacrifices that led him there was an experience I’ll never forget. To say we lived a blessed life, is truly an understatement.
From Fan to UFC Trainer
I still think back on some of the surreal moments I’ve experienced in the UFC. One that stands out was UFC 205 in New York City—the historic Conor McGregor fight—where I found myself surrounded by names I’d only ever seen on screen.
But the most surreal moments weren’t about celebrities in the crowd—they were about the fighters I once admired from afar. I’ll never forget the first time I met Marcus Davis. Tim was in the middle of his physicals, and suddenly Marcus—someone I’d watched fight in college—was standing in front of me. I remember thinking, Wow, this is someone I’m actually going to be working with now.
Today, Marcus isn’t just someone I looked up to—he’s a friend. I texted him recently on his birthday, and moments like that remind me how incredible this journey has been.
Breaking Into the Elite Network
One of the most defining experiences of my career came during our time at the Matt Hume camp. Training alongside Demetrius Johnson—one of the best fighters in the world—set a new standard for everything we did. The level of discipline, focus, and skill in that environment pushed all of us to elevate our approach to training, nutrition, and mindset.
I’ve also been fortunate to link to other celebrities from my UFC network, such as Cameron Hanes, whose career has been nothing less than exceptional. I’ll never forget when he shared an article I wrote about some tips in nutrition and fitness that would help him. It meant a lot personally and professionally. Moments like that opened doors I never imagined, giving me access to a network most people in my field only dream about.
Life Inside a Fight Camp
From the outside, fans see the lights, the walkouts, and the drama of fight night. But behind the scenes, fight camp is a grind. Long days, multiple training sessions, brutal sparring, and endless repetition push fighters to their limits.
My role is to keep the machine running at peak efficiency. Fighters need to be fueled enough to train at the highest level but lean enough to make weight. That balance requires constant adjustment—nutrition, recovery, hydration, and mindset all play a role.
Cutting weight is especially demanding. Too aggressive, and a fighter risks draining their body. Too cautious, and they risk missing the mark. Done correctly, though, it sets them up to walk into the Octagon feeling ready for battle.
More Than Nutrition and Training
That same principle applies to my work with celebrities and everyday clients. While their challenges may differ—preparing for a role, staying healthy on the road, or just building consistency—the foundation is the same: discipline, personalization, and trust.
Working with fighters isn’t just about numbers or macros—it’s about trust. These athletes put their health and careers on the line every time they step into the cage. They need to know that when the pressure is at its highest, I’ll have their back.
Lessons That Apply to Everyone
The biggest lessons I’ve learned working with fighters apply far beyond the Octagon:
- Consistency beats perfection. Success comes from showing up every day, not chasing shortcuts.
- Recovery is fuel. Sleep, hydration, and stress management matter just as much as training.
- Mindset drives results. The body follows where the mind leads.
- Personalization is key. No two people need the same blueprint.
Looking back, I’m struck by how far this career has taken me—from a college fan in the stands to working alongside fighters I once idolized, standing across from Dan Henderson at the Superdome, training alongside Demetrius Johnson at the Matt Hume camp, and building connections with remarkable people like Cameron Haynes. It’s been surreal, humbling, and something I’ll never take for granted.
Gratitude for the Journey
The truth is, the principles that fuel champions can fuel anyone. You don’t need to step into the Octagon to benefit from them—you just need to step into your own fight and prepare like your future depends on it.
