Mike Dolce

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Mike Dolce is an American trainer, strength and conditioning coach, weight-cut expert, author, and motivational speaker. He’s best known for helping UFC fighters manage their weight cuts, including Johny Hendricks, Ronda Rousey, and Thiago Alves. He won World MMA Trainer of the Year in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Dolce grew up in Belmar, New Jersey, and loved building muscle from a young age. He wrestled in high school, started his own personal training business at 17, and began practicing MMA in 1999. He fought as a welterweight in the IFL for the Portland Wolfpack, setting a fastest knockout record. In 2004 he became head strength and conditioning coach at Team Quest, working with fighters like Randy Couture and Dan Henderson. His weight-cut methods drew attention after helping Rampage Jackson drop 45 pounds and guiding Ronda Rousey for her title fight. He has coached many UFC athletes to shed pounds for fights and has published The Dolce Diet books (2007, 2010, 2011), plus podcasts and videos. He also speaks to the U.S. military and has appeared on various TV programs, including ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss and Wake Up Call. In 2014 he was inducted into the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame. His methods have faced some criticism, but many credit him with a strong track record in MMA nutrition and training.