Whether you favor a stand-up kick and a punch attack or full on ground and pound, the fitness levels of the combatants often determine the outcome of the fights. Being in great shape can increase your strength, balance, quickness, and stamina for any combative endeavor. There are three ways to increase your fighting fitness.

1. Weight training (Barbells/Dumbbells/Machines)
2. Functional training (Push-ups/pull-ups/lunges)
3. Cardio training (Running/Jump rope)

Each adds a valuable component to an overall conditioning, which turbo-charges a fighter's ability to be victorious in combat. No fighter in modern MMA or traditional martial arts uses these principles more than the dynamic Cung Le. And on the eve of his much-anticipated rematch with heavy-handed Scott Smith, Inside Kung-Fu got a sneak peek at the fighter's training secrets.

ERIC THE TRAINER: How does a typical Cung Le workout go in the weight room?

CUNG LE: High reps with a lot of push and pull machines. I also use Hypoxico high-altitude training and the gravity total gym system. I try to vary my workouts to confuse the muscles.

Eric the Trainer: How much does fitness play a part in prepping for a fight?

Cung Le: Fitness is a key role in prepping for a fight, especially in the area of cardio.

Eric the Trainer: Is there a difference between your fitness routine before a fight vs. normal maintenance workouts?

Cung Le: Yes, there is a difference between a fitness routine before a fight vs. normal maintenance workouts. Before a fight I take my fitness routine to the highest level that I can. I train 2-to-3 hours more per training day. My training is more intense and focused on specific practical MMA training. When I am not training for a fight I focus more on high rep and low weight. I always include sparring in my workouts.

Eric the Trainer: Do you have any fitness secrets?

Cung Le: A good diet that includes 70-percent organic foods and I try to recover with massage, chiropractic care and active stretching.

Eric the Trainer: How does your diet differ getting ready for a fight vs. normal everyday eating?

Cung Le: It is a lot cleaner and I cut out my favorite treats like pizza and chocolate.

Eric the Trainer: Weight gym vs. fight gym: Where do you focus and why?

Cung Le: I train at my own gym, because I have the best of both worlds in one place. I have a cage next to my cardio machines where I do Hypoxico after grounding and pounding my dummies before going to back in to spar with my team and ending with my weight training.

Eric the Trainer: How important is sleep?

Cung Le: Sleep is crucial and I try to get at least a 45-minute nap between my training sessions.

About the Author: Eric Fleishman, a Los Angeles-based celebrity trainer and fitness expert, writes a monthly column for Inside Kung-Fu online. For more information visit www.ericthetrainer.com

About the Photo: Cung Le and Scott Smith meet at the Strikeforce weigh-ins.