Filed under: News, Radio Highlight, UFC, Videos

Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, Brad Tavares seems to have found his groove back after a rough patch that saw him lose three out of four octagon outings.

The positive results, Tavares (16-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) believes, serve to show that, at 29, he’s still evolving and growing into his own as a fighter. But one thing that certainly isn’t hurting the middleweight’s momentum is the addition of a “game-changing” tool: the UFC’s recently-installed Performance Institute.

As a Las Vegas-based fighter, Tavares gets to reap the benefits of the facilities on a daily basis. Other fighters, like local Evan Dunham, have already sung the Institute’s praises. Whether it’s strength and conditioning, physical therapy or nutrition, Tavares says he’s been able to count on professionals who go the extra mile to make sure fighters are taken care of even when they’re off the clock.

“You get access to these high, high-level people,” Tavares told MMAjunkie Radio.

The entire staff, “top to bottom,” earned praise from Tavares. But he did seem to hold a special place in his heart for the chefs.

“Those guys are very, very good at what they do,” Tavares said. “They’ll have regular things there because they also have the UFC front office people that come through, but they also make health-conscious type of meals for fighters.

“That place is amazing. I don’t get to get there for breakfast much, but after my morning workouts, I go there for lunch. I’ll eat and, if I’m still hungry, I’ll go get seconds. And then I’ll take something to go for later.”

In fact, for Tavares, the Institute has basically become a part of his camp. And, given he’s only worked with them in preparation for his last two meetings (against Elias Theodorou and Thales Leites, both of which resulted in unanimous decision wins), he’s quite optimistic.

“My last camp, when I fought Elias, started a little later,” Tavares said. “So this camp was definitely better as far as coaches and staff there know me a little better. I know them a little better.

“We know what to work on and, kind of more so, what works. And that relationship will only continue to get better.”

It’s safe to assume that Tavares will be making use of the facilities for his next outing. Whom that will be against, however, is still a mystery. After UFC 216 brought about what was arguably Tavares’ biggest win yet, he’s ready for a big name.

A former, long-reigning UFC champion who just so happens to still be regarded as one of the greatest of all time? Well, if Anderson Silva gets past Kelvin Gastelum in their headlining encounter in Shanghai next month, that would do just fine.

“Depending on how that fight goes, I would love to fight somebody like Anderson,” Tavares said. “He has a name. He’s a legend. I think that would be an awesome opportunity for me. A win over him? That’d be huge.”

To hear from Tavares, check out the video above

And for more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Filed under: News, Radio Highlight, UFC, Videos