The only athletes that I train are middle distance runners and I would certianly have them do some light work and strides up to 85% - 90% of race pace the day before a race. If they or in this case he (as in Mike) can't recover from some light mitt work where he broke a sweat but wasn't breathing heavy, panting, losing form, losing posture, etc. the he has other problems to address as a professional fighter. It's not like he sparred or grappled 10x3 minute rounds with fresh guys rotating every round or decided to max deadlift or squat to failure ala Tony Ferg.