"Russell Martin shared during his introductory conference call that he had struggled the last few years to find an offseason workout regimen that works for him.

But the new Yankees' catcher told reporters* today that he may have found the answer -- in an octagon.

Mixed martial arts training apparently gave Martin the workout he has has been seeking. And the first-year Yankee hopes it will enough to fortify his body against the injuries that have contributed to his decline.

Martin said he has lost 15 pounds, down from 230.

"I never got tired." Martin told reporters gathered in Tampa, Fla., a week before the first official workouts for pitchers and catchers.

Martin, who became a free agent when he was non-tendered this winter by the Los Angeles Dodgers, joined several new teammates for workouts this morning. His knee is not yet at 100 percent after minor offseason knee surgery, though Martin plans to begin catching work Wednesday."