Pursuing a career in the UFC is an admirable and exciting goal, but it requires hard work, skill, perseverance and dedication. However, if you are passionate about martial arts and entering the Octagon is your dream, there is no reason you can’t make it to MMA. Here is our step-by-step guide to help you get started with this fulfilling yet challenging journey.
Commit To A Training Schedule And Track Your Progress
Find a good MMA gym with experienced trainers and classes in martial arts. An experienced personal trainer or martial arts coach will guide you through the basic fighting techniques. If you want to gain the most from your training, you should develop a well-balanced training schedule. Here, professional help will hone your discipline. To be good at MMA, you need skills from many martial arts like Muay Thai, karate, wrestling, boxing, and Judo. Training three to five times a week helps improve techniques like striking, wrestling, submissions, grappling, and sparring. Learn takedowns and takedown defence, and master proper movement, counters and combinations. Besides the fighting techniques, it is crucial to build strength, power, and stamina and invest in mental conditioning to improve your overall performance. That’s why MMA workouts should incorporate strength training, high-intensity interval training, and exercises such as cycling or running.
Here are some examples of the exercises for a full-strength & fighting MMA workout:
- Warm-up exercises: dynamic stretches, light jogging
- Upper body exercises: bench press, T-plank, pull-ups, overhead presses, hammer curls
- Lower body exercises: single-leg box jump, deadlift, kettlebell swings, squats, standing abs
- Full-body exercises: landmine rotations, landmine jerks, power cleans, bench presses, lunges
- Fighting skills: striking, grappling, ground techniques, defense techniques, sparring, combat training
- Cool down exercises: breathing exercises, stretching, massage therapy
- Cardio exercises: sprinting (at least once a week), long-distance running, cycling, jump ropes
To prevent injuries and burnout, work out regularly. Then, slowly boost the intensity of your exercises. Plan for 1-2 rest days per week to allow for muscle recovery. Recovery is key. It helps repair damage and keeps muscles strong over time.
Maintain A Healthy Training Lifestyle (Recovery, Nutrition, Sleep)
As we’ve already noticed, adequate recovery time is critical for a MMA fighter. On your recovery days, you should avoid any strenuous physical exercises and opt for light activities (such as stretching, going for a walk, or yoga). And don’t forget to stay hydrated and get enough calories to fuel your body. The diet of a MMA fighter should not only match their caloric needs but be high in vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. A balanced MMA diet should have healthy fats, whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and veggies.
Eat these foods to feel energized for training and fights:
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Beef jerky
- Whole-wheat bread
- Brown rice
- Bananas
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
And since quality sleep is one of the cornerstones of the MMA fighter’s regimen, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Instead of watching Netflix or gambling at www.betchan.com/en-CA before going to bed, do focused breathing exercises and self-myofascial release with a foam roller.
Gain Experience In Amateur Competitions
Are you ready to excel in the world of MMA? Then, you should start with amateur MMA competitions to become proficient in fighting – these typically consist of 2- or 3-minute rounds. Learn the rules, hone your fighting skills and focus on your fight record. If you want to become a professional MMA fighter, you will definitely need to establish your name and network with promoters and other fighters who have connections to the UFC. Since you need to win over 10 amateur MMA competitions before becoming a professional fighter, the journey will require years of hard training and dedication.
Entering The UFC & Marketable Appeal
Performing in “The Ultimate Fighter” and “Dana White’s Contender Series”, as well as a solid fight record, social media presence and networking can help you later get noticed by UFC scouts. An experienced and skilled manager can also significantly help you build a strong brand in the industry and negotiate contracts with UFC promoters and executives. Attending MMA events will also help you enhance your professional image. And proving to UFC scouts that you are marketable goes hand in hand with remaining disciplined and continuing to win.
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to the careers of pro-MMA fighters like Conor McGregor. This journey needs a mix of good fighting skills, the right mindset, and smart career management. Focus on each part, build your resilience, and view every match or sparring session as a chance to show your skills and mental strength. Do you have what it takes? Then good luck on your journey, and let’s fight the good fight!