Are you looking to start a journey like the popular mixed martial arts fighters you see or hear in the media? It doesn’t matter why you are choosing to participate in this sport. Some people have dreams of becoming a top fighter. Others have visions of learning a new skill for a hobby.
Most mixed martial arts fighters have a fighting style such as Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, or judo. However, you will need plenty of other fighting styles in your arsenal to be successful. Here’s what you need to know before starting your quest to become an MMA fighter.
Three Main Areas Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Train to Succeed
From the outside world, getting started in MMA fighting can seem overwhelming. However, it’s not as difficult as it may be if you already have some form of karate, boxing, or wrestling skills. There are many different martial art disciplines you can spend your time learning. It’s better to be well-rounded in various fighting styles to survive MMA fighting. First, let’s break down the three main areas mixed martial arts fighters are accustomed to doing:
- Standing Up – Both opponents stand upright on their feet and trade strikes using their hands, feet, knees, and elbow. Boxing, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai are good disciplines to train for success because of your ability to utilize basic hand and footwork.
- Clinching – Both opponents are still standing. However, both mixed martial arts fighters are body-to-body as if they hold each other up. They are doing this to gain a better fighting position and leverage. Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Judo disciplines will help you throw opponents to the ground.
- Ground Game – When both fighters are on the ground, good wrestling skills have been proven to dominate in this area. Jiu-Jitsu will help you with submissions, body control, and defense while you are on the ground.
How Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Got Their Start
The first step for mixed martial arts fighters is determining why you are into the sport. Are you looking to start a new career, or do you want to get in shape and work out? After choosing why you wish to continue, you must find a gym to meet your chosen path. Most gyms will have different martial arts classes given at different times. It’s important to see what gym schedule fits your schedule the best.
If you are new to MMA fighting, you should start slow and recognize your limits. Unlike pumping iron at a gym, MMA training is not the time to demonstrate how strong and tough you are. It’s essential to communicate with your training partner about your experience, ability, and the tempo you would like to train. However, it would be best if you never took on a fight unless you and your training partner agree that you are ready. The consequence of fighting before you’re ready can lead to unnecessary injuries you shouldn’t have.
After you choose to pursue fighting an opponent, now you must channel your self-promotion skills to help you gain traction for an MMA fighting career and your pay grade. Fighting for pay involves the number of people you can put in the venue seats. You can start by using social media platforms to share your life story with others and set up future fights.
What We Can Do to Help You Succeed in MMA Fighting
Becoming an MMA fighter takes hard work and dedication. When you’re ready to begin your quest to venture into MMA, we are here to help you. At RUF Nation, we strive to provide everyone with the knowledge they need to move forward in their MMA journey.
RUF Nation is a 100% AZ Tribally owned fight promotion company based out of Phoenix, Arizona. RUF Nation currently holds a promoter’s licenses through the AZ State Boxing & MMA Commission. In addition, we hold multiple Casino Gaming licenses in Arizona and have a Gaming license through the Arizona Department of Gaming as a Premiere Casino Vendor
Our deep relationships with gyms, local fighters, UFC Fighters, stars, media, city, state, Tribal Councils and leaders is instrumental in our quest to grow into an international wide organization and bring our product and service offerings to multiple property locations throughout the US. Check us out on our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram pages for more information.
