How to Train for UFC Fighting
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, is a popular league of mixed martial arts competition. In its infancy, the UFC was a stage for fighters of all backgrounds and disciplines, which revealed what fighting styles were most effective in combat situations that closely mirror real fights. Certain moves are still illegal, such as hitting to the groin or eyes. Today, many UFC fighters have merged styles into a hybrid strategy that utilizes the most effective techniques from different disciplines.
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Instructions
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Join a mixed martial arts training gym. Training for the UFC requires specialized instruction and regular practice with training partners.
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Boxing and Thai boxing are important aspects of MMA training. Every fight starts on the feet, and many fights end due to knockouts scored with punches and kicks. Even if striking is not going to be your primary weapon, learning to evade and counter is necessary so as not to be overwhelmed on the feet.
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Train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. (BJJ) Jiu-Jitsu is a mainstay of the ground and grappling aspect of UFC fighting. BJJ involves techniques for controlling an opponent on the ground, protecting one's self from being struck while on the ground and, most importantly, it focuses on chokes and joint locks that can force an opponent to submit. Again, if you are a great striker and do not plan on using jiu-jitsu offensively, training in it is still very important so that you know how to defend against it and utilize it at an opportune moment.
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Practice wrestling. It is often noted by UFC analysts that fighters who come from a wrestling background have an advantage over nonwrestlers. Wrestling focuses on the ability to take an opponent to the ground and position the body in a dominant way, smothering the opponent's ability to attack. Take-downs and take-down defense are an extremely important part of MMA, since they score points and allow a fighter to attempt submissions, or strike from a dominant position.
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Pursue a rigorous strength and conditioning regimen. Technique and knowledge is only one facet of becoming an MMA fighter. Physical strength and conditioning are of paramount importance; lifting weights regularly, running and doing explosive interval training are common ways to build the physicality needed for the UFC. Live sparring and grappling are great ways to increase endurance while utilizing technique. Body-weight resistance exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups and crunches are especially useful, since the difficulty of the exercises conform to the weight of the fighter as they cut or gain weight.
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The UFC only accepts fighters with great amateur and professional credentials. When you and your trainers feel you are ready, get some fights under your belt at beginner fighting events in your area. Building a winning record of fights in bigger venues is the best way to eventually get into the UFC, but don't bite off more than you can chew early on. A few losses to other rising fighters can quickly hamper your hopes of rising to the top.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice with partners as much as possible, preferably those better, stronger, more fit and more knowledgeable than you. This will allow you to push yourself to the limit every workout and increase your skills and fitness faster. The UFC is considered by most to be the pinnacle of the MMA world, and fighting in it is akin to playing in the NFL or other professional sports league. Most people will never be good enough to fight in the UFC.
