Things You'll Need:
- Access to gym Training partners
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Step 1
Join a mixed martial arts training gym. Training for the UFC requires specialized instruction and regular practice with training partners.
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Step 2
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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Step 3
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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Step 4
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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Step 5
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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Step 6
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.
