Instructions for Building an Octagonal MMA Cage

MMA is commonly associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

MMA, which is short for Mixed Martial Arts, is a popular sport which involves a combination of a number of different fighting techniques and styles. MMA is most commonly associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in which two fighters battle in an octagonal cage. Building an octagonal cage can take time, but is not a difficult process.

Things You'll Need

• Foam padding
• Unused tires
• 7-foot steel pipes, 8
• Chain link or snow fencing, 330 feet
• 3/8inch plywood, 16 sheets
• 12-foot 3-inch steel pipes, 16
• 22.5 degree 3-way connectors,16
• Measuring square
• Screwdriver and screws

Instructions

1. Begin by building the structure of the cage, the base first. Insert a 12-foot steel pipe into a 22.5 degree 3-way connector, then another pipe, until you have the octagonal base of the cage.

2. Construct the supporting structure that will hold the floor of the cage by placing tires side-by-side in the cage. Make sure they are all the same width to ensure the floor is level.

3. Build an octagon out of plywood, which will form the floor of the cage. Ensure that its diameter is 32 feet, so it fits within the cage, and each edge of the octagon measures 12- feet 3- inches long. A measuring square will help determine the right angle on each point (67.5 degrees).

4. Place the plywood on top of the tires and screw into position, then place foam padding on top.

5. Insert 7-foot poles into the 3-way connectors on the base of the cage to form the uprights. Connect the remaining 3-way connectors on the top of these uprights and repeat Step 1 to create the horizontal rail around the top of the cage.

6. Wrap fencing mesh around the perimeter of the frame, firmly attaching it upright to each side, to ensure it is secure if someone falls against it.

Tips & Warnings

• Only fight if properly trained and a supervisor is present. Make sure all exposed surfaces are padded to help minimize collision injuries.

References

• Build a Cage

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish