Every fighter dreams of winning a championship some day. Day in and day out, they train hard and work towards improving their record to one day receiving the call to fight for a title belt. A title in combat fighting can mean different things to different fighters. For some, it can mean that they are the best in their weightclass division. To others, it can mean a huge accomplishment of overcoming struggles and obstacles to achieve one of the highest honors in combat fighting. Regardless of what it means, most fighters can agree that a title shot is a dream come true.
Mountain Force (MTF) has taken a deeper look into this and realized that it's title program is in need of reorganization. That it needs to be taken to the next level that adds value to the phrase "mountain force champion." Simultaneously, the MTF organization is looking to fill all of it's vacancies next year in 2021. According to management, their current or old system would choose any random fighter with any record, even a debut record, and give them a "title shot." There is no regards to whether or not these fighters would pursue a long term commitment or career in MMA or Kickboxing.
"I'm tired of this participation trophy culture or generation sports have succumb to," Mountain Force president Juan Pablo said. "When I was growing up, you received a trophy because you earned it; because you were number one or number two out of a hundred competitors or teams. Nowadays, people get butt hurt when competitors don't get any trophies or titles. Where is the incentive to work or train hard? Where is the strong work ethic to achieve?"
He continues, "That's why Sh*t got to change with our title program. I know we are not the UFC or Bellator, but I want fighters to have that burning desire to work and train hard to become a Mountain Force ammy or pro champion. I don't want them to win a title and feel like it's another participation trophy, like it is under our current system. I want them to feel proud that they are an MTF champion. We will be making a more concerted effort to highlight these MTF champions in our marketing campaigns, among other things, because they deserve it. This will help to add more value to our title program."
What are some of the changes that they are looking to implement? Under the new MTF title policy, contenders will be required to have:
4 or more fights for amateur males and 3 or more fights for amateur females.
5 or more fights for pro males and 4 or more fights for pro females.
According to Mountain Force, more than 4 fights for ammy males and more than 3 fights for ammy females demonstrates a fighter's long term commitment to the sport-mma or kickboxing. That is, a fighter has earned a right or the opportunity to fight for one of the highest honors in combat sports. These fighters have paid their due process. These tend to be individuals who are not in a cage to scratch off a bucketlist item.
Moreover, a fighter's record has to be above .500 percent to be considered for a title shot. "I don't understand how a losing or debut record affords you a title fight," Juan Pablo said. "That just proves my point of rewarding mediocrity or participation culture. It's time mountain force rewards hard work and dedication. I am excited to hold BMF title bouts for fighters who records maybe under par but are as tough as nails and have serious beef with another fighter."
Under the revamped title policy, a fighter who wins a title must defend it at least once. If they successfully defend their title, they are given the privilege to keep the belt to hang at home or the gym.
"I think to prove you are the champ, you have to defend or protect what's yours," Juan Pablo continued. "Under our old program, fighters didn't have to defend their title. No more. If they refuse, they will have to vacate the champion's seat and return the belt to us. Again, we are not the UFC; we don't tell fighters that in order to remain MTF strawweight or whatever champion, you got to keep defending your title forever. No, we would like our belts hung up in different gyms around the nation. There are awesome stories of triumph behind every belt hung at a gym or trophy case. I want them to share their Mountain Force journey with their fellow teammates or with prospective gym members seeking that same fight path."
Juan Pablo crowns Tyson Craig after defending & retaining the featherweight title.
Mountain Force said title holders cannot be choosers. Meaning that if you hold a MTF title, you are subjected to defending your title on who they choose would be a great challenger to strip the title from you. "Don't get me wrong, it will be someone with a similar record, fight percentage, and who meets all the criteria for title eligibility," Juan Pablo said. "Someone once told me there's a big difference between a fighter and someone who fights. A fighter is always ready to fight anyone after weighing out a few things. Someone who fights, is the one who picks and chooses. Imagine Khabib Nurmagomedov refusing to defend his title against someone Dana White chooses or is next in line to a title shot against him. If he does, his belt gets taken away. A title holder is a fighter."
Juan Pablo mentioned that they will be implementing their new title program and policies from scratch on January 1, 2021 for both MMA and Kickboxing. These are the following vacancies for MMA effective January 2021. Kickboxing, to be determined:
Mountain Force MMA have started hosting fight nights again. However, theses fight nights aren't what they used to be like before covid-19 took over the world.
So what is different? For starters Mountain Force now has to submit a Covid-19 Social Distancing and Safety Protocol plan to both local and/or state health departments as well as the Athletic Commissions they are sanctioned under.
Under the new guidelines & plan, fighters are required to now test for Covid-19 about 4 to 5 days prior to weigh-ins. This is in addition to the bloodwork (Hep B, Hep C, & HIV) already required to compete. A negative Covid test is required for competition. Self isolation is encouraged after testing to minimize the fighter's risk of infection. Also, a track record of their whereabouts after testing is also encouraged. So if anyone who they were around tested positive for Covid, they would need to take extra precaution or retest.
Mask wearing is mandatory when a fighter is not warming up or in competition. Corners and all participants are required to wear masks. Chairs and tables are socially distanced in the locker rooms as well.
Some states and sporting entities like the MLB or the UFC are not allowing any spectators to gather in person to watch a game or fight event. However, the states (Utah, Wyoming, & Idaho) Mountain Force host events are allowing large gatherings but under very strict guidelines. Therefore, spectators are allowed to watch an Mountain Force event in person. Mountain Force first MMA event after reopenings was on August 1, 2020 in Evanston Wyoming. They are now preparing for their second event (MTF 17) on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls.
"We've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," Said Mountain Force president, Juan Pablo. "Without fans and sponsors in the stands, we wouldn't be able to afford to cover our overhead. Sporting companies like the UFC, with huge broadcasting contracts, can still operate without fans. They also have a worldwide pay per view base. We are not there. Not even close. I'm just happy we are allowed to host fights at during these uncertain times; especially during a time when all large annual events have been cancelled. "
What are some of these strict guidelines imposed to host an event with a crowd, let alone an MMA event? Every state makes sure all events follow the recommended general guidelines of the CDC which is social distance 6 ft apart, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and wear a mask when social distancing is impossible. However, each state is different on their capacity allowance for large gatherings.
Bonneville County, which is in the Yellow level and where Mountain Force will hold their Idaho Falls fight event, allows up to 1 person every 28 square feet. Mountain Force was ecstatic to hear this order. Melaleuca Baseball Field in IF, where Mountain Force will host MTF 17, is 30,000 square feet.
Thus, this will allow between 1000 to 1200 socially distant force fans in the stands. By socially distant, I mean, every row will be blocked off for seating. The fans will sit in groups of household number or according to how many tickets you have purchased; and distanced 3 bleacher chairs from the next group. Despite the large number of guests allowed at MTF 17 in Idaho Falls, this event will be operating at 33% capacity. Moreover, Bonneville County has a mask mandate in place in which patrons are required to wear a mask or face covering except when eating, drinking, or at their seats.
"I just hope we don't have any issue with non-compliant fans," said Juan Pablo. "Like, in order for us to hold this event and many more in Idaho during this pandemic, we have to implement all guidelines set forth by local health & municipal departments. Idaho Athletic Commission has clearly stated that any failure or violation of following all safety protocols can result in my license getting revoked or suspended. So I just hope everyone can see this as a grand opportunity to attend a sporting event that does come with safety guidelines but hasn't been cancelled."
This is an excerpt taken from Idaho Athletic Commission Covid-19 Requirements for event sanctioning:
Provide sufficient security to manage and monitor the crowd and ensure that social distancing and/or mask mandate requirements are being met. It is up to the promoter to enforce any violations of the local CDH/CDC guidelines among the crowd. If this cannot occur, it is recommended the promoter does not allow a crowd and has a broadcast/pay-per-view event only.
Mountain Force's next fight event in Idaho (tentatively December 2020) is predicated on the safety outcome & compliance of all participants & fans at MTF 17 event on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls.
"It's up to all of us to do our part, big and small, for Mountain Force to continue hosting fights in Idaho during this pandemic, " Juan Pablo said. "We cannot get mad if something doesn't seem right or fair or a show is cancelled or postponed. Nothing is normal right now. I have to remind myself that we are truly living in different times. It's a different story day in day out. Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to host fights. Many of my fellow promoters in other counties & states such as California can't host fights right now. To them I say hang in there. I am grateful that fighters and coaches have the opportunity to fight; and that the fans have the opportunity to feel some type of normalcy while simultaneously supporting their fighters. Keep fighting."
Mountain Force President & Promoter, Juan Pablo poses with Rick Stimpson (in green) along with West Minico Middle School Wrestling Coaches after presenting donation check. Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo
Burley Idaho. Dec 30, 2019.
Johnny Moreno
Two weeks til Fight Night and Mountain Force 14 (MTF 14) is venueless.
The event was scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019 and was to be hosted at College of Southern Idaho or CSI Mini Cassia Extension Campus in Burley, Idaho. However, due to some scheduling concerns and other undisclosed factors, Mountain Force was left with no venue to host MTF 14.
Mountain Force's President & Promoter, Juan Pablo said he went into deep panic mode when he found out that "we couldn't hold our event there any more." He further explained that he had to quickly scramble to see what venues in the area were available on the day the event was scheduled. "The list of places were next to nothing. Everywhere we searched or called were booked."
With the assistance of Pete Nunez & Hector Castro, local gym owners & coaches at Full Force MMA in Burley, Juan explained that they searched high and low, even in Twin Falls.
One venue in Twin Falls was large enough & available on the day they needed it. But Juan's priority was to try and keep it in the Burley/Rupert area. The Twin Falls venue would be the last resort. During this time, West Minico Middle School in Paul Idaho was proposed as a possible venue to host MTF 14. Paul Idaho is about 10 minutes North of Burley City on Highway 27.
In order to host the event at the middle school, it would first need to be approved by the Minidoka school board. "At this time, I was saying my prayers that our event will get approved," Juan said. "All the marketing, promotions, and sales were centered around this fight night being on December 7 in Burley or nearby towns like Paul or Rupert. This would totally save us on cost if we don't have to move it outside of the Burley area."
The word came back that the school board approved the event. "I was so happy & relieved. I want to thank Rick Stimpson, wrestling coach & school board member, for being our advocate before the school board. With so many misconceptions about MMA and MMA events, Rick was instrumental in putting his fellow board members concerns at ease. Also a big thank you to Pete Nunez and Hector Castro for reaching out to Rick," Juan said.
Force Fans pack the West Minico Middle School gymnasium for MTF 14 to begin. Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo
Juan mentioned that they had to make some adjustments to how many seats were now available given a smaller venue. "We lost some seats but I was just happy that we found a home for MTF 14, that it was in the general vicinity of CSI Burley campus, and that the show was going to happen on the date we planned and promoted."
The show went on as schedule. It was a sold out show according to Juan. "We had to discontinue selling tickets hours before doors opened. I think everyone there had a great time. The fight bouts were amazing. The fighters put on a great performance for their fans, family, and friends. The crowd was by far one of the most energetic & loudest crowd at a Mountain Force event. Can't forget the Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest. That was intense. It was a great fight night."
Force Fans participate in the half time Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest at MTF 14.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo
Not only did the West Minico Middle School save the day, the West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team played a role in contributing to the event as well. The wrestling team was given the opportunity to sell concession goods to general admissions and was contracted by Mountain Force to feed all VIP guests. Food items and ingredients were donated by local restaurants and caterers.
"With our VIP program, each VIP ticket includes a hot catered meal from a local caterer and Pepsi & Rockstar Drinks who sponsor our fights," Juan said. "A lot of force fans rave about our VIP meal program because they don't have to go out to eat before coming to our fight events. They can kill two birds with one stone."
Juan said it felt great to give West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team the opportunity to cater the VIP food. All proceeds that were raised from catering & concessions went to benefit the team-travel, uniform, fees, etc. According to Rick Stimpson, they are able to afford a checklist of items needed for the 2020 wrestling season.
Force Fans in VIP mingle & feast at West Minico Middle School gymnasium before MTF 14 commence.
Photo Courtesy of Polo Aguayo
At the end of the night & before the main event, Juan Pablo, who was also the cage announcer, expressed his gratitude to sponsors, the athletic commission and officials, fighters, and force fans. He then called up Rick and his fellow wrestling coaches to the cage and presented them with a check for $2000.00 for the middle school facility; of which $1800 was donated. The regular day rental rate is $200.
Debut fighter, Axel Alonzo, thanks his fans, family & friends during post fight win interview.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo
When asked if Mountain Force will return to Burley, Juan said yes. He went on to say "we are looking to return Fall 2020. I think the Mini-Cassia community would like us back. They have some of the most dynamic fighters in the area & some of the loudest fight fans in the region. I really admire how the fans, family, and friends rally behind their fighters like no other I have seen in other areas we host mma and kickboxing events. I'm grateful for everyone's contribution on what I think was a successful night. In the end, everyone involved came away with a win."
Mountain Force MMA staff, fighters, and fans were preparing for another fight night in Logan Utah on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the new Cache County Event Center. I was looking forward to covering this event as well. Two weeks ago, they had 10 scheduled bouts with fighters coming from Idaho, Colorado, and Utah. Then, According to Mountain Force's President & Promoter Juan Pablo, the nightmare began.
Two of the 10 bouts were dropped because of injuries. "That is pretty standard or normal," Juan said. "Every card you are going to have 1 to 2 bouts get cancelled due to injury during training. I tried getting replacements but two weeks is little time for most fighters who plan to win. Normally, they need 1 to 3 months of fight camp to get ready. With 8 bouts, we will still be ok and still manage to have a great show. What happened next is what I wasn't prepared for."
Last Monday, Jan 7, the Mountain Force Logan fight card had 8 scheduled bouts. This is a week they call hell week in the MMA world. And it was nothing more than that for Juan and his staff. On Tuesday, Jan 8, Mountain Force received word that one of the fighters scheduled was arrested and jailed. "It's so sad," said Juan."It's sad because he was doing everything by the books to prepare for his fight. He was even scheduled to get his physical and bloodwork done the day of his arrest. Even if he would've posted bail, there was no way he would fight in that type of mindset. I hope when he gets out that he will iron out all his legal issues, get back in the gym, and get him in the cage because he loves MMA."
That brought Mountain Force Logan card to 7 Bouts. Juan indicated he is now nervous but still can manage 7 bouts and find fillers in between bouts and rounds to make it a good show for the fans. On the day of Utah's Athletic Commission's deadline for all medicals, bloodwork, and contracts to be submitted, Juan received a text that one of his scheduled fighter's family member was in a freak roadside auto accident and died at the scene. "I felt so sorry for this fighter and their family and hoped they get through it," Juan explained. "At the same time I'm asking myself why me. How can this be happening all at the same time." Juan also mentioned that two other scheduled or contracted fighters did not get their medicals & bloodwork in on time to compete.
"I couldn't believe what was happening-watching this fight card go from 10 bouts to 4 bouts in a matter of a week." He said. "I want to thank a lot of my fellow promoters and matchmakers like Brian and Bruce Smith of TuffNuff down in Vegas and Leonard Thierry of No Mercy Extreme Fighting in Colorado Springs, among others for coming to my aid and providing us with replacement fighters and support; and coaches like Steve Eargle of Cedar City BJJ and Brian Zehler of Zs Gym in Fort Collins. Unfortunately, the deadline expired and we couldn't add new fighters."
Juan explained that there is a minimum amount of bouts a promotion would need to host a MMA show in Utah and they fell below that threshold. Moreover, they would lose a significant amount of money with a low number of bouts if they had the opportunity to host a fight event with 4 to 5 bouts. "At the end of the day, most fans come out to see their brother, cousin, son, dad, mom, daughter, friend, or favorite fighter compete," Juan said. "And these fans pay a fee at the door which helps cover the cost of putting on these events. Without these fans coming through those doors, we would go bankrupt."
Juan mentioned that he and his staff are making significant changes and protocols to assure something like this doesn't happen again. "My heart goes out to our fans and sponsors who were looking forward to another Mountain Force show. Fortunately, the new date (March 30, 2019) isn't too far away. We will honor all tickets purchased for the January 19 event or reissue tickets for the new date or give them refund if they choose."
"My heart goes out to those fighters who trained, sacrificed, and prepared for a fight that couldn't happen. We did offer all of them a spot on any of our upcoming mma or kickboxng cards. Some are scheduled on an upcoming fight card. I am well aware somethings are way beyond our control like when someone loses a loved one. However, there are somethings we can control such as making sure fighters get their bloodwork, medicals, and contracts done ahead of deadlines; and having back up opponents should a fighter get injured or cannot compete."
On March 30, 2019, the new date, Mountain Force will be celebrating its 1 year anniversary. It had its first fight night on March 17, 2018. In 2018, they had completed 6 MMA events and 1 kickboxing event in three states-Utah, Idaho, & Wyoming. Juan stated that in 2019, Mountain Force will be hosting about 7 MMA events and 4 kickboxing events. "I'm really excited," He said. "We have a strong fighter and fan base that continues to grow and I'm thankful for their love & support for our platform. This little promotion is going places. just wait and see."
Many a MMA fighters and coaches think that they have to be exactly at the maximum weight of a weight class division at weigh-ins. Not always so. Division pretty much means "weight range."
For example, if a fighter is fighting in the Bantamweight Division, she can weigh in anywhere between 126lb to 135lb maximum. As long as she is within that range, she made weight and should not face any penalties & so forth.
If she falls anywhere out of that range, she misses weight. However, different state commissions & sanctioning bodies do grant fighters 1 to 3 pounds allowance should they weigh in over the maximum weight limit.
This link will show you the ranges within different weight divisions & the new weight classes, such as Super Lightweight & Cruiserweight, that were implemented to the Unified Rules of MMA in 2017.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet; captivating the world’s attention with power, athleticism and raw excitement. You, a friend or a family member may find yourself asking the question, “How do I get started in training MMA?”
In what follows we will break down step-by-step how to get into MMA. The process of becoming an
MMA fighter is truly unique.
We will break down how to get into MMA by walking through the following 6 step process:
Understanding the Three Main Areas of Fighting
Reflect
Do your Due Diligence
Train Smart
Get Amateur Experience
Self-Promote
But first, it is essential to briefly explain the history of the sport and how certain martial art disciplines emerged as dominant.
A brief look into the origins of Mixed Martial Arts:
Long gone are the days of the stereotypical bar-room-brawlers competing in MMA. Today, MMA fighters are some of the most disciplined, mild-mannered, hard-working and talented athletes on the planet.
When the sport began in the early 1990’s the fighter pool was widely occupied with large, testosterone-fueled brawlers with no formal training in any combat sports.
Who would win in a fight between a wrestler and a boxer? A Muay Thai fighter and a karate practitioner? Which martial artist would triumph above all others when placed in a fighting arena with no weight classes and only three rules; No groin strikes, eye gouging or biting.
As the sport developed in the mid-1990’s we saw wrestling, boxing/kickboxing and the newly surfacing martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emerge as the dominant forms of fighting.
Never had a man of smaller stature been able to defeat a man much larger and stronger until Royce Gracie came along and won the very first UFC tournament; UFC 1
At only 176 pounds Royce was successful in submitting Kimo, the 240-pound Taekwondo black belt, thus shattering all notions that the bigger fighter would always win.
Royce’s success in the UFC launched Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the forefront of MMA training. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to this day remains one of the core disciplines of MMA and is a must if you want to become an MMA fighter.
1) Understanding the Three Main Areas of Fighting
If you are someone who is wondering how to get into MMA, getting started in your training can seem overwhelming. There are many martial art disciplines that you can devote your time to learning.
However, let’s break down MMA fighting into its three main areas:
Stand-up: Fighting that occurs while both opponents are standing on their feet and trade strikes with hands, feet, elbows and knees.
Clinch: Although both fighters are still standing, the clinch differs from stand-up training in that the fighters are body-to-body, holding one another fighting for position and leverage rather than delivering strikes necessarily.
Ground: As you can assume, this refers to all fighting occurring on the ground.
What martial art is relevant in each of the three areas of fighting?
Stand-up fighting disciplines:
Boxing
Kickboxing
Muay Thai
Karate
Taekwondo
Boxing provides a solid foundation for basic hand and footwork that is necessary to succeed in MMA fighting.
However, MMA fighting is dynamic; elbows, knees and feet are weapons that you must learn to use that boxing won’t teach. Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate and Taekwondo are some other martial art disciplines that professional fighters train extensively.
As someone that is just starting out in MMA training, Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai will provide you with the most well-rounded skills and the basic understanding of fundamental foot and handwork.
Classes on these disciplines are offered at most reputable MMA gyms and should be a heavy area of focus for those who want to start training MMA.
Clinch Fighting disciplines:
Muay Thai
Kickboxing
Wrestling
Judo
Jiu Jitsu
The clinch is unique in that it is a middle area or transitional area between ground and stand-up fighting. Those who want to take the fight to the ground will use leverage within the clinch to throw an opponent down and bring the fight into their preferred arena; Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling or Judo.
Those who prefer to stay standing and strike will also utilize the clinch to deliver devastating knees and elbows that can potentially end a fight.
Whether you prefer to keep the fight standing or take it to the ground, a strong understanding of clinch work will be essential in your MMA training.
Ground Fighting disciplines:
Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling
Judo
Judo was popularized by fighters like Ronda Rousey and Karo Parisyan. Although it is an Olympic sport and emphasizes leverage, body control and submissions, as a beginner training Judo is likely unnecessary.
As someone just starting mixed martial arts training, you should spend a large percentage of your time dedicated to Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling. A strong understanding of these will be essential if you want to become an MMA fighter.
Jiu-Jitsu will teach you submissions, body control and defense on the ground. You should devote a large amount of time to this discipline.
Besides, Wrestling is incredibly effective in learning how to control your opponent’s body and how to take opponents to the ground.
It is nearly impossible to survive as a professional MMA fighter unless you are well-rounded in all areas of fighting. However, it’s important to note most professional MMA fighters began training at a young age and are specialized in one of the martial arts listed above.
It is very common to see professional fighters who rooted their foundation with years, even decades, specializing and competing in only one of the above martial arts. It is only after this that they begin to learn the other areas of fighting and become a well-rounded professional MMA fighter.
As the sport continues to develop this trend has begun to change. We now see the next generation of fighters going straight into MMA gyms rather than first competing in High School wrestling or competing in Jiu Jitsu or Kickboxing tournaments.
To summarize the above, the most essential martial arts in Stand-Up, Clinch and Ground fighting for beginners to learn are:
Boxing/Kickboxing
Muay Thai
Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling
As someone that is starting mixed martial arts training, it is essential to build a strong foundation in these four disciplines.
2) Reflect
So what comes next?
Reflect: Take some time to reflect on your reasons for wanting to become an MMA fighter. Your personal goals to begin training will determine the gym you choose and type of training you will undergo.
Maybe you are incredibly passionate and want to pursue MMA to become a professional fighter. Maybe you love watching the sport and you want to take up training simply to get in shape and work out regularly.
Whatever your reason may be, it’s important to sort this out first so that you can have that discussion with your coach or instructors. If you want to compete and turn pro, your instructors, coaches and teammates will treat you differently than if you’re somebody who just wants to learn Jiu Jitsu and get a good sweat in.
3) Do your Due Diligence
Once you have decided on your end-goal in beginning your training in MMA, get online and research your local gyms.
Each gym will have different martial arts classes at different times. Some may offer a Muay Thai class at 6 am while another at 8 pm. Most gyms will post their current class schedule with time slots online. Take a look and see which gym and its classes best fit your schedule.
Find out if they focus more on one particular martial art. Ask around, speak with the head coach and find out what the foundation of the gym is. Many gyms will be opened by an ex-professional fighter who specialized in one martial art (let’s say kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu).
The gym may tend to put a heavy emphasis on one martial art in particular. If you love Jiu Jitsu and the owner of the gym is a Jiu Jitsu black belt who used to compete, this will make a great fit for you.
However, if your someone looking to become very well-rounded you will want to find a gym that offers a well-rounded class schedule with experienced coaches for each martial art.
Drop in on classes! Before shelling out the $200-$400 per month on a membership, drop in on each class offered. Most reputable gyms will allow you a 1-2 week period where you can try it out free of charge.
Make sure you try out all classes they offer; Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing etc. You want to get a feel for how they teach each martial art and how good the instructors are. You don’t want to only try the Jiu Jitsu class, sign up for a year only to find out the guy/gal who teaches the Muay Thai class never shows up or isn’t experienced enough to teach!
Get to know your classmates and their skill levels. If the instructors are world-class, but you don’t have competitive classmates to train and spar with, this will be a huge setback in your training to become an MMA fighter.
4) Train Smart
As someone who is new to MMA training, it is important to start slow and know your limits. After all, you can’t progress as an MMA fighter if you’re injured and unable to train.
Most gyms preach the philosophy of ‘leaving your ego’ at the door. This is not the time or place to show you are the strongest, toughest, meanest dude on the block. Everybody is at the gym to learn and get better.
Adding value to the comradery within the gym and being a helpful, safe, training partner for others will be greatly appreciated.
Learn to communicate with your training partners, let them know your ability and the tempo you would like to train.
When training on the ground, it is important to learn to ‘tap-out’ or submit in order to avoid injury. Jiu Jitsu submissions can happen fast and going from slight discomfort to an injury or unconsciousness can happen quickly.
When sparring on the feet, the general rule of thumb is ‘only hit your opponent as hard as you want to get hit back’. If you only want to spar lightly, you must communicate this to your partner and act accordingly.
After all, if you say you want to take it easy today and then proceed to throw haymakers, this will not go over well and you can expect to receive them in return.
5) Get Amateur Experience
It is important to never take a fight until you and your coaches agree that you are ready. Mixed Martial Arts is an incredible sport that promotes a hard work and a healthy lifestyle, however, the consequences when competing can be dire.
Never rush into competing. You should speak with your coaches and have a timeline while frequently checking in on your abilities and how you are progressing.
Once you are ready to take your first fight, competing at the amateur level in your local circuit will be the next step. If your goal is to eventually turn pro, take your time. It’s important to get as much amateur experience as possible.
Once you turn pro, you cannot compete again as an amateur. It is not uncommon to see MMA amateur records of 2-2 or 3-0 turning pro. Where an amateur boxer may have 100-200 fights. MMA is not like other professional sports, it doesn’t have the same depth in breeding grounds.
Take your time while climbing up the ranks. You want as much experience as you can get before turning pro to protect both your safety and professional record.
6) Learn to Self-Promote
Being a professional MMA fighter is unique in that showmanship and self-promotion are vital to your career AND pay grade. Your worth as a professional fighter (and in turn your pay) is only as much as the number of butts you can put in seats.
Set up social media platforms to share your life and story with as many people and fans as you can. Leverage social media to call out other fighters and ‘talk’ your way into higher profile fights.
It isn’t so important to get the fans to like or love you. People will tune in just as much for fighters they hate as for fighters they love. Whether they love you or hate you, the important thing is that they care enough to tune in to either see you win or see you lose.
Conclusions
So you’ve read through the information and are no longer wondering how to get into MMA. You’re ready to take the first step and get the ball rolling! Just remember the 6 steps listed above:
Understanding the three main areas of Fighting
Reflect
Do your Due Diligence
Train Smart
Get Amateur Experience
Self-Promote
Becoming an MMA fighter takes hard work and a lifetime of dedication. If you love the sport, if you love to compete and you’re ready to begin, there’s no better time than right now to get involved in the world’s fastest growing and most electrifying sport!
