5 Training Secrets From UFC Contenders

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the most popular forms of fighting in the world, and if we look past all the glamour that surrounds it, it is one of the most demanding sports in the world.

Mixed Martial Artists have to put their bodies on the line every time they step into the Octagon, they have to be in top physical condition and must master many forms of fighting.

We take a look at 5 training Secrets from UFC contenders that help in competing at the highest level. These training secrets are followed by various fighter in who are at top positons in UFC Rankings.

1. Target Every Muscle

The toll that every muscle takes when you step inside the Octagon is unimaginable, according to the who take part in UFC fight night every time, you must work every muscle of your body before you step into the Octagon.

Current Cage Warriors welterweight, Tom Watson says “ You can be strong on the bench but a session on the rings is killer. All the muscles you never hit have to strain very hard.”

Gymnastics is the key, look at any gymnast and they are all top physical specimens, they are "ripped", so to speak. It's better to do a five minute handstand against the wall, rather than doing sit ups, it's more impactful and is a better investment of time and energy.

2. Go For A Swim

“Swimming is the only form of conditioning that doesn't damage your muscles” - Watson says.

According to the International Journal of Sports Medicine, Swimming is the most effective way to flush out lactic acid from the body.

Swedish Light Heavyweight fighter Alexander Gustafsson says “ As a fighter, you’ve always got knocks, Even when you are practising, you’re doing so with another body.” When your body breaks and muscles are sore after a match or training, don't waste your efforts - go for a swim.

3. Train Hard, Fight Easy and Eat Simple

“ I don't subscribe to diets - I don't like the word” is what Tom says. He keeps it simple buy eating less meat, more plants and sticking to a set of fixed rules for workouts.

He says “ I’d sooner drink full-fat milk than ‘diet’ or ‘fat-free’ anything else”. It's the same with all the latest supplements too. “ If you’ve got ‘ this-with-that-plus-extra-whatever’,  It’s better if you eat all these varied foods, over the course of the day at different time intervals.

4. Ditch The Equipment

Mixed Martial Artists are the benchmark for physical prowess, they are strong and quick and have great reactions.

But to do that you don't need the machines, spending 3 hours in the gym won't do you any good, “ Ropes, tyre flips I've done it all, but you only need 3 things”. 

“ For the last year and a half all I've worked on is olympic lifts: snatch, clean and jerk. They are things which we can actually use in a fight and they require full body coordination and strength.”

5. Never Give Up

When you are working at full capacity and are under extreme pressure, do not panic. This does not just help you deal with the situation easier but also has real physical benefits.

“When you’re being choked, it’s like drowning. When you start to drown and you panic, you take on even more water.”

Research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that when you train with a partner, it boosts your power by 15%.

“ The more you experience something you think you can’t handle, the more you re-educate yourself that you can” - Tom Watson.

So these are a few training secrets which are being used by our favourite MMA fighters about whom we usually read in UFC News. I hope the training secrets shared by us in this article at ei-resource.org will be of help to you.
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