Download Article
Download Article
Are you a budding athlete who wants to make a name for yourself in mixed martial arts (MMA)? In the modern era, it’s not enough to only be a great fighter. You’ll also need savvy business skills to market yourself and get next-level sponsorships that’ll help you climb the ladder to the top. To let you in on what it takes to become an MMA pro, we’ve compiled answers to your questions on building a career as a fighter.
Steps
Question 5 of 10:
How do you get sponsored as an MMA fighter?
Download Article
-
Reach out to local business owners directly. Aim for companies whose products or content seems relevant to MMA, like sports equipment or apparel stores. Ask to meet the owner in-person and deliver a strong sales pitch about the stats on your online audience, who you are as a fighter and an individual, and what you have to offer for their company.
- Offer to plug their company on social media or wear their clothing in the cage when you fight. In return, your sponsor will pay you fees per appearance (usually a couple hundred to a thousand dollars). [7] X Research source
-
Approach promoters/sponsors you meet at fights. If you’re finding it tough to get a local business to sponsor you, this method might be easier because you’ll know they’re already fans of the sport. To stand apart from other fighters, focus on building up your social media presence so you can show potential sponsors that people are starting to notice you. [8] X Research source
- Once you get sponsored (even by a small company), show loyalty and increase their commitment to you by pushing their content/product hard on your social media channels with multiple posts. [9] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 6 of 10:
How do you join the UFC and move on to bigger fights?
Download Article
-
Join through The Ultimate Fighter ( TUF ) reality show. If you show potential but don’t have a perfect record, you might be able to get a spot on The Ultimate Fighter by filling out an application when they send out a casting call. [10] X Research source
- You’ll need to be between 21-34 years old and have at least 3 professional-level fights under your belt. [11] X Research source
-
Know a UFC fighter who can put in a word for you. If you have a mentor, training partner, or friend who is a UFC fighter, they might be able to help you get into the UFC by vouching for you and using their connections. [12] X Research source
-
Get noticed by recruiters and coaches. This is the hardest way to get into the UFC, and it’s mostly based on luck. [13] X Research source First, you’ll have to win 6-8+ amateur fights. If you’ve built up a following on social media and if your coach has strong connections, scouts may come to your fights or your gym. If you meet the weight class criteria they’re looking for, you’ll be able to participate in one of their next pro fights. [14] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 7 of 10:
How much do MMA fighters make?
Download Article
-
By definition, as an amateur, you won’t be paid for fights. However, you may be able to make $300-400 through local promotions and sponsorships. [15] X Research source
-
The median annual salary for pro MMA fighters is about $70,000. That salary comes from base pay for UFC fights, sponsorships, pay-per-view points (PPV), and bonuses from winning fights. Approximately a third of pro MMA fighters make six-figure salaries, while only a handful of superstars make millions. [16] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 9 of 10:
How do you start training?
Download Article
-
Join an MMA gym to get access to equipment and coaching. You don’t necessarily need to join a high-profile gym or club at this early stage. Still, it helps to try out a few clubs through free trials (if they’re offered) to check out the quality and condition of the equipment, as well as the general vibe of the people at the facility. [18] X Research source
- Look for equipment that’s well-cared for and people who seem respectful and considerate of others’ safety.
-
If you can’t find an MMA gym, find a traditional martial arts gym. Ideally, find a studio that teaches Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or wrestling, so you can build up the fundamentals of striking and grappling that you’ll need for MMA. [19] X Research source
- Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to get the best base for MMA because of its emphasis on grappling. [20] X Research source
- Improve your wrestling and judo skills to support your takedowns and ability to use leverage over your opponent.
- Practice boxing and karate or kung fu to boost your striking power and ability.
-
3Build your strength, speed, and endurance conditioning. Ditch aesthetically-focused exercises like bicep curls in favor of functional circuit training and plyometrics to increase your explosive power.
Advertisement
[21] X Research source Having the proper strength will set you up for success for the rigorous twice-a-day training that professional MMA fighters take on. [22] X Research source
-
1
- Start every workout with a 5-10 minute dynamic warmup . [23] X Research source
- If you don’t have equipment, do circuits with burpees, pushups, mountain climbers, and planks.
- If you have gym equipment (free weights and cable pulleys), incorporate kettlebell swings, cleans, Arnold presses, and full squats to develop your base strength and power.
-
Practice solo drills and shadowboxing. While it’s essential to train with a sparring partner to gain fight experience, you can build up your fundamental skills through drilling. [24] X Research source
- Basic Punch Drills: Practice forward and backward 1-2 (jab-cross) combos or 1-1-2 (jab-jab-cross) combos while staying on the balls of your feet with your hands up high. Be sure to turn your hips to help carry that momentum into your punches. [25] X Research source
- Footwork Drills: Practice combining probing and retreating steps (forward and backward steps) with 1-2 combos. Switch your stance from time-to-time to practice footwork on both sides. [26] X Research source
- Cardio/Speed Drills: Set 15 second intervals and alternate between rest and hitting the heavy bag as fast as you can for 15 seconds with 1-2 combos or 1-2-3 combos (jab-cross-hook). [27] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 10 of 10:
How do you find an MMA trainer?
Download Article
-
Contact your local gym to see if they employ or recommend trainers. Ask the trainers about their coaching philosophy and/or read up on the club’s website to see if your values align with the coach’s. [28] X Research source
- Some coaches may have a “train hard all the time” mentality while others might focus more on overall well-being of their athlete. Choose the approach that fits your goals and lifestyle.
- Ask “How soon can I compete?” If the coach answers, “As soon as you want,” that tells you the gym probably doesn’t have your best interests and well-being in mind. If they tell you they’ll wait until you’re ready and safe, the instructor is probably good. [29] X Research source
-
Check the coach’s credentials. It’s not necessary for your coach to have loads of competition experience (plenty of great coaches have never competed professionally), but if you’re looking to go pro, it helps to have a coach who has a strong fight record and former pro career. [30] X Research source
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionI’m 15 years old. Is it too late to start MMA?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerNo! It's great to start as a teen since you'll have time to build your strength and skill. It helps if you have an athletic background or strength training, but you're young enough to build a foundation from scratch.
-
QuestionI'm 15 years old and want to become a UFC fighter by 25. I don't have a lot of money, so I can't afford to go to the gym. What do I do?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerBuild up your fitness with functional training and calisthenics. Find shadowboxing routines online to develop your skills or contact a local gym and ask if you can work/clean there in exchange for membership.
-
QuestionCan I start MMA in another country but still represent my home country?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes! Plenty of MMA fighters compete in a different country while representing their home nation. For instance, former UFC champ Conor McGregor competes in the U.S. but represents Ireland.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Fuel yourself with a good carbohydrate like oatmeal 2-4 hours before training. Eat protein from sources like chicken, shrimp, or fish, and keep your red meat intake to 1-2 times a week. [31] X Research sourceThanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=659&v=RLz-t6UwqeM&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=BattleWorthy
- ↑ https://mmaclan.com/how-often-do-mma-fighters-train/
- ↑ https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1649483-john-cholish-explains-how-much-it-costs-to-be-a-ufc-fighter
- ↑ https://themmaguru.com/mma-bjj-gym-cost/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=688&v=4jMKABuLp6I&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=ChannelZeroMarketing
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIygovADjSU&t=291s&ab_channel=MMAFightCamp
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=509&v=qTXvlDkJPAQ&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=MylesJury
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4POIn0q0FQA&t=181s&ab_channel=MMASomnia
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jMKABuLp6I&t=889s&ab_channel=ChannelZeroMarketing
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=382&v=RLz-t6UwqeM&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=BattleWorthy
- ↑ https://www.fightbookmma.com/the-ultimate-fighter-29-remote-casting-information/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=491&v=RLz-t6UwqeM&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=BattleWorthy
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=78&v=gMvIAS7BXYE&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=MMACoach
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=92&v=75WnfTDe_aY&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=fightTIPS
- ↑ https://www.thescrap.co/salaries-in-mma/
- ↑ https://www.thefocus.news/combat-sports/how-much-are-ufc-fighters-paid-per-fight-pay-and-salary-revealed/
- ↑ https://themmaguru.com/how-to-become-a-mma-fighter/
- ↑ https://www.mma-today.com/become-ufc-fighter/
- ↑ https://www.mma-today.com/become-ufc-fighter/
- ↑ https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1178845-mma-which-martial-art-is-best-we-run-down-the-top-five
- ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/6-full-body-ufc-workouts-strength-endurance-and-fat-loss/
- ↑ https://www.lowkickmma.com/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-professional-mma-fighter/
- ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/6-full-body-ufc-workouts-strength-endurance-and-fat-loss/
- ↑ https://themmaguru.com/mma-workout-at-home/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=300&v=SzJQXYwQpus&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=SAJudoAcademy
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78UWOAjH4UA&t=66s&ab_channel=fightTIPS
- ↑ https://expertboxing.com/heavy-bag-drills
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=273&v=OfA5_-Seg_c&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=MMACoach
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=45&v=vsvWb1Ixjdw&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=fightTIPS
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=336&v=OfA5_-Seg_c&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=MMACoach
- ↑ https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/g19546879/mma-diet-revealed-as-told-by-nutritionist/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 58,952 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "This article made me curious about MMA. It is so detailed that I myself want to become a professional fighter after reading this one. Really helpful." ..." more
Advertisement
98%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"This article made me curious about MMA. It is so detailed that I myself want to become a professional fighter after reading this one. Really helpful."
..."
more
"Thanks for motivation and knowledge."
