Why do MMA fighters have to do entire training camps?
Let’s break down why MMA fighters do entire training camps, so you understand why fighters put their bodies through this extremely difficult process.
So, picture this, you’re an MMA fighter, and you’ve got a big fight on the horizon. Your opponent’s got their own bag of specialized skills, and you need to be ready to dance in that octagon. That’s where the whole training camp thing comes into play.
Table of contents
- Sharpening your tools
- Weight Management
- Opponent specific skills
- Fitness requirements
- Frequently asked questions
Sharpening your tools
First off, those training camps are where you go to sharpen your tools. I’m talking techniques, strategies, and moves that’ll have your opponent scratching their head. You’ve got to be like a sculptor refining a masterpiece, smoothing out the rough edges until your skills are razor-sharp.
MMA fights are like a whirlwind, demanding everything from your muscles to your stamina. Training camps are like your fitness dojo, where you pump iron, do cardio till you drop, and perfect those killer moves. It’s like a fitness boot camp, but way more intense.
Weight management
Yeah, fighters have to make sure they’re in the right weight class, so they shed an unhealthy amount of weight leading up to the fight. The training camp gives them ample time to cut a sizeable amount of weight which gives them a physical size advantage.
By the time they fill back out after all of that water weight has been dropped, they might weigh an extra 10 pounds or more than their opponent.
A good example of this is former UFC middleweight Alex Pereira who had no business being at that weight. He was often 20 pounds or more heavier on fight night. He did move up to light heavyweight after a few fights, and looks more naturally suited to that weight class.
It is a double edged sword however, as athletes can only cut so much weight before it effects their performance negatively. Often you will see fighters determine that the costs aren’t worth the benefits and ultimately move up in weight.
Opponent specific skills
Every opponent that fighters go up against holds a unique set of skills that present different challenges to overcome. Some fighters are fantastic strikers, whilst others have great grappling. This is why MMA training camps are so crucial.
Grappling-heavy MMA fighters need a full training camp to get ready for someone who has fantastic striking so they don’t get knocked out and work on the best possible path to victory with their coaches.
This goes two ways as strikers tend to struggle against grapplers and have a habit of getting taken down. These MMA training camps offer the opportunity to put in an adequate amount of work to mitigate your weaknesses, as well as enhance your strengths.
Fitness requirements
By the time you reach fight night fighters need to be at a level of fitness that in the long term is not sustainable to maintain.
The goal of the training camp is to bring the fighter’s fitness and skills to a peak level just in time for the fight. It’s the culmination of weeks or even months of dedicated training and preparation.
Fighters aim to peak on fight night, which means they are at the pinnacle of their physical and mental capabilities, ready to perform at their best.
After the fight, fighters will have a period of recovery and rest to allow their bodies to recuperate from the intense training and the fight itself.
This cycle of training, peaking, fighting, and recovery is a well-established process in combat sports like MMA, and it’s designed to ensure that fighters are in the best possible condition for their bouts while minimizing the risk of injury or burnout.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks is a UFC training camp?
Training camps for UFC bouts are generally 8 weeks, however fighters will often opt for a longer training camp which can last up to 4 months. This can be for several reasons such as wanting to put on muscle when moving up in weight.
How long is an MMA training session?
For hobbyists, MMA training sessions usually lasts for one hour each day, several times a week.
How many hours do UFC fighters spend training?
UFC fighters can train as much as 20 hours per week in various degrees of training intensity. This can vary greatly depending on any upcoming fights, and their current level of conditioning.
