How to Become a UFC Fighter

Becoming an Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter takes extraordinary dedication to the sport. In addition to making a mental commitment, you'll need to be devoted to intense physical training. While you can't become a UFC fighter overnight, years of hard work and perseverance can help make your dream of fighting in the UFC a reality.

Things You'll Need

  • Training
  • Experience
  • Physical endurance
  • Mixed Martial Arts skills
  • Trainer
  • Demo video
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Get experience. Before the UFC will even consider taking you in as a legitimate fighter, you need experience, and lots of it. Start learning basic skills such as wrestling and boxing. Additionally, one of the most common martial arts used in UFC fighting is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Find a dojo that offers BJJ classes and take them. The most important aspect of achieving useful experience is getting some well-rounded cross-training.

    • 2

      Join a smaller club. To prepare for participation in a UFC show, first join a mixed martial arts (MMA) school or club. Many cities have local fighting clubs that offer a variety of fighting styles and levels of competitive training. By joining a smaller club, one can get practice skirmishing with other fighters to prepare for the bigger UFC league.

    • 3

      Find a UFC trainer. Perhaps the most important factor in becoming a fighter in the UFC is getting a trainer who specifically coaches contenders to fight successfully in the UFC. You may have to try out a few trainers before you find one who trains and motivates you in a way that suits your training and learning style.

    • 4

      Learn the rules. Once you've got some training under your belt, learn the UFC rules. There are regulations regarding weight classes, bout duration, fouls and ways to win. Get to know all of them so you can continue to train accordingly.

    • 5

      Apply to the UFC. The organization requests that if you believe you're ready to be a part of the UFC, you send them a video tape of your own previous fights. If the UFC representatives like what they see, they'll give you a call and ask to meet you.