UFC Training Methods

Training methods for the UFC follow a dynamic mixture of fighting disciplines known as mixed martial arts, or MMA. Through advanced training, UFC fighters build individual skills into a cohesive style of combat unique to their aptitudes and abilities. The most common methods and disciplines of UFC training are Muy Thai, wrestling, Brazilian jui-jitsu and boxing.

  1. Muy Thai

    • Muy Thai is an adapted form of kickboxing that utilizes knees and elbows along with the traditional arm and leg strikes. Because of its dynamic qualities of full body striking, Muy Thai is the favored striking training method for many UFC fighters. The high intensity of Muy Thai builds a fighters cardiovascular system, while its physical nature increases bone calcification on the hands and legs that helps prevent broken bones in UFC competition.

    Wrestling

    • Known for its intense, full body conditioning and technical methods of body control, wrestling is the base from which many fighters enter into the UFC. There are various styles of wrestling, but all methods focuse on body control, which is highly valued in UFC training. Because the UFC rules do not mirror those of wrestling, those training in wrestling specifically for the UFC will focus on throws, take downs and techniques for body control and will ignore other traditional aspects, like pinning.

    Brazillian Jui-Jitsu

    • In the earliest days of the UFC, first winners were Brazilian jiu-jitsu experts with little or no other martial art training. Though the evolution of the sport has made single discipline experts obsolete, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is still a very important aspect of the sport. With Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the aim is to bring a combatant to the ground, control his body, and work a choke or a hold that will require the combatant to submit or risk injury or unconsciousness. Because submission holds can end fights, knowing how to apply and defend against them is very important for UFC training.

    Boxing

    • Boxing training teaches how and where to throw punches as well as how to defend against them. Though UFC fighting allows for striking with far more than the two hands, a single punch can end a fight with a knockout, making boxing skills important. Because traditional boxing does not account for takedowns or leg based striking, it must be altered as a UFC training method in order to work with those alternatives in mind. Common adjustments include assuming a widened stance that helps with combat takedowns and higher arm placement to help protect against kicks.