How to Build an MMA Ring

Mixed martial arts is a sport that combines various forms of combat arts such as wrestling, boxing and karate. Combatants train in these martial arts to use them against highly trained opponents. These contests take place in either a MMA ring or cage, depending on the hosting organization. MMA rings are the same type of rings used by boxing competitors. Organizations can build their own rings for training or competition purposes.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood to build platform
  • 4 corner posts
  • Canvas mat
  • Foam Padding for turnbuckles
  • Ring ropes
  • Rope covers
  • Turnbuckle covers
  • Corner cushions
  • Rope spacers
  • Construction tools
  • 24 ring rope attachments for corner posts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out the dimensions of your ring and gather the necessary wood to build the ring platform. Connect the sections of wood together using the hammer and nails. Depending upon the size of your ring, the amount of wood needed to make each size will vary. Build the outside of the frame first to fit your dimensions. Once the outside of the frame is created, use additional wood to make the inner portion. Make sure that the wood does not have any large gaps between each piece where a person's foot could slip through.

    • 2

      Attach the four corner posts to the platform. They also serve as a support for the entire platform. Ensure that they attach to the base of the platform and are sturdy. You do not want the posts to move when fighters are pressed into the corner of the ring.

    • 3

      Attach the ring rope attachments to the corner posts. Each corner post should have six rope attachments as each rope will attach in two different places. Depending on the size of your ring, the attachment spacing will vary.

    • 4

      Attach the canvas flooring to the platform of the ring. The canvas should cover the entire floor and each section of wood. Depending upon your specific designs the thickness of the flooring will vary. The mat can hang over the sides of the ring, however, pull it taught so it does not cause soft spots or bubbles in the ring that can cause a fighter to slip and injure himself. The foam padding can be inserted under the canvas if you wish to build a softer flooring to your ring.

    • 5

      Cover the ropes with the ring rope covering. The covering will wrap around the ropes and can be sealed close using tape or heavy strength glue. The covers will make sure that fighters will not scar and suffer from rope burn when pressed against the ring ropes. Rope covers are available in various colors and you may want to find some to match your organizations colors.

    • 6

      Attach the rope clamps to each section of ropes. The clamps will ensure that the ropes stay together and that fighters do not fall through any section when placed against it. One rope clamp will hold each section together.

    • 7

      Attach three turnbuckles to each corner post. The turnbuckles will cover the rope attachments with soft cushioning. Turnbuckles are used to protect the fighters from being pressed against the metal during the contest.

    • 8

      Attach the ropes to the rope attachments on each side of the corner posts. Pull each section into place tightly to ensure that the ropes do not give to much when pressure is applied.

    • 9

      Test out the MMA ring before allowing any one to train or fight. Bounce off the ropes to make sure they don't bend or break under pressure. Be very observant during the first sessions of use to see how the ring reacts to movement and action. If you notice any weak spots, fix the issues before they lead to a serious malfunction.