If you are a fan of MMA, or have started MMA Conditioning training, then you should know it takes more than technique to win. Many fighters have lost purely due to the fact that they are not as quick, powerful, or long lasting as their opponents. And their problem stems right from their training. Here are is a list of things that a good MMA conditioning program MUST address, but most fighters really have no idea about.
Endurance - In MMA conditioning this is often mislabeled as "Cardio." This is the fighter's ability to outlast his opponent in a match. In reality, Cardio only refers to one of THREE energy systems in the body. The fighter must not only be aware of these, but actually be able to train all three systems simultaneously in order to last properly. A good MMA conditioning program will address these qualities and how to train them.
Explosive Power - This is essentially a combination of speed and strength, when it comes to MMA conditioning. You have to have the speed to land your punches as well as the strength behind them to knock out an opponent. A good sign of strong mixed martial arts Conditioning is the fighter who can close a distance to their opponent in a split second and send them reeling back. This can be done through weight training and bodyweight workouts.
Explosive Endurance - If you're going through a 15-25 minute fight, you need to not only still be standing at the end of the fight, you need to still have enough power to make your kicks and punches count. Especially if you're down in points, the only way to take away a win is with a quick knockout or submission. For that, you need to change your game and still have enough explosive power at the end of the match.
Making Weight - A good MMA Conditioning program addresses the concept that fighters have to make certain weight classes. That means that you must pack as much energy into your frame as possible, while still making it into your appropriate weight class. Your MMA conditioning should also address cutting weight. Most Pro fighters actually weigh about 10-20 pounds more than they fight at. If you are conditioning for MMA, you should be cutting weight, starting about one or two weeks before your fight day.
Technique Relevant Conditioning - Your MMA Conditioning program should address strength and conditioning that is relevant ONLY to your MMA techniques. You are not training like a bodybuilder. They are all size, and no applicable strength. You are training to fight, which means every second of your training should be oriented toward your fight. Every muscle you train and condition should directly contribute to one or more of your MMA techniques. For example, if you want a stronger punch, there are many muscle groups to condition, including your shoulders, arms, core, and legs. You want to increase these muscle groups to get the most out of your techniques. In addition, you can't over train these muscles because you do not want to hinder your technique training.
Endurance - In MMA conditioning this is often mislabeled as "Cardio." This is the fighter's ability to outlast his opponent in a match. In reality, Cardio only refers to one of THREE energy systems in the body. The fighter must not only be aware of these, but actually be able to train all three systems simultaneously in order to last properly. A good MMA conditioning program will address these qualities and how to train them.
Explosive Power - This is essentially a combination of speed and strength, when it comes to MMA conditioning. You have to have the speed to land your punches as well as the strength behind them to knock out an opponent. A good sign of strong mixed martial arts Conditioning is the fighter who can close a distance to their opponent in a split second and send them reeling back. This can be done through weight training and bodyweight workouts.
Explosive Endurance - If you're going through a 15-25 minute fight, you need to not only still be standing at the end of the fight, you need to still have enough power to make your kicks and punches count. Especially if you're down in points, the only way to take away a win is with a quick knockout or submission. For that, you need to change your game and still have enough explosive power at the end of the match.
Making Weight - A good MMA Conditioning program addresses the concept that fighters have to make certain weight classes. That means that you must pack as much energy into your frame as possible, while still making it into your appropriate weight class. Your MMA conditioning should also address cutting weight. Most Pro fighters actually weigh about 10-20 pounds more than they fight at. If you are conditioning for MMA, you should be cutting weight, starting about one or two weeks before your fight day.
Technique Relevant Conditioning - Your MMA Conditioning program should address strength and conditioning that is relevant ONLY to your MMA techniques. You are not training like a bodybuilder. They are all size, and no applicable strength. You are training to fight, which means every second of your training should be oriented toward your fight. Every muscle you train and condition should directly contribute to one or more of your MMA techniques. For example, if you want a stronger punch, there are many muscle groups to condition, including your shoulders, arms, core, and legs. You want to increase these muscle groups to get the most out of your techniques. In addition, you can't over train these muscles because you do not want to hinder your technique training.