I get these calls every day. People of all ages – and I mean of all ages, including guys over 40, call me and ask “How can I get to fight in a cage”
Well guys (and girls) the first thing that you’ve got to know is that the fighters on TV make it look easy. - very easy. In fact, even in the post fight interviews, the loser, with his face all puffed and cut still has a conversation with an interviewer or his entourage. “Yeah guys, no worries! It looks worse than it feels!” Well no kidding, it always looks worse than it feels, but that doesn’t mean that it feels good. Let’s not forget that the adrenaline and the endorphins haven’t worn off yet. Check that fighter out the morning after. It’s not pretty.
Still think you’re bulletproof and ready to walk into the cage? We’ll see. If you can answer these questions without a doubt and with 100% complete confidence then read part two of this piece of advice on how to fight for the right promoter. If you can’t answer these questions in the affirmative, then stop right here, keep training and be happy you’re holding a beer and watching UFC 1,001.
- Cardio
Can you skip rope for 20 minutes straight without breathing heavy? If not, don’t walk thru the gate. Cardio is the number one reason why fighters get hurt. The number two reason? Ego. Number three? Stupidity. - Do you think you’re a great grappler because you’ve tapped out everyone in the gym during training?
Well hotshot, maybe you should look up the definition of training. It’s practice. If you’re training with seasoned fighters, their ego is not threatened by some part-timer coming in to ‘tap’ them during a training session. They’re all about learning and refining techniques so they’re ready when it counts. And by the way, I guarantee that you didn’t strut around the gym and the locker room last night saying “I just tapped a UFC, WEC, Bodog fighter. Why is that?Insert ‘striker or Muay Thai Fighter, or boxer’ for ‘grappler. You get the message. Still think you’re ready?
- “I may only work out in one gym, but I’m king of that gym”
I love this statement. So what you’re telling me is that you work out with the same guys week after week, month after month & year after year. Furthermore, you think this qualifies you for the UFC? OK. I get it. You’re a stud, a big fish. Just do me a favor and try to understand that you’re a stud/big fish in a puddle. Have you gone out to work with other gyms and trainers? If you’re a striker, have you been to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym? If you’re a ground guy, have you trained with a Muay Thai gym? Think about it. If you’re training with the same guy and the same training partners, then you’re doing the same thing 100 times, while a true fighter works out with as many partners and gyms as possible and learns 100 things 100 times. Gee, math isn’t so difficult after all! - “I’ve been training for years, I’m well versed in both a striking and a ground game and I work out with the best that any gym has to offer. Am I ready now?
Ok, sounds good. Now, let’s talk training for extreme fighters. Have you ever worked so hard and so long that the ‘puke bucket’ was half full? If you’ve ever eaten that perfect, hard shot, did all the action stop and everyone run to ask you how you’re doing or did your training partner come in to finish you off? Can you counter that tight submission without inflicting long term damage on yourself? And lastly, are you smart enough to know when it’s time to tap?If you know the right answer at the right time than you may have a shot. Now that you’re ready, you’re going to look for a promoter. Check out the second part of this reality check for some tips.