Interested in MMA? Here's how to get into it

Have you always wanted to be the next Conor McGregor or Anderson Silva? Mixed martial arts (MMA) is the full contact sport that has been around for centuries but has grown in popularity in the last few decades.

If you feel like you’re ready to get in the cage but don’t know where to start, read on. Here, we round up everything you need to know about this no holds barred sport.

What you need to know

There have been some legendary UFC fights in MMA history, from the 2002 clash between Shamrock and Ortiz to McGregor with just about everyone. It’s likely that you’ve watched these fights over the years – in detail, and a few times over – so you’ll know just how intense they can get.

Therefore, it’s crucial that before you start out in MMA, you do your research. Find a gym with an excellent reputation. Ask around to get an idea of where the best gyms are and then visit in person so that you can see how they work.

Once you’ve chosen a gym, you’ll be taught the basics across a mixture of martial arts. The martial arts disciplines that you’re trained in will depend on the style you choose.

Things to note

There are some important things to be aware of before you start training and ahead of any fights that you compete in.

First, be ready to feel sore after a training session. This is a full-on contact sport that can lead to injuries. While even the most skilled fighters can get hurt, there are ways to look after yourself, such as knowing when to stop pushing your body.

There are incidents where people have been seriously hurt and even brain injuries have been caused. While compensation is an option, it’s important you work hard to keep yourself safe and avoid any extreme injuries like that.

How to approach training

There’s stand-up fighting, such as boxing and Muay Thai, which sees you use your hands, elbows, feet, and knees. Then there’s grapple-style fighting, which is all judo and jiu-jitsu. You might go into the cage thinking you have a preference and after some training discover that you’re skilled in another, so it’s worth trying a few different techniques out.

Your trainers will talk you through everything and, if you’re ready, will help arrange your first fight.

The gear you’ll need

While your gym will have a lot of the essentials, it’s worth investing in your own equipment if you’re going to be training long-term. You’ll definitely need your own mouth guard. As well as the mouth guard, here’s some of the main things to make sure you’re wearing before you fight: