HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND FIGHTER TRAINING

How to Manage Finances and Training: Insights from My Fighting Journey

Hey, what's up, everyone? Today, I'm diving into a question I get asked a lot. It’s about navigating the world of fighting and training while juggling finances and a full-time job. Let's be real; the journey isn't easy. It's a grind, and at times it's gonna suck, but if you're passionate about reaching the UFC or making it big in fighting, you've got to prepare yourself to hustle and sometimes struggle.The

Reality of Training on a Budget

The Struggle is Real: Balancing Work and Training

When you’re chasing a dream as intense as a career in the UFC, you’ve got to expect sacrifices—especially financial ones. Most of us aren’t fortunate enough to train full-time without holding down a job. In fact, many current UFC fighters are also holding down jobs. They might be the same guys you saw fighting on TV last week, still working gigs like Uber or DoorDash to make ends meet.

It’s simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

The Hustle: Odd Jobs and Making it Work

During my journey, I took on numerous odd jobs to support my training. I'm talking about working in oil fields, painting and sandblasting, and bouncing at clubs. At one point, I had jobs at different places, including Target and World Market. Over time, I probably had about 25 jobs because I was always moving and pursuing my dreams.

For instance, when I was working in the oil field, I made decent money, but I quit and took a job at Target to give myself more time to train. That decision wasn't about money—far from it. It was about putting my dreams first.

Making Ends Meet to Chase Your Dream

The Price of Passion: Financial Sacrifices

As I transitioned towards fighting full-time, my jobs became even more adventurous. For instance, I worked at various clubs, including strip clubs in downtown Fort Worth, working long shifts that stretched from Friday to Monday. This setup allowed me to dedicate the rest of the time to training, even if it meant getting minimal sleep and having no social life.

While the money wasn't great, it was just enough to get by—albeit just barely. You'll find that managing finances while pursuing fighting often means embracing a frugal lifestyle.

Eating Clean on a Dime

Let's talk about something crucial—food. The notion that eating clean is expensive is a misconception. Proper portioning and sticking to clean eating can save you money. Take a bag of apples versus a bag of chips—apples might last you longer and provide better nutrition. Avoid mixing clean meals with bouts of fast food if you're trying to save.

A Framework for Training and Budgeting

Dedication Over Comfort

As someone pursuing this path, it's essential to be thrifty and wise with your money. Remember, being broke is part of the journey, but it's a temporary state. Your dedication will ultimately determine your success.

You're going to be broke, and you're not going to have a lot of free time or money for sure.

Strategic Planning Is Key

With today's gig economy, opportunities to earn while maintaining a flexible schedule are better than ever. You can pick up gigs through apps like Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, or even Walmart's Spark app. These gigs help create a schedule that allows you to train as much as possible while earning what you need to live.

Persistence and Patience Pay Off

To really make it in this field, you're going to have to dig deep and maintain incredible commitment—even if it seems impossible. It's common to see fighters working full-time jobs while squeezing in as much training as their schedule allows. The secret? They focus on their goal, ignoring nearly everything else in their lives.

The Hope and Encouragement

If you’re coming from a background without prior martial arts experience, there's no shortcut. You might need to train six or seven days a week over several years to get where you want, but it’s absolutely within reach.

Envision being able to support your dream even with just gig economy earnings—it's about managing your resources effectively and staying steadfast in your journey. At the end of the day, pursuing your dreams is all about how much you’re willing to grind for them.

So, I hope that answers your question about how to manage finances while pursuing martial arts. It's a tough road but entirely feasible. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You can truly live your dream life through dedication and frugal money management.

And that's a wrap, folks! Remember, no one's journey is the same, but sticking with it will get you far. Keep pushing, stay dedicated, and all the hard work will pay off.