THE BIGGEST MYTH IN FIGHTING! 🥊🥋

What's up, guys? Today, I want to talk about one of the biggest myths in fighting – the myth that poor kids are tougher than rich kids or middle-class kids. There's this common belief that tougher fighters typically come from poorer backgrounds. Well, I'm here to tell you that's not true.

As a coach and an MMA fighter, my experiences have shown otherwise. Growing up, I was very poor. I was the youngest of six kids, and we didn’t have much. Most of the fighters I knew also came from poor backgrounds. However, this didn't necessarily make us tougher.

Toughness is inherently about being competitive, mentally strong, and having pride. It's something you're either born with or not, to some degree.

The Reality of Competitiveness

I have a 13-year-old student who is one of the top five toughest people in my gym, which has 400 students. She’s from a wealthy family – her parents own a jet! Despite her privileged background, she’s tougher than 90% of the gym. Her competitiveness and drive show that toughness isn’t about financial background.

Story of a Rich Girl

She works hard because she wants to be there. I coached her to a knockout victory with a body kick recently. It's clear that her upbringing, coupled with high standards, plays a significant role in her tenacity.

Another Example: The TCU Frat Boy

I used to coach a kid from Texas Christian University – a private college that costs a lot of money. He was a frat boy from a rich background who could beat up everyone in the gym. He was mean, fast, and highly competitive.

Being tough is about your level of competitiveness.

Some people break when challenged, while others get mad and take it personally, pushing themselves further. Pride and ego, as I've discussed in previous videos, play significant roles here. It's important to want to win every exchange, both in practice and in fights.

Born Tough

No one necessarily taught this girl or the TCU frat kid to be tough. It’s something they naturally had.

Take Bo Nickal as an example. He likely came from a good, successful background but is ultra-competitive and mean with grit. Poor background does not automatically equate to toughness. Think about how many poor kids you know who are soft.

A Two-Edged Sword

While competitiveness is crucial, it's also a two-edged sword. Excessive competitiveness can lead to conflicts, injuries, and even hinder teamwork. But I promise you, a competitive spirit outweighs the negatives.

Competitiveness is a double-edged sword. It can lead to greatness or injuries, but it's crucial for fighters.

Poor or rich, tough is tough. Often, poor kids gravitate towards fighting because there’s not much money in it unless you reach the top levels. Rich parents usually steer their kids away from such careers, favoring more financially stable options.

Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is essential regardless of background. The average UFC career isn’t long, usually about two or three years. I spent eight years in the UFC, which is relatively long. This means rich parents might discourage their kids from pursuing fighting due to its uncertain financial prospects.

Pride and Training

If you want to be a high-level fighter, take pride in your training. Competitiveness should be your driving force. Aim to win every exchange, work on your defense, and strive to outdo your opponent in every session.

In Brazil, Russia, or Australia – tough people are tough everywhere. The Nogueira brothers and BJ Penn, who came from wealthy backgrounds, are examples of this. Toughness is universal and transcends socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conclusion

So, the belief that poor people are inherently tougher is a myth. It’s just that more of them gravitate towards fighting. Toughness, mental strength, and competitiveness are what truly make a fighter tough, regardless of their background.

Final Thoughts

If there are any other topics you'd like me to cover, leave a comment below. And if you’re looking for a gym nearby, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School or Instructor."

Thank you guys for reading!