WHY THE UFC TOP 10 ARE A DIFFERENT BREED!

What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a compelling topic about the UFC – the undeniable difference between the top ten fighters in each weight class and everyone else. From my experience and observations, it's like the top ten exists in a completely different organization. Let me explain why.

A Class of Their Own

The first thing you need to understand is that the gap between the UFC top ten and the rest is staggering. Journeying through the rankings, I found out first-hand just how different the top-level competitors are. This isn’t just about being better; it’s an entirely different league.

Experience is Key

One pivotal reason the top ten stand apart is their extensive background in training. Most of these athletes have been honing their skills their entire lives. This was a huge challenge for me. I started my training later than most, and catching up to those who had years of training behind them was incredibly tough.

The UFC top ten is different than the rest of the UFC, and it's not even close.

My Journey: From Novice to Contender

When I entered the UFC, my record in the first ten fights was an impressive 9-1. At the time, only two other fighters had achieved that – one of them being Conor McGregor. But reaching the top ten, I quickly realized it was like fighting in a completely different organization.

Athleticism and Experience

Two vital aspects set the top ten apart:

• Athleticism: These are phenomenal athletes - faster, stronger, and more explosive.
• Experience: They possess years of world-class training in wrestling, boxing, and other disciplines.

To give context, consider fighters like Gaethje, Poirier, and Tyrone Woodley. Not only have they been training their whole lives, but they are also exceptional athletes.

Late Start and Unique Challenges

I didn’t start training until I was 20, which is quite late. By 24 and a half, I was in the UFC. That’s just four and a half years of training, including time off for surgeries. Being tall and having excellent cardio helped, but competing against lifelong athletes was a challenge.

Being tall definitely helped me, like, a lot.

Training Intensity

I used to train around five hours every day outside of training camps. It wasn’t all hard training; a part of it was focusing on technique. This intense regime was crucial to catching up to those who had been mastering their skills from a young age.

The Top Ten Fighters

To illustrate further, let's look at some specific fighters who exemplify the difference vividly:

• Justin Gaethje
• Dustin Poirier
• Tyrone Woodley (when he was the champion)

These fighters haven’t just trained for years; they bring in fast-twitch muscle abilities, speed, and strength, coupled with their techniques.

BOXING AND MMA EXPERIENCE

Take Conor McGregor, for example. Before switching to MMA, he had about 60 amateur boxing fights. Bringing this experience into the MMA world gave him a significant edge over many competitors.

These guys are freak athletes that also have years and years of technique.

Conclusion

In summary, the top ten fighters in the UFC are different breeds, owing to their incredible athleticism, lifelong training, and unparalleled experience. The gap between them and the rest of the organization is substantial, almost like comparing apples to oranges.

It's crucial to understand this dynamic if you're aiming to break into the MMA world, whether as a fan or a fighter. The dedication, athleticism, and years of training set these top contenders apart, creating a chasm that can be difficult to bridge.

For those new to martial arts and seeking a gym, check out my book, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor. It's an affordable resource available on Amazon.

Be sure to reach out if you have any topics you'd like me to cover. Thanks for tuning in, guys!