YOUR 5 YEAR PLAN TO GET TO THE UFC!

YOUR 5 YEAR PLAN TO GET TO THE UFC!

What's up, guys? If you've been dreaming of stepping into the Octagon and competing in the UFC or other major mixed martial arts organizations like ONE FC or PFL, this guide is for you. Here, we'll lay out a comprehensive five-year plan to help you achieve that goal.

The Importance of World-Class Coaching

First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room – the coaching you receive has to be world-class. When I first started training, it took me about five years to make it to the UFC. However, it was actually less training time due to two surgeries (hand and shoulder) that sidelined me for a while. In reality, it was roughly three and a half years of actual training before I got lucky with The Ultimate Fighter in 2012.

Things have evolved a lot since 2007 when I first started training and 2009 when I became part of The Ultimate Fighter. The landscape has changed, and the competition has become even more intense.

Starting Your Journey: The First Two Years

My advice for aspiring MMA athletes in 2024, especially those starting later in life (let's say 18-20 years old with no prior training experience), is to find a gym with a strong wrestling base. In the first two years, your primary focus should be on wrestling and boxing.

Wrestling is king in MMA, and boxing is king on the feet in MMA. Boxing, because of the small gloves, can nullify even the best kickboxer's strikes.

I'm not discounting the importance of jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai/kickboxing, but wrestling and boxing should be your bread and butter. Why? Because the wrestler decides where the fight goes, and 90% of knockouts in MMA come from punches.

During these initial two years, you'll need to train five to six days a week for two and a half to three hours each session. Make sure to incorporate both grappling and striking every day, with some days dedicated to drilling and others to live sparring.

Slow and steady wins the race – you can't go hard all the time, but you can drill all the time. Slow jiu-jitsu drills, wrestling drills, and defensive striking drills will help you build a solid technical foundation without risking too much damage to your body.

Year Three: Stepping into the Ring

By the third year, you should be ready to fight. Aim for three amateur MMA fights and maybe a kickboxing event to get used to fighting without shin guards. Remember, you don't need a ton of amateur MMA fights because you're still risking the same damage for no money. Three to four fights should suffice, especially if you've already racked up ten to fifteen smokers (simulated fight sparring sessions) in your first two years.

If you're getting beat up by your sparring partners, unless they have a lot of experience, you need to wait. And I know that sounds harsh, but I'm just being realistic with you.

Turning Pro: Years Four and Five

In your fourth year, it's time to turn pro. Aim for four to five fights this year, and then three to four more in your fifth year. By the end of this five-year journey, you should have a solid record of six or more wins, depending on your weight class.

During these final two years, keep an eye out for opportunities with feeder organizations like LFA or the Contender Series. These platforms can give you exposure to UFC matchmakers and potentially open doors to getting signed by a major promotion.

The Sacrifices and Commitment Required

Let's be real – this five-year plan is no walk in the park. It's a grueling journey that will require immense dedication and sacrifice. You'll likely miss out on a lot of social events, parties, and gatherings. But if you truly believe in your heart that you have what it takes to make it to the UFC, and you're willing to put in the work, this plan can work for you.

Remember, technique is everything. If your gym doesn't have top-notch coaching and technique, even ten years of training might not be enough to get you to the UFC level. The tough guys who make it with subpar technique often end up going 2-2 and getting cut because their skills don't keep them afloat.

Finding the Right Gym

Speaking of technique, finding the right gym is crucial. If you're new to martial arts and for guidance on how to choose a gym and instructor, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." It's a concise, 65-page guide available on Amazon for just $4.99, and it can help you make an informed decision about where to train.

So, there you have it – a realistic five-year plan to help you achieve your dream of competing in the UFC or other major MMA organizations. It won't be easy, but with unwavering dedication, world-class coaching, and a willingness to make sacrifices, you can increase your chances of making it big in the world of mixed martial arts.

Let me know if you have any questions or if there are any other topics you'd like me to cover in future videos or blog posts. Until then, keep training hard and chasing those dreams!