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<figure id="figure-24r7y50fmlvrhqjmy" class=""><iframe id="24r7y50fmlvrhqjmy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AtQR1ecTrFg" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/AtQR1ecTrFg?si=EU4WV_FaG9I2jq2U" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AtQR1ecTrFg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>YOUR 5 YEAR PLAN TO GET TO THE UFC!</h2>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.<h3>The Importance of World-Class Coaching</h3>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.<h3>Starting Your Journey: The First Two Years</h3>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.<figure id="figure-63dfkivxblvrhjfbs"><img id="63dfkivxblvrhjfbs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2elBP8w9l3ownUFu32RV7mG8uJ9w0i6gfFg1nrfLoUAWnocI3ujdCY29WdZssGD4.png" alt="assorted-color paints" title="assorted-color paints" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2elBP8w9l3ownUFu32RV7mG8uJ9w0i6gfFg1nrfLoUAWnocI3ujdCY29WdZssGD4.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><blockquote>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.</blockquote>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.<figure id="figure-yv5s6co67lvrhl7mv"><img id="yv5s6co67lvrhl7mv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26q1qCE3GBIQdoXXiarvOBOcFeSa8nRURM6RGnLEXmDISKdwxCY0hYbf4WuDDd3M.png" alt="brown and grey trees and rock formation painting" title="brown and grey trees and rock formation painting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26q1qCE3GBIQdoXXiarvOBOcFeSa8nRURM6RGnLEXmDISKdwxCY0hYbf4WuDDd3M.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<h3>Year Three: Stepping into the Ring</h3>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.<figure id="figure-kbtb0gm2felvrhm411"><img id="kbtb0gm2felvrhm411" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14lsx54qtwZoz6UEIfOMwXGdQWRIU0PQGf54PIlPdRFWM1iLyhFYluR86EO9NutA.png" alt="Union Station under restoration in the 1980s" title="Union Station under restoration in the 1980s" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14lsx54qtwZoz6UEIfOMwXGdQWRIU0PQGf54PIlPdRFWM1iLyhFYluR86EO9NutA.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><blockquote>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.</blockquote><h3>Turning Pro: Years Four and Five</h3>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.<h3>The Sacrifices and Commitment Required</h3>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.<h3>Finding the Right Gym</h3>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, "<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/49S9ovn" href="https://a.co/d/49S9ovn">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor﻿</a>." 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!

YOUR 5 YEAR PLAN TO GET TO THE UFC!

<figure id="figure-jjyxolmx8jlvpzj56v" class=""><iframe id="jjyxolmx8jlvpzj56v" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6ZEKcdjrnE" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/I6ZEKcdjrnE?si=9g6nRaX6PI0c1G7x" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6ZEKcdjrnE" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h3>YOU CAN NOT BECOME A WORLD CLASS FIGHTER WITHOUT ONE ON ONE LESSONS!</h3>What's up, guys? Today, we're going to discuss the importance of one-on-one training for aspiring fighters. If you're dreaming of making it to the UFC or any other major organization, you cannot become a world-class fighter without one-on-one lessons. Trust me on this one.<h3>The Harsh Reality for Aspiring Fighters</h3>I've never seen anyone become a world-class fighter without receiving personal coaching and guidance. You definitely can't reach that level without a great coach who teaches proper technique. One-on-one training is an absolute must.When I was coming up, I was all-in on the philosophy of fighting. I didn't have a plan B. I started with boxing, then moved on to kickboxing and MMA. If you have a dream of going pro, you need one-on-one training. There's no way around it.<h3>My Sacrifices for One-on-One Training</h3>Growing up, I was extremely poor. I came from a low-income family in rural North Texas, the youngest of six kids. When I moved to the city, I was overwhelmed, but I knew what I wanted. I was smart with my money, and I invested it in personal lessons.<blockquote>I would eat ramen noodles. I was very poor.</blockquote>I sacrificed going out with friends or spending money on entertainment. Every spare dollar went toward training, equipment, and private lessons. New gloves, handwraps, shin guards, knee pads, headgear – you name it. My goal was to become the best fighter I could be, and I knew one-on-one training was the key.<h3>The Importance of Proper Technique</h3>As a fighter, you need your coach to solve technical issues. Group classes are excellent for conditioning, but you need one-on-one time to perfect your technique. You don't want to spend years developing bad habits that are difficult to unlearn later.<figure id="figure-972wttvrd3lvpzfgih"><img id="972wttvrd3lvpzfgih" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21wA2TnmbhvAEI5g0XViqWNdKxajSCeNjUhJE0Cljdn1uYVQe6D4Rc5DuigRfg7j.png" alt="angel in blue dress painting" title="angel in blue dress painting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21wA2TnmbhvAEI5g0XViqWNdKxajSCeNjUhJE0Cljdn1uYVQe6D4Rc5DuigRfg7j.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Establishing a solid technical foundation from the start is crucial. It's far better to get private lessons early in your career, so you can ingrain proper form and movement patterns. Thousands of repetitions with the right technique will set you up for success.<h3>The Necessity of Personal Coaching</h3>Look at any top-level fighter in the UFC or other major promotions. They all have coaches holding pads and providing personalized instruction. It's not a luxury – it's a necessity. Holding pads is demanding on a coach's body, and they deserve to be compensated for their time and expertise.If you can't afford your head coach's rates, consider paying one of the experienced fighters at your gym for private lessons. The key is to get that one-on-one attention and have someone dedicated to correcting your technique.<h3>Stacking the Deck in Your Favor</h3>Even with private lessons, getting beaten or submitted is still a possibility. But you want to stack the deck in your favor as much as possible. Invest in quality equipment like good gloves, headgear, and wraps to protect yourself. Make the necessary sacrifices to get the coaching and training you need.You're investing in your fighting career, whether it's a short-term or long-term goal. The time and effort you put in now will pay dividends in the cage or ring.<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>One-on-one training is an absolute must if you want to become a world-class fighter. You can't reach that level without a great coach and personalized attention to perfect your technique. Sacrifices will be necessary, but the investment in your skills and development will be worth it.If you're serious about fighting, prioritize one-on-one lessons, even if it means cutting back on other expenses. Find a way to make it happen, whether it's with your head coach or an experienced teammate. Your future in the sport depends on it.So, there you have it, guys. Let me know if you have any other questions or topics you'd like me to cover. And if you're looking for guidance on finding the right martial arts school and instructor, check out my book, "<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/ctxfTxR" href="https://a.co/d/ctxfTxR">Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>." It's an affordable resource that can point you in the right direction.

YOU CAN NOT BECOME A WORLD CLASS FIGHTER WITHOUT ONE ON ONE LESSONS!

<figure id="figure-dn6o7c4ullsxb3gcl" class=""><iframe id="dn6o7c4ullsxb3gcl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gdhr1zlDXKA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdhr1zlDXKA" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gdhr1zlDXKA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Hey there, it's James Vick and I wanted to share some observations from the recent UFC 298 event. One fighter who really caught my attention was Robert Whitaker. He had an incredible comeback fight and his fighting stance was really impressive.Whitaker uses a hybrid stance that's a mix of traditional martial arts, squared mu stance, and slightly bladed boxing. He keeps his hand low and shoots a jab up from a good angle. He's also great at reading distance and is very fast and athletic with his offensive techniques. In this article, I'll break down some of the techniques and strategies that Whitaker used to secure his victory and why they were so effective.Key Takeaways Robert Whitaker's hybrid fighting stance incorporates elements of traditional martial arts, squared mu stance, and slightly bladed boxing. Whitaker's offensive techniques, including his fast and precise jabs and hooks, were key to his victory. Whitaker's ability to read distance and react quickly to his opponent's moves was a major factor in his success. UFC 298 Recap Robert Whittaker's Comeback I was impressed with Robert Whittaker's performance in his comeback fight at UFC 298. His bladed stance, which is a hybrid of traditional martial arts and boxing, allowed him to counter Paulo Costa's calf kicks effectively. Whittaker started landing his own calf kicks and was able to control the game.Whittaker's fast and athletic jab was also a highlight of the fight. He shot it up from a good angle and often followed it up with a hook or a two. He also slipped inside Costa's jabs and threw risky overhand rights. However, Whittaker's world-class experience in boxing allowed him to execute these moves without getting caught clean.Paulo Costa's Performance Paulo Costa also put up a great fight against Whittaker. He landed several calf kicks that caused damage, but Whittaker's counterattacks proved to be too much for him. Costa tried to jab back, but Whittaker's jabs were too fast and accurate for him to handle.Overall, it was a competitive fight between two world-class fighters. Whittaker's comeback was impressive, and Costa's performance showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.Whittaker's Fighting Stance Bladed Martial Arts Stance Robert Whittaker's fighting stance is a hybrid of traditional karate Tao style and slightly bladed boxing. He stands slightly more bladed than a boxer, which allows him to counter calf kicks effectively. He keeps his hand down low on purpose, which helps him shoot and catch under hooks.Hybrid Boxing and Karate Stance Whittaker is quick and athletic with his jab, which he shoots up from a good angle. He leaps in with the jab or throws the hook when the opponent backs up from the jab. He is also good at reading the distance, which allows him to land the one-three-two combination effectively.Calf Kick Counter Strategy Whittaker's strategy to counter calf kicks is to land his first. He was landing more calf kicks than his opponent, which gave him an edge with that weapon. He was baiting his opponent to throw the leg kick, and then he would counter with his own calf kick. Although his opponent was landing calf kicks, Whittaker's speed and athleticism allowed him to avoid getting hurt.Offensive Techniques Jab from a Lower Angle One of the techniques that caught my attention during the UFC 298 was Robert Whitaker's jab from a lower angle. He stands in a bladed stance, similar to traditional martial arts, but more bladed than a boxer. He keeps his hand down low to stop the shot or catch under hooks when needed. When he's in this stance, he shoots a jab up from a good angle. He's fast and athletic with it, and he knows how to read the distance.Hook Following the Jab Whitaker also throws a hook following the jab, which he lands quite often. He leaps in with the jab or throws the hook when his opponent backs up from the jab. He then tries to shoot the two behind it, making it a basic one-three-two combination. It may sound basic, but he's so fast and athletic with it that it becomes difficult to defend against.Combination Strategy Whitaker's combination strategy is to jab his opponent, slip inside, and throw an overhand right. It's a risky technique, but he's world-class and multiple-time world champion for a reason. He moves his head off the center line when he jabs, slips inside, and throws the overhand hook. He's also good at reading the range, which makes it difficult for his opponents to land a clean shot. He throws a couple of sidekicks, too, which is always good to see. However, his bladed stance makes him vulnerable to calf kicks. Nonetheless, he counters it by landing more calf kicks and being the first to get off with the weapon.Defensive Maneuvers Hand Placement for Takedown Defense During UFC 298, I noticed Robert Whitaker's unique bladed stance, which allowed him to effectively defend against calf kicks. He kept his hand down low to shoot and stop the takedown or to catch under hooks if needed. Whitaker also shot a jab from an up angle, which was fast and accurate. He was able to leap in with the jab or throw a hook when his opponent backed up from the jab. This basic one-three-two combination was effective due to Whitaker's athleticism and ability to read distance.Slipping and Countering Jabs Whitaker's slip-and-counter technique was risky but effective against Paulo Costa's jabs. When Costa jabbed, Whitaker slipped inside and threw an overhand right. This technique requires athleticism and experience with boxing, so it's not recommended for beginners. However, Whitaker's world-class experience and multiple world championship titles justified his use of this technique. He was able to move his head off the center line and come back with hooks while maintaining his bladed stance. This technique allowed him to slip Costa's jabs and counter with power punches. Whitaker also threw a couple of Sidekicks, which were effective in keeping his opponent at bay. Overall, Whitaker's performance was impressive, and his defensive maneuvers were a key factor in his victory.Strategic Insights Controlling the Jab Exchange Watching the UFC 298 last night, I saw Robert Whitaker executing some great techniques. One of the things he did really well was controlling the jab exchange. He stood in a bladed traditional martial arts stance, which is a hybrid of a squared mu stance, slightly bladed boxing, and full-on traditional karate Tao style. This stance made him more bladed than even a boxer, which allowed him to counter calf kicks by landing more calf kicks himself.In the jab exchange, whoever gets off first and lands four or five of them is going to have an edge with that weapon. Whitaker was really good at landing his jab fast and from an up angle. He would leap in with the jab or throw the hook when his opponent backed up from the jab. He was also able to shoot the two behind it. Basic stuff, but he was so fast and athletic with it and knew how to read the distance.Risks of Inside Slipping Another thing that Whitaker did really well was slipping inside and throwing the overhand right when his opponent jabbed back. This is risky, but Whitaker is a world-class multiple-time world champion for a reason. Every time he would throw that jab, he would move his head off the C line and come back with the hooks. He would be bladed here and threw a couple of Sidekicks. He was really good at reading range, which made him risky for his opponents.Paolo Costa was landing calf kicks, but Whitaker was baiting him to throw the leg kick, and he was landing. It was a risky strategy, but Whitaker is so good at it that he was able to execute it perfectly. Overall, Whitaker's performance was amazing, and he proved that he is a world-class fighter.Additional Techniques Observed Side Kicks Utilization During the UFC 298 fight, I observed Robert Whitaker utilizing side kicks effectively. He would often use his bladed stance to set up the kick and then extend his leg to land the kick on his opponent. This technique was successful in keeping his opponent at bay and preventing him from closing the distance.Range Management Whitaker's range management was another impressive aspect of his performance. He would use his bladed stance and low hand position to bait his opponent into throwing calf kicks. Once his opponent committed to the kick, Whitaker would counter with his own calf kicks or move in to land his punches. He was also able to read his opponent's movements and adjust his distance accordingly, allowing him to land his strikes while avoiding his opponent's attacks.Overall, Whitaker's use of side kicks and range management were key factors in his successful comeback fight. His ability to effectively utilize these techniques allowed him to control the pace of the fight and keep his opponent at bay.Conclusion Whittaker's Class and Performance Watching Robert Whittaker's performance at UFC 298 was truly inspiring. He showcased his world-class skills and proved why he is a multiple-time world champion. As a martial artist, I was impressed with his bladed stance, which is a hybrid of traditional karate Tao style and slightly bladed boxing. It allowed him to counter calf kicks effectively by landing his first kick and taking control of the fight.One thing that stood out to me was his ability to keep his hand down low on purpose, which he has been doing his whole career. This helped him to shoot and stop the shot, catch, or get under hooks when needed. He was also quick and athletic with his jabs, often shooting them up from a good angle and landing them with precision. His bladed stance allowed him to leap in with the jab or throw the hook when backing up from the jab, which he landed quite a bit. He also tried to shoot the two behind it, making it a basic yet effective one-three-two combo.Another impressive move was when he slipped inside and threw the overhand right after jabbing. This is a risky move that requires athleticism and experience with boxing. However, Whittaker's world-class skills and multiple-time world champion status made it possible for him to execute it perfectly. He was able to move his head off the C line throat every time he threw the jab, coming back with hooks and being bladed. He even threw a couple of Sidekicks, which was good to see.Although Paulo Costa was landing calf kicks, Whittaker's ability to read the range and bait him into throwing the leg kick was impressive. He was always ready to throw with that up jab with his right hand, making it a risky move for his opponent. Overall, Whittaker's class and performance were outstanding, and he deserved the win.

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YOUR 5 YEAR PLAN TO GET TO THE UFC!

YOU CAN NOT BECOME A WORLD CLASS FIGHTER WITHOUT ONE ON O...

GREAT TECHNIQUES I SAW FROM ROBERT WHITTAKER AT UFC 298!