Training

Today, Mixed Martial Artists train in a variety of styles so that they can be effective in all phases of combat. Although MMA fighters will try to play to their particular specialties, they will inevitably encounter all kinds of situations; a stand up fighting specialist will probably get taken down at some point and a wrestler might need to fight standing up for a while before they can setup a takedown.

Fighters learn techniques from stand-up oriented fighting styles, at least some grappling, as well as submission techniques and how to defend against them.

Boxing and Muay Thai are the most popular stand up fighting styles because of their proven effectiveness. These styles have to be adapted slightly for use in the sport. For example, many boxing stances are ineffective because they leave fighters vulnerable to leg kicks or takedowns. Stand-up oriented fighters must learn how to defend against takedowns so that they can keep the fight standing. Fighters also learn how to effectively fight from their backs and to use submission holds as well as defend against them. Jiu-Jitsu is popular in this area since it is a submission-oriented fighting style.

Conditioning varies among the fighters depending on their particular fighting styles. For example, brute strength and power are more important to wrestlers than they are to kickboxers. All fighters aim to have plenty of stamina so that they can be effective for the entire duration of their matches.

Today, there are many MMA organisations, unlike in the past when there was very little MMA-centreed infrastructure in place. Fighters usually train with other Mixed Martial Artists and with coaches who specialise in MMA fighting.