How to Build an MMA Octagon Fight Cage

Over the past few years, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has risen in popularity with the emergence of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) into mainstream pop culture. These days, it seems like everyone knows someone who wants to become a MMA fighter. One helpful tool to pursuing this cage fighter dream is to build your own octagon fight cage for use in your own backyard or basement.

Step 1: Select a location for your fight cage. These cages have a diameter of 32 feet, so you'll need an open space.

Step 2: Choose a fight cage blueprint. Many websites offer MMA cage fight ring blueprints for sale, including Build a Cage. Of course, if you're really creative or experienced, you can build an octagon MMA fight cage without one. The blueprints typically show you how to build a cage, step-by-step, with supplies you can pick up at any home improvement store.

Step 3: Build the cage's base using plywood. Shape it like an octagon, making sure to cut the sides at 22 ½ degrees. The octagon should have a 32-inch diameter.

Step 4: Using steel pipes and three-way connectors, frame an octagon around the base using pipes. You will use these pipes to connect the vertical pipes. Lift up the plywood and place old tires inside - this helps absorb impact during a cage fight. Place the plywood on top of the tires when finished.

Step 5: At each of the octagon's point's, place steel pipes vertically. Hook into the three-way connectors. Each pipe needs to be 7 feet tall. At the top of each pipe, screw in another three-way connector.

Step 6: Hook 12-foot steel pipes horizontally, at the top of each vertical pipe. This is a two-person job; one person connects the pipe at one end while the other holds it up. When one end is screwed in, the other person can connect their end. Work your way around the octagon.

Step 7: Using the fencing material, wrap it around the outside of the octagon. Place and secure foam padding along the inside of the cage, at every point where a pipe is located. Place a thick mat on top of the plywood.

Step 8: Get ready to rumble! Start practicing fighting or hold a backyard cage fight event at your home.

Always remember that mixed martial arts fighting can be a dangerous sport--make sure you have proper training and supervision before attempting any of these fight moves.