What is the Typical Training Regimen for a UFC Fighter?

Mixed martial arts is one of the toughest, most physically demanding sports on the planet, and the fighters in the UFC are considered the cream of the crop. They're like the NFL or NBA players of MMA. In simplest terms, they are top-level athletes. This, of course, means they have to train hard. The typical training regimen of a UFC fighter consists of four key elements: cardio, strength, technique and application of technique.

Cardio

Cardio is of the utmost importance to a UFC fighter. One could argue that it is more important than strength. If a fighter runs out of gas in the middle of a round, the fight's over for him. Most fighters will do some form of cardio at least five to seven days per week. Various cardiovascular exercises include: running, sprinting, jumping rope and swimming.

Strength Training

Strength training is a part of every fighter's training regimen. There is no such thing as a successful UFC fighter who does not do strength training. Although fighters often have different methods, most training regimens consist of a mixture of traditional weight lifting, body weight exercises, plyometrics and static holds.

Technique

In the UFC, if a fighter just hops into the octagon and starts slinging punches and kicks without proper technique, no matter how physically conditioned they are, they are going to get pummeled. Proper technique is so important. Take a guy like Anderson Silva. He's probably not the best athlete in the UFC in a purely physical sense, but he arguably is the most skilled fighter. I would speculate that every UFC fighter spends more time working on their techniques than anything else.

Application of Technique

Lastly, there is the application of techniques. All the techniques in the world are useless if they are not applied and practiced. You could read every book ever written about martial arts, but if you never once practice any of the techniques you learn, they're not going to do you a lick of good in a real fight. To put techniques into practice, a UFC fighter will spar and grapple with other experienced fighters and do heavy bag work. Heavy bag training and sparing also serve as two other forms of cardio and strength training for fighters.