This document discusses the physiological effects of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition and training. It notes that MMA involves elements of various martial arts and comprises rounds of fighting that are won by submission, decision, or knockout. Weight classes range from flyweight to super heavyweight. MMA requires a high level of aerobic and anaerobic fitness as well as muscular strength. However, there is little research on the impacts of weight cutting and regaining on performance, optimal training protocols, or talent identification for MMA athletes. More study is needed to fully understand the physiological demands of MMA competition and how to best prepare fighters.

1. Special consideration to the physiological effects of making weight and
performance

2.  Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
 Muay Thai
 Wrestling
 Kick Boxing
 Jujitsu
 Currently the fastest
growing sport in the world
 Fighting entices audiences
by offering
 Violence
 National pride
 Drama

3.  Rounds last for 5
minutes
 3 rounds in a regular
fight or 5 rounds in
a championship
fight
 1 minute rest
between rounds
 Matches are won
either by
submission, decisio
n or KO

4.  Weight classes range from
 Flyweight < 125 pounds
 Middleweight 170-185 pounds
 Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds

5.  More functional basis of complex, multi-joint
movements
 All body parts have major contributions
 Difficult to quantify training loads to account
for fight demands

6.  Weight classed
 Performance and cutting weight
 Injuries
 Energy requirements
 Fitness components
 Pain tolerance

7.  Somewhat random nature
 Dominator vs dominated
 Striking vs wrestling
 Cutting weight and regaining weight
 Aerobic vs anaerobic
 Energy costs of being struck
 Instantaneous feedback and testing during a
fight

8.  Main energy system is the Anaerobic
Glycolytic system
 High emphasis on strengthening joints to
minimise injuries
 No overall muscle group dominance
 Physiological similarities between MMA &
other martial arts athletes
 Muscular actions and contraction types

9.  VO2 max = 50 ml/kg/min to 63 ml/kg/min
 Body Fat = 11.7% + 4%
 Vertical Jump = 57.6cm + 7.3cm
 1RM relative to body weight
 Bench Press = 1.2
 Squat = 1.4

10.  Small amounts of research
 No universal testing protocol to determine
fitness
 The effects of making-weight on
performance
 Optimal ranges and rates to cut weight from
 Talent ID
 Skill Acquisition and Transfer

11.  MMA is a complex multi-factorial sport
 All muscle groups and energy systems
contribute to performance
 Training typically involves complex, multi-joint
movements
 All components of fitness are involved
 Numerous difficulties in research
 Similar physiological characteristics to wrestlers
 Effects of cutting weight on performance highly
unexplored

12.  Amtmann, J, 2003, ‘Strength and conditioning for reality fighters’, Journal of
Strength and Conditioning, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 67-72.
 Lenetsky, S & Harris, N, 2012, The Mixed Martial Arts Athlete: A Physiological
Profile, Journal of Strength and Conditioning, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 32-47.
 Rankin , J, Walberg, J & Craft, L, 1996, ‘Effect of weight loss and refeeding diet
composition on anaerobic performance in wrestlers’, Medicine & Science in Sports
& Exercise, vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 1292-1299.
 Seungmo, K, Greenwell, T, Andrews, D, Lee, J & Mahony, D, 2008,‘An analysis of
spectator motives and media consumption behaviour in an individual combat
sport: cross-national differences between American and South Korean Mixed
Martial Arts fans’, Sports Marketing Quarterly, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 109.
 Trrant, J, 2006, ‘Nutrition for Fighters’, International
Kickboxer, http://www.recreationmedicalcentre.com.au/files/Nutrition%20for%2
0fighters.pdf, viewed 13/04/2012.
 Images sourced from www.Flickr.com, Flickr Image Sharing , viewed 12/04/2012.