edlavis88

My honest answer is...

A high level of ability in multiple vareid diciplines (Black Belt, National level amateur comeptitor etc). Best bet is either MT, Boxing, Kickboxing, Thai boxing or TKD twinned with either Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, Sambo, Savate or the equivelent.

Then you will need at least 5 or 6 amatuer fights with a decent record to earn a professional licence. (which will probably take a year minimum)

Then you will have to get a string of professional wins against guys who have probably trained longer than you.

All this before i have even mentioned that you'll need a very high level of natural physical ability, as well as a ridiculously good work ethic and mental attitude.


Don't be fooled by the likes of Tim Sylvia or Brandon Vera - At this point in the evolution of MMA no-one who isnt an elite, driven and naturally gifted athlete will get near the UFC.

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No_Mercy

Gold! The question you should be asking yourself are you truly ready for this. First are you beating up all the competition in Muay Thai. Cuz there are tons of champion Muay Thai fighters who've crossed over and become successful AFTER learning the ground game. For those who havn't...well then you get the likes of Pat Barry, Kongo, or Brandon Vera.

Focus on what you're good at first to see where you're at. If you ain't kicking peoples' asses then how far do you think you're really going to get in MMA. I've told this story once I think...and I'll tell it again. One of our guys in our gym who knocks out the competition regularly went into his first MMA fight and got submitted within three minutes. You know what I'm saying...

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Marcus Aurelius: Tell me again, Maximus, why are we here?
Maximus: For the glory of the Empire, sire.

Baked, not fried... the healthy choice.

HitOrGetHit

Making it to the top level requires a good amount of luck even if you have all the talent in the world. Connections are needed. If you don't know anyone, you have to hope you get seen by someone. In a sport gaining this much popularity and tons of competitors doing the same thing you are, it isn't that hard to go unnoticed.

Not trying to steer you away form it, just a realistic outlook.

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Thanks M.C for the sig!