The strength and fitness of the MMA fighters makes them one of the most sought after athletes in the world. One look at any MMA match and it is easy to make out why it is so important for these fighters to keep their bodies extremely fit. The kind of physical punishment that they suffer as well as inflict can send shivers down any man’s spine.

It is not only the strength that enables these fighters to win fights as well as keep their bodies fit. This strength is backed by abundance of endurance which gives these fighters a chance to win the match they are a part of. Quite often, the fitness levels of MMA fighters are compared to those of rowers.

The fitness levels of these MMA fighters are the only way to help them win fights, thus explaining the importance of their extensive physical training.

The first step towards MMA training is to be able to maintain a very high lactate threshold. It is this control that keeps them from throwing up in the middle of a fight. This threshold can be improved in a lot of ways like wall to wall sprints, kettle bell swings, long cardiovascular workout sessions, swimming, running, biking and any other cardiovascular workout. Most of the MMA fighters undertake cardiovascular exercises for as much as 90 minutes a day. If these exercises are conducted well, there is no stopping from a strong core.

Various fighting techniques are also constituted in the MMA training routines. The basic techniques are strongly inspired by boxing. The footwork of MMA is thus, very similar to that of boxing. Also, the punches, lateral movements, counter attack, defenses as well as combination punches are enthused from the art of boxing.

The other schools from where the basics of MMA are derived are full contact karate and kickboxing.

Clinching is an important part of MMA, which bears its roots from wrestling. The lessons of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are incorporated while developing the ground game which deals with using the anatomy of the body to force your opponent to accept defeat. In this technique, the fighters are taught moves which can overpower the opponent as well as counter attack techniques that can be used when the fighter is on the ground.

With so many demands and specifications, it is obvious that MMA training demands a great deal of commitment and dedication. Along with the grueling training schedules, the fighters are also but on stringent diets in order to maintain their physical form for the upcoming fights. These training and dieting schedules go on becoming stricter as the date of the fight keeps nearing. The fighters are expected to be in the best physical and mental form in the ring.

The fighters who are training for MMA are subject to extreme levels of physical activity in order to make sure that they will be able to not only withstand the attacks of the opponent but also counter attack him and knock him off. Whether you intend to take MMA professionally or not, training in this martial art form is assured to make your body so tough that it will be unaffected by any kind of punishment.