MMA Fighters that Started their Training Late

MMA Fighters that Started their Training Late

MMA fighters typically start their training at various stages in life, depending on factors such as their background, goals, and opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of when MMA fighters commonly begin their training:

Childhood/Early Teens: Many MMA fighters start their martial arts training during childhood or early adolescence. Some may begin with traditional martial arts such as karate, taekwondo, or judo. Others may start training in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or boxing at specialized gyms. Starting training at a young age allows fighters to develop fundamental skills, discipline, and athleticism that can serve as a solid foundation for their MMA careers.

High School Years: For those involved in high school wrestling or other combat sports programs, this period can be pivotal for MMA training. High school wrestlers often transition seamlessly into MMA due to the sport’s emphasis on grappling and physical conditioning. Additionally, some teenagers may join MMA gyms or mixed martial arts-focused programs during their high school years to begin learning the various disciplines required for MMA competition.

College/Early Adulthood: College years can be a time when some individuals discover an interest in MMA and begin their training. College wrestling programs, in particular, serve as breeding grounds for future MMA fighters, providing a solid grappling base. Furthermore, some athletes who compete in other collegiate sports may transition to MMA after college, drawn by the physicality and competitive nature of the sport.

Mid to Late Twenties: While many MMA fighters start training in their youth, there are also those who begin their MMA journey later in life, often in their mid to late twenties. These individuals may have been introduced to martial arts through friends, family, or exposure to the sport via media. Some may have pursued other careers or interests before deciding to commit to MMA training. While starting later can present challenges, such as catching up on skills and physical conditioning, it’s not uncommon for late starters to achieve success in MMA with dedication and hard work.

Transition from Other Combat Sports: Some MMA fighters transition from other combat sports to MMA later in their careers. For example, boxers, kickboxers, or Muay Thai fighters may decide to cross over to MMA to expand their skill set and pursue new opportunities. These athletes already possess a foundation in striking and may focus on learning grappling and other aspects of MMA to round out their skill set.

Below are MMA fighters that started their careers late in life:

• Daniel Cormier: Daniel Cormier began training in MMA in his early 30s after a successful collegiate wrestling career. Despite starting late, he became a two-division UFC champion and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

• • Training: Cormier began his athletic career as an accomplished collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma State University. After his wrestling career, he transitioned to MMA in his early 30s, training at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) under the guidance of renowned coach Javier Mendez.
  • Career: Cormier’s MMA career took off quickly, showcasing his exceptional wrestling skills coupled with improving striking abilities. He won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix and later became a two-division UFC champion, holding titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Cormier retired from professional MMA with a decorated career and transitioned to a successful career as a commentator and analyst.
  • Professional MMA Record: 22 wins, 3 losses, 1 no contest.
    Notable Achievements: Former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion, Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion.

• Michael Bisping: Bisping started training in martial arts at the age of 8 but transitioned to MMA later in life. He made his professional MMA debut at 21 and went on to become the first British fighter to win a UFC championship.

• • Training: Bisping initially trained in traditional martial arts as a child but shifted his focus to kickboxing and later MMA in his late teens. He trained at various gyms in the UK before relocating to the U.S. and training at renowned gyms like Wolfslair MMA Academy and later at Reign Training Center.
  • Career: Bisping’s journey in MMA saw him rise through the ranks of the UFC, competing in the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. He became the first British fighter to win a UFC championship when he captured the middleweight title in 2016. Bisping retired as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, known for his toughness, striking, and resilience.
  • Professional MMA Record: 30 wins, 9 losses.
    Notable Achievements: Former UFC Middleweight Champion, The Ultimate Fighter 3 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner.

• Yoel Romero: Romero, a former Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling, didn’t start his MMA career until his late 20s. Despite his late start, he achieved remarkable success in the UFC, competing for the middleweight title multiple times.

• • Training: Romero began his athletic career as a freestyle wrestler, winning a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He transitioned to MMA in his late 20s, training at the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Florida.
  • Career: Romero’s explosive athleticism and wrestling prowess made him a formidable force in the middleweight division of the UFC. Despite not capturing a UFC championship, he competed in multiple title fights and earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
  • Professional MMA Record: 13 wins, 6 losses.
    Notable Achievements: Competed in multiple UFC Middleweight Championship fights, decorated amateur wrestler with an Olympic silver medal.

• Nate Diaz: Although Nate Diaz grew up in a martial arts family, he didn’t seriously pursue MMA until his late teens. He and his brother Nick Diaz are renowned for their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and have had successful careers in the UFC.

• • Training: Diaz grew up in a family deeply involved in martial arts and began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at a young age. He transitioned to MMA in his late teens, training alongside his brother Nick Diaz under the guidance of Cesar Gracie.
  • Career: Diaz’s career in MMA has been defined by his exceptional grappling skills and durable chin. He gained prominence in the UFC’s lightweight division, engaging in memorable wars with top contenders. Diaz holds notable victories over prominent fighters and remains a fan favorite for his entertaining fighting style and outspoken personality.
  • Professional MMA Record: 20 wins, 13 losses.
    Notable Achievements: The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament Winner, known for his rivalry and victories against Conor McGregor.

• Mark Hunt: Hunt started training in kickboxing in his late teens before transitioning to MMA later in his career. Despite his late start, he became a K-1 World Grand Prix Champion and fought in top MMA promotions like Pride FC and the UFC.

• • Training: Hunt started training in kickboxing in his late teens, quickly rising through the ranks to become a K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. He transitioned to MMA in his late 20s, training at various gyms in Japan and later at AKA in the U.S.
  • Career: Hunt’s MMA career saw him compete in top organizations like Pride FC and the UFC, earning a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in the sport. Despite facing challenges early in his career, he experienced a resurgence in the UFC, engaging in memorable bouts and earning accolades for his striking prowess.
  • Professional MMA Record: 13 wins, 14 losses, 1 draw, 1 no contest.
    Notable Achievements: K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, Pride FC veteran, fought top heavyweight competition in the UFC.

• Frankie Edgar: Edgar, a former UFC lightweight champion, didn’t start training in MMA until after college. He began his career in his mid-20s and went on to become one of the most successful fighters in UFC history.

• • Training: Edgar wrestled in high school and college before transitioning to MMA after college. He trained under Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida, honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking.
  • Career: Edgar’s career in MMA is highlighted by his speed, footwork, and relentless pace inside the Octagon. He competed in the UFC lightweight division, capturing the title and defending it multiple times. Edgar later moved to the featherweight division and remained a top contender in both weight classes throughout his career.
  • Professional MMA Record: 24 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw.
    Notable Achievements: Former UFC Lightweight Champion, holds notable wins over top fighters in multiple weight classes.

• Justin Gaethje: Gaethje started wrestling in high school but didn’t begin training in MMA until his early 20s. Known for his aggressive fighting style, he quickly rose through the ranks and became a top contender in the UFC lightweight division.

• • Training: Gaethje was a standout collegiate wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado before transitioning to MMA in his early 20s. He trained at Grudge Training Center under the tutelage of Trevor Wittman, focusing on developing his striking skills.
  • Career: Gaethje’s fighting style is characterized by his aggressive approach, durability, and knockout power. He rose through the ranks of the MMA world, capturing titles in various organizations before making his UFC debut. Gaethje became known for his thrilling performances in the UFC lightweight division, earning Fight of the Night bonuses and establishing himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.
  • Professional MMA Record: 23 wins, 3 losses.
    Notable Achievements: Former WSOF Lightweight Champion, known for his aggressive fighting style and exciting performances in the UFC.

• Jorge Masvidal: Masvidal grew up fighting in the streets before finding his way to MMA in his early 20s. He has since become one of the most popular and successful fighters in the UFC, known for his striking prowess and toughness.

• • Training: Masvidal grew up fighting in the streets of Miami before transitioning to organized martial arts training in his early 20s. He trained under various coaches, including the late Kimbo Slice, and honed his skills in boxing and street fighting.
  • Career: Masvidal’s unorthodox background contributed to his unique fighting style characterized by precise striking and exceptional takedown defense. He competed in various MMA organizations before finding success in the UFC, where he became a top contender in the welterweight division. Masvidal gained widespread recognition for his record-breaking knockout of Ben Askren and later competed for the UFC welterweight title.
  • Professional MMA Record: 35 wins, 15 losses.
    Notable Achievements: Holds notable wins over top welterweight contenders, set record for fastest knockout in UFC history against Ben Askren

• Matt Brown: Brown began training in MMA in his late 20s after serving in the U.S. Army. Despite starting relatively late, he became a fan favorite in the UFC welterweight division and earned a reputation for his aggressive fighting style.

• • Training: Brown served in the U.S. Army before beginning his MMA career in his late 20s. He trained at various gyms in Ohio, including Jorge Gurgel’s gym, where he developed his skills in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • Career: Brown’s fighting style is characterized by his aggressive striking and toughness inside the Octagon. He competed in the UFC welterweight division, earning a reputation for his thrilling performances and knockout power. Brown faced adversity throughout his career but remained a fan favorite for his warrior spirit and willingness to engage in exciting battles.
  • Professional MMA Record: 22 wins, 18 losses.
    Notable Achievements: Known for his aggressive fighting style and memorable performances in the UFC welterweight division.

• Robbie Lawler: Lawler started training in MMA as a teenager but didn’t find success until later in his career. After struggling in the middleweight division, he moved up to welterweight and eventually became the UFC welterweight champion.

• • Training: Lawler began training in MMA as a teenager, competing in local events before making his professional debut. He trained under Pat Miletich at Miletich Fighting Systems, focusing on developing his striking and wrestling skills.
  • Career: Lawler’s career in MMA spanned several decades, during which he competed in various weight classes and organizations. He found success in the UFC, capturing the welterweight title and engaging in memorable battles with some of the sport’s biggest names. Lawler’s aggressive fighting style and knockout power made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
  • Professional MMA Record: 28 wins, 15 losses, 1 no contest.
    Notable Achievements: Former UFC Welterweight Champion, Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, known for his durability and knockout power.

These fighters demonstrate that despite starting their MMA journeys later in life, dedication, talent, and hard work can lead to remarkable success inside the cage. Their stories inspire aspiring fighters and serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion for martial arts.