Increase cardio for a heavyweight MMA fighter? - Project Sports
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Increase cardio for a heavyweight MMA fighter?

3 min read

Asked by: Matt Reed

Do MMA fighters do lots of cardio?

Cardiovascular endurance is extremely important for an MMA fighter. Though strength training in also important, your cardiovascular endurance is what keeps your body going through a match. So how much cardio do MMA fighters do? Many of them do a lot.

How do MMA fighters build cardio?

The Best Cardio Workouts for MMA

  • Jump Rope.
  • Shadowboxing.
  • Platform Jump.
  • Swimming.
  • Running.


How do MMA fighters increase stamina?

Anaerobic training (lifting with weights) and aerobic training (running, elliptical, rowing, or other cardio activity) can be combined to create a synergistic effect. Your weight training workout turns into a stamina-building and fat-loss training session as well, as your heart rate never drops below an elevated rate.

How can I improve my cardio for fighting?

Running, swimming, biking, skipping rope, are all good examples of cardio training for fighters. The general rule is that you have to raise your heart-rate. You have to push yourself a little bit. Being able to run 5 miles a day won’t mean anything if you were totally relaxed the whole time.

Do fighters do cardio everyday?

It is best to run intervals 2 or 3 days per week. These workouts are intense in nature. Your body will need adequate time to rest and recover. You should not run intense intervals on days that you will be sparring.

Do MMA fighters do HIIT?

These days, though, fighters and MMA athletes rely more on metabolic training, otherwise known as high-intensity interval training or HIIT. Metabolic training essentially means alternating brief but highly intense bouts of activity with intervals of lighter work or rest.

How do I increase my lung capacity MMA?


You exhale and you're aiming to be twice as long on the exhale. So if we can come in for five seconds of deep breathing.

How do I increase my punching stamina?

Increase the round. So four threes with a 30 second rest five three six three seven threes all the way to eight three minute rounds.

Who has the best cardio in UFC?

10 MMA Fighters With The Best Cardio, Ranked

  1. 1 Alexander Volkanovski. Gary A.
  2. 2 Tony Ferguson. …
  3. 3 Frankie Edgar. …
  4. 4 Nick Diaz. …
  5. 5 Nate Diaz. …
  6. 6 Kamaru Usman. …
  7. 7 Michael Bisping. …
  8. 8 Demetrious Johnson. …

How do you train for MMA endurance?

Quickly you just want to make sure you do round 1 60 seconds with one side around to 60 seconds with the other and then round 3 you can break it up 30 and 30 again using your gym boss timer.

Do fighters need muscular endurance?

Muscular endurance is not only important for boxers, but for all athletes. Athletes need muscular endurance in order to perform well in their sport and avoid fatigue. Additionally, muscular endurance can improve your overall fitness level.

How do UFC fighters stay in shape?

Running/Sprinting: It has always been a go-to for fighters to get in shape because it works. It builds up your cardio and will help your MMA game. Swimming: Another way of helping you get in shape for MMA with little to no impact on your joints.