Fighters (boxers, kickboxers, MMA fighters) do you still get nervous before a fight??

Question

Ive had about 10 fights now, and I still get really nervous before I step into the ring/cage. Most of the other fighters from my gym say the same thing, but I just wanted to get a wider response.

PLEASE no fake "street fighters"...

Answer 1

dude i still get nervous for just regular folkstyle wrestling matches, and thats after 5 years of wrestling, i think its a good think keeps u focused and ready to fight, but yeah i am always nervous  

Answer 2

We all do, I had a seminar with Shogun Rua who KOed Rampage Jackson. Even he gets nervous. And if someone says he doesn't he's a liar :)

Answer 3

yeah and you should feel nervous because you have no idea whats going to happen in the fight. well depending on who you are fighting yo mgiht know their favourite techniques but they might know yours etc.

Answer 4

it's normal to get nervous before a fight, or any competition in that matter. that nervousness keeps you on edge. the trick is to keep it under control, don't get to nervous or you will psych yourself out, but don't get too relaxed because then you will not focus enough.

Answer 5

yeah almost everyone does unless u been in so many fights that u dont get as nervous or if ur drunk lol.

Answer 6

Getting nervous is natural, and can be benificial if you control it. Long before your fight you should imagine everything as much as possible, imagine yourself being completely clear minded before your fight, imagine yourself warming up confidently, imagine your entrance to the cage/ring, and most importantly imagine yourself winning! If you have trouble imaging with all 5 senses, you can practice to improve this skill. My favorite way of doing this is to visualize a lemon in my head, not only will I try to picture the lemon, I try to feel the texture of the lemon peel, I try to smell it, taste it, and hear it squirt when I bite into it. This technique works great for me, I always feel calm, and confident stepping into the cage when I have done this. Also try listening to Mozart, or anything that soothes you.