Mixed Martial Arts Training Time

Question

New comer to MMA and UFC. From what I understand the "main" styles of fighting that are used are: Muay Thai, Brazilian jujitsu, Boxing, and collegiate style wrestling. (as oppose to WWE) So here's my question: Are these guys black belts in all of their various disciplines or usually black belt in one and get additional training in the nuts and bolts of the others?

Answer 1

They learn enough to be proficient, and then they practice to maximize their skills.

To answer you question, yes and no.

There are no belts in Muay thai, Boxing or wrestling, whoever claims to have a black belt or any belt in any of those styles is a fraud.

Brazilian jujitsu is the only styles that has a belt system, and to achieve a black belt is really hard, as you need to show proficiency for many years.

Nowadays to be successful in MMA you need to be proficient in both standing and grappling, that requires many hours of training.

Answer 2

No, they are not always black belts, and a lot of the younger guys who claim to be black belts do not compete at a black belt level in that discipline.  For example, Nate Diaz, winner of the Ultimate Fighter, a purple belt when he competed in the U.S. Open BJJ tournament last October.  Also, there are no belts in boxing, kickboxing, or wrestling. Few MMA fighters could compete in these individual events at the top level and do well.  

Answer 3

They are normally black belt in one and working on/training in others. But don't let that deter you, if you can learn more than one and master or get a black belt in it, then by all means go ahead.

Answer 4

A lot of MMA guys are ranked in one or more martial art, but not all of them have traditional ranks in any combat system.  

In fact some of the top fighting camps don't offer belts at all - Miletich Fighting System for example or The Pit (where Chuck Lidell trains) don't have belt ranks; and look at the fighters that do or have trained there - Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Lidell, Pulver, etc.  Or Andre Arlovski who's a Sambo practicioner that trains with Freddie Roach (the best boxing trainer on the planet IMO).  Sambo doesn't have belts per se, but a merit-based ranking system.

From more traditional schools you have Anderson Silva who is ranked in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and learned his striking in a Muay Thai school (no rank system) or BJ Penn - another BJJ practicioner who's striking is a non-ranked style.  

Most MMA fighters have one discipline that they use as a base, but they layer in other disciplines to counter the strengths of other styles - wrestlers are very successful because of their opponent control training(think Sanchez, Koschek, Hughes, Couture) but they need additional skill sets because wrestling isn't enough.  They need to be able to submit, strike on the ground, clinch, and counter a solid striker's boxing and kicks.

Many fighters focus on one aspect of their training to enhance their base - wrestlers often use judo or BJJ to broaden the base skill.  Then they train striking enough to transition the fight to their base skill set without being dominated - Hughes prefers ground and pound and submission fighting, but has worked on his striking enough to be very competent in a standing exchange.

There are the guys who can't perform well without using their base skill - Karo Parysian is an example - his Judo is insane - but he gets out boxed almost every time because he relys on his judo to overcome everything, which it can't.

Last there are the gifted few who don't seem to have any problems anywhere - Fedor is the big example right now - he strikes with strikers but if he's getting beat he grapples / submits.  He'll roll with anyone, but can get up to his feet if he feels threatened.  He's got the best "transition" game out there and it shows.  Anderson Silva and Urijah Faber are similar fighters - constantly evolving fighters that don't really seem to have any big gaps in their game.

That's my 2 cents worth - hope it helps you understand a little more.  Thanks for an honest, sensible question.

Answer 5

they usually have started off early with one style and enjoyed 'fighting' so much that they branch into different styles and only have belts in their original style.

when your fighting MMA yournot so concerned with getting belts as you are with learning the technique and improving on it.