The Truth About MMA Fighter Salaries by Damian Kutzner
Sports salaries are a highly controversial topic. Sit in any sports bar for any length of time and phrases like, "so-and-so isn't worth what he's being paid," or "so-and-so is stupid for paying that much for a player," will surely be heard. Critics argue that the paychecks earned by sports figures are excessive. But a look at the monies earned by sponsors, promoters, and advertisers makes a paltry six-figure salary look like a blip on the radar.
Consider that UFC 100, the UFC's heavily promoted and long-awaited milestone event, brought in a sold-out crowd estimated to be 11,000. This was the second-largest gate in the history of the UFC history, bringing in approximately $5.1 million from ticket sales alone. Brock Lesnar, the UFC heavyweight champion and Georges St. Pierre each took home $400,000 for their co-main event victories. Those fighters took home less than 16% of the income ticket sales, a figure which doesn't include pay per view fees or merchandising.
Currently, top-level MMA fighters are paid from two primary sources sources. The first comes from the fight promoters. Fighters get a small base salary per fight and a percentage based on Pay Per View viewership. Successful fighters also have sponsors that pay them varying amounts to promote products and make public appearances.
Interestingly, while one would readily assume that the salaries, bonuses, and sponsorship dollars paid to Major League Baseball players, NFL players and some of the stars of the NBA are higher than MMA stars, Major League Soccer players also earn more than top UFC fighters.
Here are some of the salaries of top earners within the UFC for comparison:
* Chuck Liddell at UFC 88: $500,000 * Brock Lesnar at UFC 100: $400,000 * Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100: $400,000 * Quinton Jackson at UFC 96: $325,000 * Matt Hughes at UFC 98: $260,000 * Forrest Griffin at UFC 92: $210,000 * Lyoto Machida at UFC 98: $200,000 * Rashad Evans at UFC 98: $200,000
Some of these fighters only fight once or twice a year so these figures could be annual earnings or 50% of annual earnings. Because the fights are dictated by the UFC fight calendar, injuries, and the availability of coaches, Ultimate Fighters have less control over their earnings than their counterparts in other sports.
Of course, average fighters aren't even in the same league as the top competitors. An average fighter can expect to be paid around $30,000 per show. If they win, they are paid another $30,000.
How much would you want to make to take a hit like these guys?
Sources: * MMA Frenzy * MMA Weekly * The Mixed Martial Arts News Website
Damian Kutzner is a serial entrepreneur who understands success. He opened his own real estate firm at 23 then went on to launch one of the most successful debt settlement firms in the nation. Damian is the founder and CEO of Integrated Legal Systems (ILS), a company that provides applications to simplify the way law firms do business. He is also the president of Serious Pimp, an extreme lifestyle clothing company that sponsors MMA fighters and events.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Truth-About-MMA-Fighter-Salaries/719478

Very Cool Gina Carano Video

Name: Antonio Nogueira

Elements of an MMA Workout by Luke Schollmeyer

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is one of the toughest, most intense sports around, requiring combatants to be at their peak fitness level and must have all-around strength, agility, and skill in order to be competitive. So, how exactly does one design a quality MMA workout?
Firstly, simply getting stronger is in order, which means basic strength training, preferrably with multi-joint exercises like squats, deadlifts, cleans, rows and push-presses. Heavy squats and deadlifts are some of the best leg and full-body exercises that a mixed martial arts fighter can do. It will build overall body strength and give you tremendous power. You should vary your routines. Some days heavy (1-3 reps with 10-15 sets or the classic 5x5), other days, higher repetition and lower sets. Squats give you the strength and speed for takedowns, kicking, and explosive techniques. Deadlifts develop your overall pulling power, core and grip strength.
Cleans and push-presses are the overall explosive exercises. Perform them together (a clean and press) with dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and sandbags for arguably the very best single resistence exercise you could do to help develop your punching, pushing and driving power.
Plyometrics
Plyometric training involves practicing plyometric movements to toughen tissues and train nerve cells to stimulate a specific pattern of muscle contraction so the muscle generates as strong a contraction as possible in the shortest amount of time. A plyometric contraction involves first a rapid muscle lengthening movement, followed by a short resting phase, then an explosive muscle shortening movement, which enables the muscles that work together in doing the particular motion. Plyometric training engages the myostatic-reflex, which is the automatic contraction of muscle when their stretch nerve receptors are stimulated.
Plyometric exercises use explosive movements to develop muscular power, the ability to generate a large amount of force quickly. Plyometric training acts on the nerves, muscles, and tendons to increase an athlete's power output without necessarily increasing their maximum strength.
Standing vertical jumps or box jumps are example lower body plyometric exercises. Explosive push-ups (pushups with a clap, for example) and throwing a medicine ball up to 10-ft. target on the wall are good upper-body examples. Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise increases general fitness. Anaerobic exercise however, is also critical to top performance in the MMA fight because anaerobic preparation will allow you to avoid muscle tiring, or more importantly, work through fatigue. Muscle fatigue occurs when too much lactic acid builds up in the muscles. Outlasting your opponents means you must build up a tolerance for this natural occurrence. Circuits, complexes or sprints will broaden your lactic threshold. Sample MMA Workout Routine
As you can see, you will need to have a varied protocal for putting together a quality MMA workout. You will need to perform both strength resistance work along with plyometric and aerobic training as well.
The following is the weight routine made popular by Team Quest a la Randy Couture. It is an example of a "complex" and is an example of functional strength training and a good cardio workout as well.
Here it is:
Bent rows x 8 Upright rows x 8 Military press x 8 Good morning x 8 Lunges x 8 (each leg) Squat push press x 8 (squat, then perform a push-press) Deadlift x 8
The trick is that you use one bar, not changing the weight, but never stopping during the set. Rest 1 minute between each set. Perform 3-5 sets. Try starting out with a 95-lbs. loaded Olympic bar and see how it goes. Sounds light, doesn't it? Try it and tell me how you fared.

Want to boost your chances in the ring, cage or mat? Want to ensure you have gas in the tank when you need it? Don't leave your conditioning to chance with questionable MMA workouts.
Turbo charge your conditioning with a blend of old school techniques put together with cutting edge science and battle-tested experience.
Check out our free MMA workouts for you to try.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Mixed Martial Arts Fighting, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Fighting Training Tips for Repetition Drilling of Techniques. by Geoff Aitken
When first learning a new mixed martial arts fighting technique whether at the fundamental level or the more advanced it is important that we chunk it down into smaller, easily learned units. Once easily assimilated chunks are obtained these must be practiced with repetition to learn them. However, just repeating them over and over again in a session has its limitations.
Studies on a simple nervous system have shown that any more than 10 repetitions of a task in a session does not result in any increase to retention, in addition, performing only one session of learning a new piece of material results in very little retention over a long period as those of you who have been involved in training for serious mixed martial arts fighting are well aware.
The most useful method of repetition drilling to gain the most effective retention is to spread the repetitions over a number of sessions.A method that has shown a great deal of effect is to carry out 7 to 10 repetitions of a particular technique in a training session. And then carry out at least nine repeat review sessions over several days or weeks. The first repeat session can be within the same session. I would suggest near the end of the session. The following one a day after, then a week etc. The closer the review sessions are together the quicker the optimal retention is obtained.
Another common problem, that many of us experience in mixed martial arts fighting and Muay Thai Fighting, is that of boredom when training the number of repetitions required for drilling the techniques adequately. This is detrimental to retention as the learning process is seriously impaired when we are not concentrating.Disguising the repetitions in drills, combinations and games that utilize the particular skill involved is a very practical way that will assist you to get around this problem and allow you to increase the versatility of game by drilling the techniques with different set ups, combinations or counters being used against them.
Another more fundamental strategy that I use, particularly in working through my Muay Thai Fighting, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Fighting techniques, is to repetition the techniques as many times as I can until boredom is noticed, recording the number of repetitions performed in my training diary and then repeating the process in another training session. When using this strategy just develop a determined discipline to complete a predetermined number of repetitions. I would suggest a minimum of 60 spread over a 2 year period for maximum retention.
Bear in mind that this is for the learning and retention of a new technique, not the optimal refinement of it for the highest level of effectiveness that may be required for the rigors of competition in both mixed martial arts fighting and Muay Thai Fighting. This requires the development and sharpening of the various attributes required for optimal performance of the technique, such as: speed, timing, flow, balance, connectivity to the next move, variation adjustment, corrections in balance, preparedness for reaction to the opponent’s movement, etc.
Taking your mixed martial arts fighting skill to this level requires many more repetitions and exposing the performance of the technique to increasing levels of risk through controlled and on to random sparring.
To ensure the best learning of the technique start by learning and drilling the technique under totally cooperative conditions to get it right, this is theretention period discussed above.
Once a good level of efficacy is obtained, then try to use the technique in controlled sparring conditions or controlled performance drills in which your training partner presents moderate problems to deal with. As your efficacy increases start to utilize it in your sparring, at first against less experienced opponents working up to opponents of higher levels.

Dr Geoff Aitken, Ph.D. is a coach of Mixed Martial Arts Fighting, Muay Thai Fighting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a former kick boxing champion with over 34 years of experience in mixed martial arts and 15 years as a bouncer. He holds a 6th degree Black Belt in Freestyle Karate (Goju Kai derivative), a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, certified trainer, referee and judge in Muay Thai Fighting and has trained numerous national and international champions in Muay Thai Fighting, BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts. He has just released a DVD series packed full of concepts and techniques for set ups and Bridging the Gap in Muay Thai Fighting, Mixed Martial Arts fighting and the street self defense situation. Grab your free video and audio clips on Mixed Martial Arts Fighting at http://www.UltimateFightingSystems.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Smashing Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting by Kelly Renaul
MMA cage fighting is held in an eight sided cage that is reinforced with chain link material and padded heavily. This structure is (for obvious reasons) called the Octagon. This sport has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the last several years, and although the basic premise has remained the same, the rules, regulations, and conditions that govern what types of fight gear and apparel a fighter can wear during a match in the cage. The Octagon has become associated as a symbol that relates to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and the MMA as well. Fans can see MMA cage fighting regularly on TV, and it is featured in the national media fairly often. Since 1993 when the cage fighting first began, The Octagon has been a symbol of it.
The UFC is now known as the largest and most recognized MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) promotion worldwide. The company Zuffa, LLC owns the UFC and has its head quarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC began in the 1970s in Brazil and was based on the Brazilian fighting style that is known as tudo style. When it first began, however, it really was a no rules, no holds barred contest that absorbed a lot of protests from all over the world as being incredibly violent and inhumane. The criticism worked, as far as the protesters were concerned. The UFCs popularity diminished significantly, and at its lowest point, it reorganized and reformed, adapting strict rules that were sanctioned by athletic commissions, and was re marketed as a legitimate, safer, and more humane sporting event.
The attire that fighters wear for these kinds of competitions is regulated heavily. Only regulation gloves and regulation shorts are allowed. There are no shoes at all that are allowed. Any kind of shirts or pants are also not allowed, no matter what type they are. The reason for the gloves is that they help the fighters deliver stronger punches to the competitor, and they also protect fighters against injury at the same time when they are on the receiving end of a blow. Back when MMA cage fighting began in the 1970s, the attire was worn without regard to any rules, and the many fighters seemed to prefer either tight athletic shorts, boxer shorts, or tight wrestling suits and long pants. One of the most popular fighters of all time, tournament champion Royce Gracie would wear a jujitsu gi in his UFC appearances. The UFC and MMA after that point decided during their re organization phase in the early 1990s to regulate the attire for the MMA cage fighting, and the clothing and apparel then became very popular with fans of the mixed martial arts as well.

For more information on MMA Cage Fighting, please visit our website.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

The Right Way to Train for MMA by Impact Martial

Contact sports such as mixed martial arts have gained tremendous popularity over the last couple of decades. It is not as if people have suddenly woken up to this sport, it is just that this martial art form is much more exciting and fast paced than some of the other contact sports that are popular in the United States. These contact sport games are ideal to develop quick reflexes and an agile mind. Martial arts are said to be the ideal platform for the all round development of an individual. They are rightly said to be a means to exercise both the mind and the body.
The city of Austin, Texas has established itself as one of the foremost cities in the U.S. for training in kickboxing and mma. Students from all over the continental United States come here with the dreams of becoming the next kickboxing or karate champion. To find yourself a good place to learn martial arts, all you have to do is to type in the keywords martial arts Austin, tx and you will find many results for martial art training academies. Make a shortlist of at least five institutes in Austin and choose one after researching each one of them using the criteria explained below.
Choosing a good academy and teacher are very important if you want to learn mma. Experts in mixed martial arts make use of both striking and grappling techniques to disable their opponents. You need to enrol yourself in an academy that is equipped with instructors who can draw their expertise from a wide range of contact sports like wrestling and boxing. The best mma training institutes in Austin have instructors who are well versed in many Southeast Asian contact sports. This expertise will stand you in good stead when you participate in a competition as you will be able to confuse your opponent by using unusual body thrusts.
One of the ways by which you can identify a good training academy is to see if they have separate courses for beginners. The best institutes have separate beginner�s camps for children. A separate course for beginners is essential because you have to increase your general fitness levels before getting to practice the basics of mixed martial arts techniques. If an institute co-ordinator says that there is no separation of courses for beginners, then you can be sure that they do not follow any structured methodology and such places should therefore be avoided.
Another method by which you can get to know which mma training institute is good for you is by checking out their emphasis on safety. The state of Texas has set some really strict rules to ensure the safety of mixed martial arts matches. This is a sport that allows blows to be traded across all parts of the body, so the use of safety equipment is a must even while training. Institutes in Austin have a good safety record and that is why this martial art form has flourished in the state of Texas.

Greg Fisher is author of this article on Mma Austin. Find more information about karate classes austin here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com