Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

A lot of people say, “I’m a lover, not a fighter.” If you’re a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, however, you’re not one of them. Because fighting is what you love and do best, you’re more likely to say, “I’m a lover and a fighter.”

As a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, you’re the 21st-century version of a Boxer or Pro Wrestler, as you make your living fighting opponents in front of live audiences. Unlike other types of fights, however — which have strict rules of engagement — yours are known for their no-holds-barred hand-to-hand combat, which typically takes place inside a cage instead of a ring; includes minimal safety equipment, with protective gear typically restricted to open-fingered gloves; and has few rules, with opponents able to use whatever fighting style and techniques they deem necessary to win.

Thanks to the general absence of rules — usually, only head-butts, biting, and eye gouging are prohibited, along with blows to the groin, kidneys, and trachea — your fights often include a mix of wrestling, karate, tae kwon do, jiu-jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing. While traditional fights have rounds that end when one Fighter is knocked to the ground, MMA fights last until one Fighter is knocked out or admits defeat — called “submission” — or until the Referee stops the fight due to injury.

Because their fights are so intense, as Mixed Martial Arts Fighter you can only compete a few times a year. Therefore, the majority of your workdays aren’t spent fighting. Instead, they’re spent training, as your ultimate goal isn’t being an MMA Fighter; it’s being an MMA champion!