Preparing for your next big fight can often be daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve stepped into the cage. In order to fight to the best of your abilities, you need to be ready and on point. Not only do you have to condition your body, but you also have to prepare your mind.
No matter what level you train or compete at, it’s important to enter a fight prepared. If not, you could risk losing, or even worse, having a seriously debilitating injury. If you’re into MMA and you’re hoping to win your next fight, here are seven essential steps you should take to prepare.
Train, Train, Train
The weeks leading up to your fight are the most important. During this time, you need to excel on all possible levels. You need to fight harder than you’ve ever fought before, and, in order to do so, you must train to the maximum.
Talk to your trainer and organize a routine that is sustainable. You also need to ensure that you are sleeping enough and getting all the rest your body needs. The last thing you want is to burn out before your big fight.
Research Your Opponent
You’ll want to know who it is that you’re up against. Make sure to research your opponent inside and out. For example, are they stronger with their right arm or their left arm? If you know your opponent is stronger with their left arm, make sure you train with someone that has similar characteristics.
Similarly, if you can find any footage of your rival’s past fights, it’s a great idea to go over them and study their moves. This can help you prepare yourself for your next big fight.
Play to Your Strengths
If you have a strategy that is tried and tested, don’t switch things up last minute. Stick to what you know best. It’s very common for fighters to try and switch up their techniques because they think this will guarantee them a win.
If you’re good at a certain move or strategy, don’t try to deter from this too much. However, you should also leave room for imagination and interpretation as you play off your opponent’s next move.
Eat Clean
As a fighter, you may be expected to stay a certain weight. Weight categories are extremely strict, so eating clean is of the essence. Eating correctly can help you speed up recovery time and improve your overall performance.
As your body will be burning energy constantly, its recommended that you ear regularly to keep energy levels high. To avoid overeating and boost your metabolism, you should eat 4 to 5 meals every 2 to 3 hours. Try not to overeat and avoid processed or heavy foods in your diet.
Get All Your Nutrients
Getting all your nutrients is very important because you are pushing your body to its physical limits. Therefore, you need to replenish it with all the food that it yearns for. Above all, you will need large quantities of water, plenty of carbohydrates, lean protein, and a fair amount of fats.
When you’re working out, you’re sweating profusely, so make sure you keep hydrated and replenish your body with water. Carbs are necessary to store energy and prevent fatigue. Stay away from simple carbs and stick to complex carbs.
Incorporate plenty of lean meats, seafood, nuts, and eggs to rebuild muscle tissue. Lastly, good fats are also a great source of energy and can help build cells. If you still feel like you’re not hitting all your nutritional targets, check out these supplements by STEEL.
Motivate Yourself
Finally, the best way to prepare yourself for a fight is by finding your own motivation. Once you have that fire in your belly, anything is possible. Find your inner strength and push yourself to the limit. You can train, sleep, and eat to the best of your abilities, but without the right motivation, it’s unlikely that you will beat your opponent and win the fight.
At the end of the day, winning isn’t everything. You should always aim to compete to your highest level, however, not every battle can be won. If you fear that you are not physically or mentally ready to fight, it’s important to know when to back down. Take some time for yourself, go back to the drawing board, and prepare. Once you’re ready for your next big fight, you will know.