Standard of Amateur MMA

[Drunken Master]

My question is what is the current standard/level of MMA athletes at an Amateur level? i ask this because i don't have much information on Amateur MMA, i live in Birmingham England and it isn't as big but i hope to go to a few fights and find out for myself. Im not ready for MMA just yet but im working on it and hopefully keep training and sparring until i feel i am ready to enter competitions but i would like to start with Amateur ones to gain experience.

The main issue i am unsure about is how conditioned are the athletes at this level and in general how much training in the various arts do they have?

thanks

[cakegirl]

It varies hugely from person to person, and show/promoter to show/promoter.

If you're looking at competing yourself, just try to find a gym with actively competing students... Once you're training there for a while, you'll get an idea about what promotions are going to be worthwhile for your career, what ones will be a cakewalk, and what ones might be too disreputable and not worth risking your health over.

Good luck!

[Balo]

I've found the level of amateur MMA events vary alot in UK. However beware of little known events if you are a beginner, as they often get anyone they can to fight. Therefore miss matches are more likely. Usually Amateur events in UK do not allow hitting on the ground, which can produce a far more technical match.

In regards to standard of competitor, this also varies greatly. For instance some events may have a person who is on their first MMA fight but is a very experienced thai boxer or grappler. Therefore if you have a limited knowledge a miss match is likey. This can only really be judged by your instructor knowing your standard compared with your expected opponents.

In regards to conditioning, if you are going to fight amateur, the average competing guy will be training minimum of 5 days a week, in most of their spare times. however most will have day jobs and commitments which will limit them compared to a professional athlete.

If you are going to compete, you need to train as similar to a pro, as you can. The only difference between an Amateur and pro mm artist is they usually have more time available to train and greater experience and strength.

Having said all that there are numerous people who went straight into the top flight professional arena, with very limited mma experience. Due to either being a freak or well known in another combat sport.