What it Takes to Be An MMA Fighter: The Mental State
By: Kenny Florian

"Winners are the people who when the odds are stacked against them, and those around them have fallen, will have the courage to look within themselves and make the unbelievable believable, and the impossible possible." - C. Phillips

An enduring spirit and unrelenting drive to win distinguish a fighter from the common man. Some people believe fighters are inherently born with a fighting spirit and others believe you can learn determination and a "never say die" attitude. Whatever the verdict might be, a fighter MUST sustain determination, commit to a disciplined work ethic and embrace an openness to learn.

Your lifestyle should be free of alcohol and drugs. Good nutrition will keep your body tuned up and always ready. You can't expect to put harmful things in your body and expect it to perform flawlessly.

From the beginning, a fighter needs the right training attitude. Leave your ego at the door. Too much of an ego will hinder your growth as a fighter and will prevent you from learning all that you can. The best fighters understand that we are all human and nobody is invincible. Thus, humility should drive a fighter.

MMA fighting takes a phenomenal amount of energy and strength. Suffer and cry in training so that you may laugh in the ring. This means that superior strength, cardio and flexibility are crucial to being a good MMA fighter. A Ferrari without gasoline, looks good, but doesn't go anywhere. Commit your mind to training even when you don't feel like it.

Talent without hard work and dedication is an empty promise. Talent is like a seed waiting to be planted: You must find a nice spot with fertile ground. Then you must give it water, sunlight and take care of it. Then something beautiful and great can grow.

I believe there is a certain insecurity that motivates all great athletes. You can be the best in the world one day and the next day you're forgotten. Being number one is much easier than staying number one. Staying humble and knowing that "it" can evaporate as quickly as it came, should always be understood.

In the ring, you must be confident, focused, calm and alert. Step into the ring knowing you are going to win. Your training, coaches and hard work should provide this confidence. Don't be distracted by anything else other than your opponent. Mental focus will help you get through the many distractions - the crowd, media, personal problems etc. Being calm and alert will guarantee that your mind and body are not only relaxed, but ready to take advantage of whatever opportunity presents itself during the fight.

A certain degree of nervousness and fear will always be part of the game. Accept it, defeat it and compete with it. I think the great boxing trainer Cus D'Amato says it best, "The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs."