The Journey of an MMA Fighter Series
Not every journey of Mixed Martial Artists (MMA) is the same, but they are similar. In this 4-part series, I will be diving into a fighter's journey from stepping into the gym to leaving the UFC Octagon. hope you guys enjoy it!
Jake Yono
JY Journalism
6/1/23
The Journey Of An MMA Fighter Part 1
A friend of yours invites you to a Mixed Martial Arts class he has been partaking in for a few weeks. He is starting to like it and wants you to do it with him. You go there and learn all the different types and sorts of moves, including punching, grappling, kicking, wrestling, takedowns, and submissions. Ultimately, your body, mind, and soul all fall in love with it. You start to talk to the coaches at the gym, and collectively you all conclude that you want to take that big step and take the game seriously, and start to fight at the amateur level.
You start to train hard every day like a madman, you put all of your blood, sweat, and tears into it. After 3 months of intense training, you and your coaches agree to find an amateur MMA league where you can make your debut. You do your research and find an organization called the XFC. They hold fights near you, and some fighters from your gym have fought in this organization. You find the commissioner, email him, and he says he has a spot for you. He gets your weight class and height and matches you with an opponent. He has one ammeter fight under his belt and won it by split decision. You and your coaches start making your game plan and train accordingly to it. The day is here, and it is time to make your Mixed Martial Arts amateur debut.
You’ve done everything you can up to this point by training hard, coming up with a game plan, and studying your opponent. Your 6oz gloves are on, and the cage is closed, and it is time to fight. You have 3x3-minute rounds to prove yourself. In the first round, you out-strike and outkick him. In the second round, he takes you down and sits on you, and in the 3rd round, you dominate in the clinch and land a lot of knees and punches, which leads you to a split decision victory against your opponent. Your contract is for 3 fights, in the next fight your competitor takes you down and wrestles but you earn a submission victory, in the last fight on your ammeter contract you get matched with a more experienced fighter and you get blown out but still hang on for 9 minutes as you lose by unanimous decision which then ultimately wraps up your career as an ammeter.
After this, you talk to your matchmaker again, you agree to stay in the XFC and become a professional fighter, and you agree on a 4-fight contract. In these 4 fights, you show out and win all 4 of them, and 3 in dominant fashion. You are starting to become the best version of yourself. You talk to your matchmaker again and agree to part ways as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC has offered you a contract. Knowing it will be a bigger stage and tougher compassion and bigger stages, you accept the offer.
Your record is now 6-1, and the UFC’s Dana White Contender series has looked at you, they have offered you a contract, and you take it, as you have a lot of time to train and analyze your opponent, you probably would not have taken the fight if you did not have this much time. You train as hard as you’ve ever trained before and study your opponent as hard as ever. You head to the apex as it is time to get started. You trained a lot of cardio, as you now have 3x5-minute round fights. You battle it out for 15 minutes as the fight is very close, your time in the clinch was enough to earn you the 29-28 split decision victory. You then meet Dana White, and he gives you the paper every fighter dreams of having, which is a UFC contract. In the octagon, you fall to the canvas and cry tears of joy because you have done it and earned your first UFC contract.
The Journey Of An MMA Fighter Part #2
Jake Yono
9/30/23
JY Journalism
You have fought hard to earn your UFC contract for 3 fights, your record now is 7-1, and you are ready to take on the big show in the UFC. You talk to your matchmaker and conclude to fight on the Pay-Per-View card in 4 months. This gives you enough time to train and prepare for the biggest fight of your life, your debut in the UFC.
Your first opponent is a struggling current UFC fighter on the last fight of his 3-fight contract; his record is 1-2, and, for his experience, he is the favorite in this bout, and you are the underdog. You train as hard as you ever have, watch your opponent's film, fuel your body, and then it's time to leave it all out there and fight. You will be the second fight on the 14-fight massive card with 2 title fights to close off the night. You wonder to yourself if you think you're ever going to get there. After this, you lock in your mind that you will become a UFC champion one day, and you quote to yourself, "Maybe not today, or maybe not tomorrow, but I will be champion one day". You walk up the canvas, praise your lord and Savior Jesus Christ, step into the octagon, hear Bruce Buffer call your name for the first time, and you set out to go. You touch gloves, and the fight begins. You and your opponent exchange blows for the first round, and you try to take him down, but he gets right back up Your opponent panics and starts to headhunt and waste all his energy because he panics. Round 2 begins, and since you incorporated cardio into your training, you know this guy is done. At the start of round 2, you land lots of significant strikes, but they don't seem to affect your opponent, until you land a hard punch that sends him flying to the ground. After this, you establish ground and pound, and before you know it, the ref calls the fight, and you have earned your first UFC victory. You get your hand raised while Bruce Buffer screams your name. This is the greatest feeling ever as you have won your first fight in the UFC.
In Fight 2, you get matched up with a similar opponent, and he is a little more disciplined, but does not have enough to beat you as you guys go all 15 minutes, and you win in a 30-27 majority decision. In Fight 3, you get matched up with a hot up-and-coming. NCAA national championship wrestler. You hang with him for all 3 rounds, but do get manhandled on the ground, but you did land some good strikes on him, and because of his wrestling, he pulls off a 30-27 majority decision victory over you. Your contract is now up, and it's up to the UFC to resign you or let you go.
The matchmakers agree to resign you to a now-or-never 4-fight contract, and they say if your record is 2-2 or worse, you're going to have to be cut. You fight and go 3-1 with 2 finishes and lose to the future champion. You are climbing up the ranks, but always folding when you get that one chance. You always seem to end up in the middle of the rankings, and you're getting very frustrated. Then, after you conclude, you break the news to your hometown gym and announce that you will be training at the American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. You say this because you would like to be around a championship environment with all the top UFC fighters in the country. First, you do not like your training as you lose your first 2 fights with the American Top Team. You make adjustments with the best in the USA, and then you get 2 consecutive finishes in your next 2 fights. You win your next 4 with 1 finish. Your matchmaker has now offered you the biggest fight of your life, a chance to win a UFC championship belt. Your opponent is the current 2-time defending champ, and you enter the fight as the underdog. As you get your Co-Main event of the evening fight Bruce Buffer once again yells your name for a championship-level fight intro. Going into the fight, you thought you were a good boxer and kicker, but then you realized that you did not stay on your previous team. You lose your first championship, but as time goes on, you can figure out everything that spawned, as once again, you are going to attempt to conquer the UFC fighting world.
Jake Yono
JY Journalism
10/5/25
The Journey Of An MMA Fighter Part #3
Your record now stands at 13-5. After a tough championship loss, you take a moment to reflect on your journey. You evaluate yourself, consider your shortcomings, and remind yourself of the quote that has driven your career: “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I will be a champion one day.” Those words reignite your determination. Instead of dwelling on defeat, you decide to use it as fuel for improvement. You take a week to rest and recover, both physically and mentally, before jumping back into training.
During that week, the updated UFC Welterweight Rankings were released. You anxiously check the list and breathe a sigh of relief when you see that you’ve only dropped to #4. It’s a testament to your skills and reputation that a loss in the championship didn’t knock you further down. As you reflect on the fight, you come to terms with the truth—you weren’t fully prepared for the intensity of competing at that level. Your opponent’s clinch control and relentless strikes made it incredibly difficult for you to mount an offensive game plan. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but you know the only way forward is through hard work and preparation. You study the fight tape obsessively, pinpointing areas where you faltered. You analyze your mistakes, from defensive lapses to missed opportunities to capitalize on openings. Armed with these lessons, you approach your next training camp with renewed focus and determination. Your matchmaker contacts you to discuss your next fight. Together, you decide on an opponent who will push you to your limits: the #2 Welterweight Contender. He’s an experienced wrestler nearing the twilight of his career, having held the championship belt four years ago. Despite his age, he remains a formidable challenge, especially given his wrestling pedigree. To prepare for this high-stakes bout, you hire a world-class wrestling coach from the American Top Team. Training intensifies as you drill takedown defense, scrambles, and transitions endlessly. This fight is more than just another match; it’s the main event at the UFC Apex, with fans and analysts eagerly watching to see how you bounce back from your last loss. Financially, you’ve come a long way since the start of your career. After four years in the UFC, you’ve earned enough to stop working a day job and purchase a modest beach house, where you can focus entirely on training. Yet, you remain hungry—not just for victory but for recognition. The thought of earning performance bonuses or Fight of the Night honors keeps you motivated. The day of the fight arrives, and as you walk into the Apex, you feel a deep sense of readiness. Every aspect of your training has been meticulous, and you’re confident that you’ve done everything possible to set yourself up for success.
The fight begins, and as expected, your opponent wastes no time going for takedowns. He manages to get you to the mat early, but you stay active, scrambling out of bad positions and landing ground strikes whenever possible. Round 1 is closely contested, with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage. In Round 2, you seize the momentum. Utilizing your striking, you land several clean shots, including spinning wheel kicks that briefly stun your opponent. The crowd roars as you press forward. Rounds 3 and 4 are a grueling mix of striking exchanges and grappling battles. Both of you are tested to the limit, trading significant blows and exhausting every ounce of energy. In the fifth and final round, your opponent digs deep, securing an early takedown. He controls you for a significant portion of the round, and then, with incredible precision, locks in a tight choke. Despite your best efforts to escape, you’re forced to tap out. The loss stings, but you hold your head high as the crowd erupts in applause. The fight was an instant classic, a thrilling back-and-forth war that showcased the heart and skill of both fighters. The UFC recognizes this by awarding you Fight of the Night honors, along with a generous bonus.
Now 13-6, with three fights left on your contract, you’re determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Your next fight is against a less challenging opponent in a three-round match. This time, you dominate from start to finish, earning a unanimous decision victory in all three rounds during the first bout of a PPV main card. Your second fight is against a top-10 contender. After a cautious and strategic first round, you find your rhythm in the second, landing a clean combination that ends the fight via knockout. In your final contract fight, you face the #6-ranked contender, a dangerous striker with a known weakness in wrestling. The first round is tough—you struggle to take him down and endure a barrage of strikes. But in the second round, you execute a single-leg takedown with precision, dominating in ground control before securing a submission in the final minute.
With your record now at 16-6, Dana White and the matchmakers call you in for a meeting. At 30 years old, with five years of UFC experience under your belt, you feel a renewed sense of purpose. You’ve always believed that your faith in God and your relentless drive could lead you to greatness. The UFC offers you a contract extension, solidifying their belief in your potential. When the new rankings are released, you’re thrilled to see your name at #3 in the Welterweight Division. The stage is set—it’s officially time to chase your ultimate dream of becoming a UFC Champion.
Jake Yono
JY Journalism
1/22/25
The Journey Of An MMA Fighter #4
Sitting at 16-6 with a three-fight win streak, a new ranking as the third-best welterweight in the world, and a fresh contract, you carry a lot of optimism. But as you soak in the excitement of your achievements, reality sets in—you’re 30 years old, and the average career span of a fighter is short, usually ending between the ages of 35 and 40. The clock is ticking, and it’s clear that if you’re going to make your mark and capture UFC gold, the time is now. Despite the looming pressure, you don’t let it weigh you down. As the #3 contender in the welterweight division, your stock has risen significantly, bolstered by your growing social media presence and a reputation for hard training. You’re assigned a five-round fight on a pay-per-view card—only the second of your career. It’s not the main event, but it’s a pivotal moment to prove you belong in the championship conversation.
Since your last five-round fight was a year and a half ago, you’ve been ramping up your cardio. The long hours in the gym have instilled confidence in your ability to go the distance. Your opponent is a formidable wrestler, ranked #1 in the division before the current champion and interim champion. He’s known for relentless pressure and control, qualities that have derailed many other fighters’ dreams. Determined to meet this challenge head-on, you make significant adjustments to your training. To prepare, you hire a world-class wrestling coach with extensive experience. He pushes you to master scrambles and build endurance to escape tough situations. Twice a week, you jog up a 1,000-foot mountain, a grueling exercise that sharpens your mental and physical resilience. Every day, you visualize what’s at stake—a chance to climb one step closer to the UFC title. Fight night arrives at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fans are eager to see if you can overcome the inconsistencies that have plagued your UFC journey. Cameras follow your every move, capturing the intensity in your eyes as you warm up. The noise in the arena is deafening, but you embrace the pressure, knowing that the greater the stakes, the sweeter the reward. Round 1 unfolds as expected: the wrestler immediately shoots for a takedown, securing it within the first minute. He maintains control on the ground, landing heavy strikes that leave their mark. For three minutes, you struggle to escape, but in the final moments, you find a way to scramble back to your feet. Before the round ends, he takes you down again, asserting dominance. In round 2, you make the necessary adjustments. You use your footwork to maintain distance, turning the fight into a kickboxing match. A well-timed head kick forces him to respect your striking. While he manages to take you down again, you escape within seconds, denying him the control he had in the first round. Rounds 3 and 4 are fiercely contested, with both fighters landing significant strikes and controlling different aspects of the fight. Heading into the fifth and final round, the bout is tied on the scorecards. The pressure mounts, but you thrive in these moments. Early in the round, you land a head kick that staggers your opponent, sending the crowd into a frenzy. You capitalize with ground-and-pound, but he survives, barely holding on. Exhausted, he lacks the energy for more takedowns, leaving you to dictate the pace. The fight goes to the judges, and you’re awarded a unanimous decision victory, 48-47. The arena erupts as your hand is raised in triumph. Not long after, the interim champion defeats the reigning champion, setting the stage for your first shot at UFC gold. Your opponent is a 25-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist from Africa with impressive kickboxing credentials. He’s coming up from lightweight, where he claimed the interim title in his last fight. At 31, you have the edge in experience and physical maturity, but his skill set makes him a dangerous challenge. Both of you have 10 UFC fights under your belts, making the matchup highly anticipated. You dedicate yourself to a grueling 10-week fight camp, studying hours of film on your opponent. You sharpen every aspect of your game, knowing that championship fights demand perfection. The fight takes place at the T-Mobile Arena, and the atmosphere is electric. Round 1 is competitive, with you controlling the fight for two minutes before your opponent lands a series of strikes that leave deep cuts above your eyes. Between rounds, your corner patches you up, and you refocus. In round 2, you execute a move no one expects—a spinning backfist from the clinch that knocks your opponent unconscious. The crowd erupts as the referee waves off the fight. Bruce Buffer announces your name, and Dana White wraps the belt around your waist. At 31, you’ve reached the pinnacle of the sport. With the championship comes newfound fame, lucrative brand deals, and the promise of more high-profile fights. Your first title defense is against a well-rounded fighter who recently lost the interim title. The fight ends controversially in the fourth round when a groin strike forces a doctor stoppage. The belt is stripped from you, and your ranking drops to #2. Frustrated but determined, you continue fighting. However, you lose your next two bouts—one by decision, the other by submission—bringing your record to 18-9. At 33, doubts creep in. Do you still love the sport? After reflecting with your family, you find your answer: yes. you embark on a comeback. You win four consecutive fights against mid-level opponents, proving that you still have the hunger and skill to compete. This streak earns you another title shot, this time against a 40-year-old journeyman champion. Critics question his legitimacy, but you silence them with a first-round knockout to reclaim the belt. Determined to prove yourself, you defend the title against a 25-year-old striker. The fight is a war, lasting 25 grueling minutes. Using the lessons from your long career, you outlast your opponent and retain the belt.
At 35, you defend the title one final time. The victory is bittersweet; your body aches from years of punishment. You’ve accomplished everything you set out to do, but the time has come to hang up your gloves. Retiring with a 24-9 record, you reflect on a career that gave you purpose, financial security, and a platform to inspire others. Fighting taught you discipline, resilience, and gratitude. You thank God for the journey and walk away, proud of how far you’ve come.
