If you’re a mixed-martial artist and you’ve been in a fight that’s gone the distance, then maybe you know the terrible feeling of having nothing left to give with 2 minutes left in a round. If you haven’t gone the distance or haven’t had a pro fight yet, then use the 5 tips in this article to make sure you’re the one maintaining the pressure and imposing will – not your opponent.

1) Do sprints and intervals instead of long, slow runs.

MMA is a sport that requires explosive, quick moves and strength at various times through a 5 minute round. You never know if you’ll be in a clinch, defending a shot, escaping the mount, or sinking in a triangle. One thing you do know is that you WON’T be jogging around the ring at a slow pace for half an hour. Training in this fashion will help you get your time down for your local charity run, but won’t do anything to help you knock your opponent out.

Instead, stick to sprints and intervals if you’re going to be doing running workouts. An example of a good sprint workout would be to warm-up for 5 minutes doing a dynamic warm-up routine, then doing 5 short 40 yard sprints where you gradually increase your pace from about 60% to 90%. Rest a minute, then do a 100 metre sprint, walk back to the start, and repeat for a total of 10 sprints. This workout will beat distance running hands down for its ability to improve your performance in the cage.

2) Take 2 recovery weeks off for every 4 weeks of conditioning.

This tip is huge, and has helped skyrocket the conditioning of the athletes I train, guys like Jeff Joslin and Rory McDonell. Most fighters have a thing about working themselves to death – this mindset is what makes them tough, but also what keeps them injured and often overtrained, limiting performance in both training and competition.

You can avoid these problems by taking 2 weeks off of your conditioning workouts. You still do your MMA training and strength/power workouts, but let the conditioning go for 2 weeks. When you get back to it, you’ll be fresher and ready to take your conditioning up another notch.

3) Do more specific workouts in the 4 weeks leading up to the fight.

Sprints and intervals are great, but they’re not specific to mixed-martial arts. The workouts that I have my athletes perform include jumps, sprawls, quick feet drills, core stabilization exercises, explosive push-ups – all movements that are used in a fight, performed as quick and explosively as possible. I call these workouts NRG System Complexes, because they tap into every energy system of the body and are made up of a lot of different exercises.

Each complex lasts about 5 minutes, and your goal should be to do 4 complexes in a row with 1 minute of rest where you feel fresh and powerful in the last round. So the closer you get to the fight, the more specific you want to get with your conditioning routine.

Use the tips in this article and you’ll improve your conditioning and your opponents will wish they didn’t waste so much time training doing slow, hour long runs.

If you want to follow the strength and conditioning program that helped Jeff Joslin reach the UFC, visit check out the Ultimate MMA Strength and Conditioning Program

The popularity of Triumph United as a competitive brand on the MMA circuit has grown considerably in recent months. The brand name itself inspires confidence for those who choose Triumph United shirts as part of the clothes they wear to UFC events and individual title matches. You don’t even have to be a hardcore fan to appreciate the full color graphics and unique designs that Triumph puts out on a regular basis.

A company’s quality can often be measured by the big names that are attracted as sponsors to the brand, people who believe in the products they wear as a part of their regular routine. In the case of Triumph, the list is impressive. Fighters like Rampage Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Mayhem Miller, Razor Rob are just some of the people who support the brand, as well as UFC President Dana White and industry tattoo artist Roy Leyva.

Another factor in the success of Triumph United is the fact that their shirts, shorts, and hoodies often have a classic look about them, not relying on the dark themes, trendy skeletons, and hardcore “in your face” style that other brands have in common. Instead, a Triumph United shirt relys heavily on the tradition and prestige of the sport to create their own look, a look that appeals to those who take pride in MMA’s historic past.

The end result is an attractive selection of quality apparel like the Triumph United Jits 3 T-Shirt, the Thai T-Shirt with its bold electric blue design, or the Manchester Hoodie featuring Triumph’s own Fight League logo on the front. These items are as creative as they are original, and they give the impression of professionalism when worn by MMA fighters who are serious about their sport.

The 100% cotton apparel is built to last as well, never fading due to poor quality. They can be safely washed repeatedly witout fear of losing the luster that the Triumph United shirt has when originally purchased. There are also more than enough colors and styles to suit individual tastes. Their casual clothing still looks good enough to attract the attention of friends who ask the fateful question, “Where did you get that cool shirt?”

Comedian Nick Swardson is another Triumph advocate. Nick has been seen on Comedy Central wearing what is now the Official Nick Swardson Signature Tee, and both he and United share a mutual love for MMA competition. The shirt has another regal design that has allowed Triumph United to associate with more than just athletes, giving them the opportunity to spread the word about this special provider of men’s and women’s clothing for mixed martial arts fans.

Overall, Triumph United is a brand that allows their customers to create their own look, without all the hype and gimmicks that some of their competitors use to create market share and capture the imagination of a close-knit family of supporters. By paying attention to the most important details of style, selection, and quality products, they have assured themselves continued success in the years to come.

TapouT apparel is a high profile clothing line created by the late Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr., who died in a car crash last year. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Lewis’ company continues to be a major force on the MMA circuit, providing a complete line of clothing and accessories, including TapouT T shirts, for a select group of fighters and fans. The brand name is synonymous with high quality products, and the company now produces everything from board shorts to shoes to

The respect that the “Mask” earned in the UFC and MMA communities is evidenced by the fact that he was posthumously inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, the only non-fighter ever to be given the honor. His legacy as a proven leader carries over into the company he helped make famous, and each TapouT shirt or piece of equipment is designed with the same dedication and spirit he often showed since starting the business in 1997.

TapouT apparel’s clothing line extends to women’s fashions as well as men’s, since the ladies who support their favorite fighters are an important part of the company’s youthful image and fashion sense. They even make some sexy bikinis and casual dresses for the ladies to wear on the beach or around the ring where all the action takes place. They also carry flannels, tube tops, shorts, and of course, TapouT shirts for ladies, becoming one of the most complete vendors for MMA clothing that includes both sexes and all sizes.

One good example is the Long Sleeve Punk Burnout, a sheer TapouT T shirt with the familiar logo splashed across the chest. Another is the matched fashion sets like the Queen French Terry Hoody and Believe French Terry Pants, both in white. These are the types of clothing that look good and make the girls feel good, accentuating all the right curves in the process.

Getting back to the “main event,” TapouT T shirts that is, check out the TapouT Jake Shields Signature Tee, a beautifully designed shirt that features TapouT’s popular company slogan, “an expression of combat known worldwide,” which pretty much sums up the company’s worldwide influence as a major MMA brand. The bold silver foil design includes an eagle with wings spread wide above the TapouT logo emblazoned on a shield.

Even children aren’t left out by the all-inclusive line of TapouT apparel. The company makes specific models in youth sizes, like the Youth Savage Intentions Tee and the attractive Youth Chainlink Zip Up Hoodie. The detail of the Hoodie is particularly interesting, covering the entire garment in a chain link fence them with embroidered details around the logo. The company also markets TapouT shirts, rash guards, hats, belts, and sweatshirts for the younger generation of MMA fans around the world.

No matter who you are or where you’re going, there’s a number of clothing choices that suit your needs as a dedicated fan of the TapouT brand. You can expect the same level of quality construction that goes into their line of MMA training gear and accessories to appear in the wide variety of apparel TapouT offers, making them one of the most popular brands in the industry.

You can’t just walk into the ring during an MMA title fight looking like a hobo who just came in off the street. Even though they don’t wear much clothing during a fight, mixed martial arts competitors take pride in themselves, and in turn want to wear something that is comfortable yet stylish at the same time. MMA shorts and grappling shorts are a part of that uniform, and a number of vendors take pride in the items they produce for this special class of athletes.

The reasons for choosing a quality pair of mens MMA shorts over just any old pair of shorts are many. For one thing, brands like Dethrone, Manto, Hayabusa Fightwear, Tapout, Jaco, and others spend considerable time and money developing materials that breathe well, are comfortable and flexible during competition, and stand up to the wear and tear of frequent use. The colors and specific designs used appeal to the fans in the stands watching the action, and a well-chosen pair of MMA shorts can promote professionalism for the fighters themselves.

To illustrate some of the features of the best grappling shorts and MMA shorts on the market, let’s take a look at a few specific types. There are the Venum Red Hurricane FX Fight Shorts, for instance, that have impressive design details in a bold red and white pair of shorts. They are made of an extremely lightweight Microfiber material that is durable and tear resistant. They have split outer leg seams to allow freedom of movement, and a special Flex Lycra panel on the inside for comfort.

Another quality pair of MMA shorts that are both functional and attractive are the ADX Black Dragon Fight Shorts. The company approaches a fighter’s movement differently, using state-of-the-art neoprene material in several areas that stretches easily and performs well. The poly directional flex fabric in the body of the garment wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you dry even during the heat of battle. Best of all, they look great without being too flashy to be taken seriously.

On the other side of the coin is something like Tapout’s World Order Board Shorts, which are part of The Ultimate Fighter series of Official Team apparel. These are much more about style and showmanship than other models, having the World Order graphic on one of the legs and the familiar Tapout logo on the backside. They appeal to those looking for longer shorts who are less concerned with ultimate comfort or functionality.

Regardless of the style and brand you choose, it pays to look for the design elements that fit your unique fighting style. Men’s MMA shorts are (or should be) more than just a fashion statement – they are a part of a serious fighter’s training gear and equipment, and should be closely considered to get the best value for your investment over time. Knowing your body and its limitations will help determine the right pair of shorts for your training and professional development.

Like any other sport that requires endurance, agility, and mental toughness, an MMA fighter must train properly to advance to higher performance levels. There are no guarantees in this sport; no trophy comes automatically to someone who simply outlasts his opponent. An athlete who uses MMA training gear properly, however, is an important factor in his success. The long hours spent honing his skills reaps rewards in a title bout when the final bell rings.

Warrior, Hayabusa Fightwear, Combat Sports Intl, Everlast, and Bad Boy are just some of the names that provide this type of specialized equipment. They offer things like boxing pads, sparring equipment, Thai pads, and focus mitts to ensure that those who train are well protected during long sessions that take a toll on the body. These devices and other training accessories are designed to keep a fighter focused on the mental and physical connection that brings him long-lasting success.

Let’s go over some of the items that are considered MMA training gear. Body protectors and boxing pads keep the upper torso covered during kicks, punches, and body maneuvers, allowing a fighter to practice with a partner without risking injuring them. Combat Sports makes a Dome Air Trainer’s Vest specifically for this purpose. It uses Advanced Dome Air Technology to reduce the impact of blows as the energy transfers from someone giving blows to someone receiving them. The four layers of air pockets placed around the synthetic leather pad provide ample protection to the upper body.

Another important piece of sparring equipment is the focus mitts that training partners wear to help fighters deliver accurate single punches and quick combinations each time they throw them. These are thick leather pads that are curved and worn like baseball mitts to safely “catch” the blows coming their way. The best selection includes the Combat Sports Contoured Focus Mitts, which feature 1.5″ of padding for each hand, Hayabusa’s extra-wide, lightweight Optistrike Focus Mitts, and the Bad Boy Leather Curved Contour Focus Mitts, which have a full 2″ of shock-absorbing padding for hands and wrists.

Speaking of boxing pads, Bad Boy also provides an excellent pair of Leather Muay Thai Pads that have both riveted handles and hook and loop forearm straps, allowing training coaches to get a firm grip and allow fighters to deliver the same full force kicks they might use in the ring. These beauties have reinforced stitching on the bottom of the pad to help them stand up to repeated use over time.

When total body protection is needed, look for MMA fighting gear like the Combat Sports Curved Body Shield, which is a full twenty-five inches tall by sixteen inches wide. The vinyl padded exterior is reinforced with multi-layer foam padding and durable nylon straps, increasing the area that an athlete can deliver kicks, punches, and elbows to his training partner while protecting both parties from injury.

In this way, using boxing pads, sparring equipment, and other training accessories in the gym allow fighters to perfect their skills safely while not having to hold back on the power and intensity of their training.

UFC is an established brand name with seventeen years of experience in providing quality gear for MMA athletes and fans of the sport. The company has evolved with the changing dynamics of the martial arts industry, and remains true to its legion of dedicated followers who wear this quality vendor’s UFC clothing. Fighters rely on an association with UFC apparel because of its dedication and history in their field of interest, and they stand behind their products with the premise that every customer’s satisfaction is guaranteed.

People who wear UFC shirts and use their accessories are also dedicated winners, and they want to be connected with clothing that is comfortable, durable, and built to last. These individuals settle for nothing less than the best in themselves, and they expect the same dedication form the items they buy. With the UFC logo on their backs, they gain the confidence and support of a proven leader on the Ultimate Fighting Championship circuit.

Recently publicity regarding Arianny Celeste, who recently made the cover of Maxim magazine as UFC’s “hottest UFC octagon girl,” has only helped to firm up the power of the UFC brand as the leading authority on the sport, while increasing the awareness and desire for UFC apparel.

She is one of a handful of this company’s leading figures that promote the brand’s clothing, and Celeste has a couple signature UFC shirts that show off her lovely features. They also carry an Ocatgon Girl Replica UFC Uniform that gives the guys something to stare at when the girls take to the ring between rounds. The ultra-sexy tops and bottoms both have the company logo strategically placed on the front and back to create a dynamite way for fans to remember the UFC apparel these girls wear.

The diversity of the UFC line of accessories and equipment also offers fans a “one-stop shop” for sticking with the same brand for all their MMA needs. The company’s fight, bag, and practice gloves are considered among the best in the business, and they give fighters a winning edge in competing to the big prizes in championship competition.

UFC clothing is more than just t-shirts and shorts, however. They have a number of jackets, jerseys, polo shirts, and sweatshirts to fill out a fighter’s wardrobe whether he’s in the ring or out on the street turning heads. The UFC Mens Motion Jacket is a fine example, made from 100% polyester treated to repel moisture. The stylish jacket is a form-fitting long-sleeve jacket with a full zip front, side seam pockets, and raglan sleeves.

There’s also the UFC Fence Logo Thermal, available in black, white, and red, as well as the Classic Long and Short Sleeve Rash Guard in fire engine red that demands attention from fans and fighters alike. This UFC shirt is designed to protect fighters from rashes and skin burns when grappling and wrestling with each other in practice. The power of the UFC apparel line is strong, with a complete selection of clothes that outfit MMA enthusiasts from head to toe.

Throwdown MMA has been a brand name built on quality products and equipment for the professional martial arts fighting circuit for some time now. Their product line has steadily grown to include MMA cages, fight gear, gym and punching bags, and most recently, brand name apparel by joining forces with Affliction Clothing to offer a full range of clothing for athletes and fans alike.

Throwdown clothing enters the ring with high quality garments that are both fashionable and durable. The product line incorporates the energy the Affliction brought to the table through their unique partnership, and the craftsmen who design Throwdown shirts, shorts, and casual clothing provide 100% cotton clothes that are soft yet durable, able to stand up to repeated washings without fading.

In a highly competitive market, Throwdown MMA establishes a one-of-a-kind style that can easily be identified from other brands. The same artistic freedom that made each piece of Affliction clothing unique has carried over into the new shirt designs. The look and feel of each piece reflects the company’s commitment to remain true to its heritage, with symbols of power like skulls, swords, and wings dominating the majority of their clothing line. In a way, each Throwdown shirt is a work of art, incorporating colors and silver toned details in many different ways to separate one design from another.

These are the elements that attract faithful customers to the Throwdown MMA brand. Their Headstone Tee and Thorn Tee, for example, bears the message “any time, any place,” something that connects with the mindset of a champion MMA fighter and his legion of hardcore fans. The entire line shares a common message and central theme, that those who wear Throwdown clothing are serious about their sport, and wearing these items instills confidence in the person who chooses their products as a sign of strength and mental toughness.

Even their footwear remains true to the Throwdown image and commitment to quality. Their Wings Shoes are made from heavy-duty nubuck suede leather, with a foam padded tongue and a performance cupsole for extra traction. The all-black shoe also has the familiar company logo drawn across the side of the shoe. They also make an attractive, lightweight Women’s Cardio Kickboxer Shoe with a two-piece cardio outsole that makes an excellent choice for use in training.

Another bright star in the Throwdown clothing line is their hoodies and thermals, for the chilly nights out on the town or away from the ring. The vendor uses water-based inks for their designs, which fill the entire front and back of the jacket. Their Native Thermal is a perfect example, with a breathtaking design that is sure to attract the attention and interest of people who see you wearing one.

Likewise, the Czar Pullover Hoodie leaves little empty space on its bold graphic design, and the athletic cut of all their garments appeal to the chiseled physiques of MMA fighters and athletes who choose Throwdown MMA as their brand of choice.