Martial Arts

Muay Thai is the traditional Thai boxing sport that has unique techniques and traditions. If you follow their competitions and tournaments, you may realize that the fighters change their names frequently. But why do Muay Thai fighters change their names?

Muay Thai fighters change their last names and adopt their gym names to honor their trainers and gyms. They also do this to show people their fighting styles and promote the gym they fight for. If they change their gyms during their fighting career, they’ll change their names, too.

In the rest of the article, we’ll elaborate on different possible reasons that Muay Thai fighters change their names. We’ll also talk about other traditions in their culture.

Read MoreWhy Do Muay Thai Fighters Change Their Names? 📜🥊

Many female MMA fighters weave their hair into cornrows when they fight. Is this something they are required to do by the rules of the sport? Do they braid the cornrows to keep their opponents from ripping their hair out, or is it a personal choice?

Female MMA fighters have cornrows for safety and as part of their overall image and brand. Long hair can distract the fighter, and although pulling a fighter’s hair is illegal, accidents happen. But they are not required to wear cornrows, and some female MMA fighters choose not to.  

Read MoreWhy Do Female MMA Fighters Have Cornrows? 👩🏻‍🦱🥋

Boxers wear shoes, wrestlers wear them, and in many martial arts, practitioners also wear them. But MMA fighters go in the ring barefoot. Why is that?

MMA fighters are barefoot because of uniform rules created in 2002 and then adopted in 2009. Any sanctioned event must follow these rules. Although some people would like to see MMA fighters wear martial arts shoes, many MMA fighters prefer to fight barefoot.

Read MoreWhy Are MMA Fighters Barefoot? 🦶🥋

Bodybuilders, due to their huge physiques, often come off as lethal fighters. From their massive arms to their big guns and even protruded chest physique, it’s easy for everyone to think that bodybuilders are great fighters. So why do bodybuilders think they can fight?

Bodybuilders think they can fight mainly due to their huge muscles, which can disproportionately boost their confidence. The knowledge that they lift heavy weights creates a fallacy that they can succeed in the cage or ring. Some bodybuilders think they can take on any smaller opponent, which is wrong!

Read MoreWhy Do Bodybuilders Think They Can Fight? 💪🥋

When you think of an MMA fighter, you probably think of someone strong. But when you think of painting your toenails, you may think that’s more feminine or soft. Still, some MMA fighters will paint their toenails.

Some MMA fighters paint their toenails because their toenails start to look gross after so much kicking. Painting their toenails allows MMA fighters to cover that up. Some MMA fighters also paint their toenails to prevent cracking and splitting. It can also be a form of expression for some.

Read MoreWhy Do Some MMA Fighters Paint Their Toenails? 🦶💅

MMA fighters step into the octagon, ready to take on opponents with a broad background in various martial arts. Therefore, they too must have expertise in the right artforms to be effective during their fights.

Taekwondo (TKD) is effective in MMA. It provides a foundation for improved flexibility and dexterity for kicking, sometimes from awkward positions. Being an effective kicker allows fighters to gain distance, score knockdowns, and win surprise knockouts. Taekwondo specializes in kicks. Therefore, you should diversify your fighting techniques beyond Taekwondo to include boxing, elbows, shin kicks, and grappling to become a successful MMA fighter.

Read MoreIs Taekwondo Effective In MMA? 🦵🥋

Registering yourself as a lethal weapon is often believed to be a requirement for individuals trained in martial arts or professional fighting. While a high level of physical skills and advanced abilities in this field can render a person more likely to injure severe or fatal consequences, this registration process is not a requirement but may be considered for various reasons.

You can register yourself as a lethal weapon, but it is not a necessary step in studying martial arts or professional fighting, and it is not a requirement by law. Although it is a primarily misunderstood practice, there are specific situations where registration may be requested.

Read MoreCan You Register Yourself As A Lethal Weapon? ⚔️📜

When fighters are getting ready for a fight, they have to weigh-in to make sure they fall within their weight classes. Many fighters want to have an advantage by weighing-in at a weight below their natural weight, so they cut their weight before a fight. The weigh-in is usually the day before the fight, and the fighter can rehydrate and get the nourishment his body needs before the actual fight. 

Fighters will often cut weight before the weigh-in so that they can fight in a lower class. This can give fighters an advantage and the ability to overpower their opponents. After the weigh-in, they will rehydrate and renourish their bodies to have the strength and stamina they need for the fight. They gain some weight in this process, and the amount varies from fighter to fighter. 

Read MoreWhat Weight Do Fighters Actually Fight At? ⚖️ 🤼