Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts

By Nolan Barias


While standing around throwing punches is not the best strategy for MMA fighters, one cannot dispute the importance of boxing as part of your training regime. One good punch can quickly end a fight, and requires far less energy than you might need to expend using a Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique. Some of the world's best MMA fighters not only have excellent boxing ability, they have even competed in professional bouts.

While Georges St.-Pierre holds black belts in several forms of martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kyokushin kaikan and Gaidojutsu, his boxing ability has been key to several of his victories, including knockouts in several of his 22 wins. During UFC 48, for example, St. Pierre knocked out fighter Jay Hieron in less than a minute and a half into the bout. He takes boxing seriously enough to train with Freddie Roach, a legendary trainer with his own solid pro boxing record. His strength in multiple skill areas has helped him defend his welterweight championship in his last six fights.

While Muay Thai might be the skill for which Anderson Silva is best known, he is one of the most versatile fighters in the world. In addition to his 32-4 MMA record, he has a 1-1 record in professional boxing. He also holds an impressive array of black belts in everything from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Judo to Muay Thai, of course. In addition to his natural athleticism, his dedication to perfecting multiple fighting styles is why he is one of the world's best fighters.

Vitor Belfort is yet another amazing Brazilian MMA fighter with a strong 21-9 pro record in mixed martial arts. He also participated in one professional boxing match against Josemario Neves in 2006. Belfort knocked down Neves three times in just a minute to win the fight by TKO. While he hasn't participated in another boxing contest since, he continues to train with a boxing coach, as well as working on other skills. He holds several black belts, including Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

For K.J. Noons, limiting himself only to the MMA arena is apparently out of the question. He has an impressive 11-5 MMA record, which began with his first fight in 2002. Between then and now, he has also competed as a professional kickboxer, earning a record of 12-2. He also is a professional boxer with an 11-2 record, winning five of his bouts by knockout. As a teenager he also won the gold medal at the Long Beach International Karate Championships and holds a black belt in Kenpo.

Learning essential boxing skills will improve the overall performance of any fighter, so if you are currently working toward a career in MMA, make sure you add boxing classes along with your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling classes. Select a professional-level MMA gym that offers a variety of classes, including boxing, for one flat monthly fee.




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