[omgitsrick]

Alot of people argue about how lifting is detrimental for MMA, or how it makes you slow and not explosive. Others argue it helps you and makes you MORE explosive. Pro lifting people have more proof whereas the others don't really have factual evidence to back up their claims. But if lifting really helps that much why do alot of pro fighters succeed without it? And if a fighter who succeeds without lifting starts lifting (and im not talking about curls and tricep extensions) will he be an even better fighter?

for example: If Fedor got a good powerlifting routine and started using it, would he be a better fighter because of it? Would it be possible for him to be a worse fighter?

[ThinkGreen]

If someone starts focusing too much on lifting and not enough on technique then I think they could become a "worse" fighter.

[omgitsrick]

Originally Posted by ThinkGreen

If someone starts focusing too much on lifting and not enough on technique then I think they could become a "worse" fighter.

This is true, but I'm talking strictly about supplementing your fighting WITH lifting.

[chia]

Almost everything is beneficial, but MMA is so complex that it is all about priority. You can go overboard on conditioning, on strength training, on supplements, even training if it is cutting into your recovery time.

There can hardly be any detriment to being too strong, but sometimes stronger fighters learn to rely on strength and power instead of technique, and this can affect the way they learn certain techniques. They may get used to powering through certain moves and forget the technical aspects which can be detrimental when facing a larger opponent. Relying too much on strength can also drain the energy systems quickly and affect stamina (ala Mark Coleman vs. Mo Smith).

That said, I believe the majority of fighters out there could definitely benefit from increasing their strength levels, but it is up to them to figure out their own priorities as a fighter. All forms of training take a toll on the body and everyone needs time for recovery while avoiding injuries.

[Rare Chestnuts]

Originally Posted by omgitsrick

Alot of people argue about how lifting is detrimental for MMA, or how it makes you slow and not explosive. Others argue it helps you and makes you MORE explosive. Pro lifting people have more proof whereas the others don't really have factual evidence to back up their claims. But if lifting really helps that much why do alot of pro fighters succeed without it? And if a fighter who succeeds without lifting starts lifting (and im not talking about curls and tricep extensions) will he be an even better fighter?

for example: If Fedor got a good powerlifting routine and started using it, would he be a better fighter because of it? Would it be possible for him to be a worse fighter?

Every fighter could benefit from being stronger. The problem is that your possible training time and recovery abilities aren't unlimited. Every hour you spend in the weight room is an hour you can't spend practicing your skills or working on your conditioning. You have to find the balance that works for you based on what your goals are and where your weaknesses lie.

[Brad Morris]

Strength is a factor in a fight, if all else is equal than the stronger fighter will have an advantage. But there are so many variables in a fight.

If a good fighter supplements his training with a smart lifting program then yes he will reap good benefits. But if a fighter starts to focus on strength alone he risks keeping his many other training areas sharp, such as timing, speed, endurance, skill/technique work etc.

[Jaxx]

From Ross...

'Many athletes become obsessed with weight room numbers. They focus too much attention towards the weight room. Rather than improving as a fighter, their focus shifts towards improving as a weight lifter. They become more interested in lifting 10 more pounds, as opposed to throwing 10 more punches per round.

You will not learn how to fight in the weight room. You will not earn any points with the judges by boasting of an impressive bench press. No matter what you do in training, it must contribute to your improvement as an athlete. If your strength program does not offer specific results, it is not worth your time and energy. Remember, the goal of any combat sport is to defeat your opponent, not to lift the greatest load in the weight room.'


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[Mumrik]

Originally Posted by omgitsrick

for example: If Fedor got a good powerlifting routine and started using it, would he be a better fighter because of it? Would it be possible for him to be a worse fighter?

What makes you think he doesn't already have a solid lifting routine? The man is strong.

[spiral]

for example: If Fedor got a good powerlifting routine and started using it, would he be a better fighter because of it? Would it be possible for him to be a worse fighter?

I remember reading somewhere that Fedor actually did heavy compound lifts for judo before he started MMA. I also remember an interview where he says that it's better to fight heavy people to gain stength than lifting heavy weights... this might be true with judo, where you actually *lift* and throw peoples, but with other martial arts maybe this would not make do. I know *my* judo increased a lot with lifting, that's for sure ^^

[Donut62]

The 4 replies in a row from Chia, Rare Chestnuts, Brad Morris, and Jaxx are all spot on.