Can a blank-slate, 24 year old have time to compete in MMA?

[WhoopedChuck526]

Hey guys, I have been working out the last year or so just trying to get in shape and am kind of at a cross-roads with my job satisfaction and thought I would love to compete in MMA, but at 24, virtually no MMA knowledge other than TMA like Karate and lots of time being an MMA enthusiast do I have any time to get into training for Pro fights? I have never wrestled or practiced any grappling of any kind and can't really speak for my boxing skills but I have always been able to throw hard punches and kicks and I got a good sized noggin'.

Sorry if this is kind of misplaced as far as the proper forum but I just wanted to get any input at all at whether I should pursue this. I thought I'd also add that I live a 35 miles from Team Quest near PDX, Oregon. And if it's too late to make a decent career, it's always a good healthy hobby and exciting lifestyle as it can offer great physical, health, and confidence rewards.

Thanks in advance!

[JohnnyBuddha]

Sorry I can't comment on the career aspect, but it's definitely not too late to start and try some amateur action, especially if you're somewhat athletically-inclined (this will make it easier to learn what you need to learn).

I improved by leaps and bounds in my kickboxing from just 8 months of 3 days a week, 2 hours at a time with a great coach. So if you have good coaching behind you, and you dedicate a consistent amount of time, who knows.

[wildman1717]

No it isn't too late, get to Team Quest and get started.

[Rip-Rabbo]

It's not too late to start, even if you're looking to make a competitive career. There was recently an article on Sherdog's front page about a Japanese fighter that started at your age, and is now looking to compete for a championship title in Japan if I remember correctly.

Granted, Ken Norton was an athletic monster, but he started boxing at 24 and became one of the best HWs ever.

[dat1978]

Originally Posted by WhoopedChuck526

Hey guys, I have been working out the last year or so just trying to get in shape and am kind of at a cross-roads with my job satisfaction and thought I would love to compete in MMA, but at 24, virtually no MMA knowledge other than TMA like Karate and lots of time being an MMA enthusiast do I have any time to get into training for Pro fights? I have never wrestled or practiced any grappling of any kind and can't really speak for my boxing skills but I have always been able to throw hard punches and kicks and I got a good sized noggin'.

Sorry if this is kind of misplaced as far as the proper forum but I just wanted to get any input at all at whether I should pursue this. I thought I'd also add that I live a 35 miles from Team Quest near PDX, Oregon. And if it's too late to make a decent career, it's always a good healthy hobby and exciting lifestyle as it can offer great physical, health, and confidence rewards.

Thanks in advance!

dude, half of all mma fighters you see in ufc, bodog, wec, etc... were just like you. everybody wants to jump in now that mma is the cool thing. don't take that as a swipe against you, i'm just saying now that mma and martial arts are getting so much exposure there are lots of people at all ages wanting to get into it.

if you have a place near you to train then go for it.

[spirez]

It's not actually that hard to get onto a pro card, but obviously it won't be on the level of UFC, K1 etc. It helps if you can find a gym that has good contacts such as referees, event organizers, promoters etc.

My mate has only been training around 18 months and has had 2 amateur fights, 5 semi pro and is looking to go pro by next year.

Just train hard and take each day as it comes

[GroundWorkz]

Check the average age of the IFL fighters

[The Colonel]

You could totally do it man. Its all about how willing you are to train hard. Personally I think almost anyone can make it to atleast getting a shot in the UFC. We've all seen guys that get a shot but are pretty unimpressive. The guys that stick around though are the ones that have A) lots of talent B)train like absolute madmen, or C) have both.

[Joe Funaro]

24 is nothing. Your still young. Start training at an MMA school, even if its only 2x a week. Try to do more obviuosly, but I think the biggest thing is to remember that this is a sport. You have to be athletic. Work hard starting now on your strength, agility, explosiveness, endurance and so on. You could become very athletic and in amazing shape pretty quickly. By the time your 30 you could be an amazing athlete with great MMA skills.

[nickname]

never too late, randy, franklin, all started late, hell, even bisping only started training 3 years ago and hes a top contender, a lot of people talk and never do anything, find a fighting gym, draw out a plan, eat the right foods and abide by it. simple as.