What should you achieve as an amateur before going pro?

[Randy Chung]

Besides a winning record, how do you know when you are ready for pro?

I know some people just jump right into prize fighting but I'm a person that likes to have all my ducks in a row first.

I thought maybe if I won 6 and that would be enough but I see some of you have more then 20 amateur fights. Are you guys planning on going pro?

[Minto]

I went pro (although I've only had 1 pro fight) as soon as someone was willing to pay me to fight at their event. I saw amateur fights are a good way to build up my reputation as a good/exciting fighter that people would want to watch. If people want to pay you to fight for them, why not do it. Also in the northwest there are different rules for pro and amateur and I wanted to use elbows as soon as someone would let me.

[TheCatsmasher1]

Dont jump right into it. I think its best to experience a loss as an ametuer rather than pro so you know how to deal with it. I've seen some guys that have gone undefeated as ammy's then they start out say 0-2 as a pro and they dont know how to deal with it. Just my opinion.

[NotInTheFace!]

until you feel comfortable and/or until someone is willing to pay you.
Don't take a pro fight if you've never stepped in the ring/cage before...i've seen some guys who were promising go 2-5 and hang it up. But i've also seen guys stay amateur waaay too long.

[BTTinUSA]

Id say a certain degree of experience would be the best before jumping in there with professionals.

It really depends. Like for instance, if youre a world class BJJ player, i wouldnt expect you to be doing AM fights. Like Andre Gavalo for example.

My instructor wont let us even consider fighting until we are a seasoned blue belt at the very least. And even then, it depends on several other factors.

Years training, age, experience, natural ability, and confidence, etc...

Id say if you rally off 4 or 5 wins as an AM, youre ready to fight for money. Or if youre an accomplished grappler or even striker, perhaps you dont need as many AM fights before fighting professionally.

[ciscokid1024]

I think you should talk to your trainer and pro fighters you spare with and see what they think. I think the amateur fights give you experience so once you think you are ready to go pro go for it.

-I am not a fighter at any level, just my 2 cents.

[xMTDx]

what do you class as an amateur fight as opposed to a pro fight? Is it just the money? Or rules and level of competition?

[BTTinUSA]

The difference between an AM vs. a Pro is the pro fights for money.
AKA a prize fighter.

[WCCC]

I do a lot of work with amateurs MMAers and I've seen guys go too soon but never too late. Try to get into amateur shows that are "qualifiers." I sponsor a lot of the XCC shows in Michigan which is used by King of the Cage as a feeder org.

[Michael Linger]

I went Pro with no Amatuer fights in MMA. it's relative to what you want to do, when you think youre ready.

i did have Amatuer Expierence as a Wrestler, Boxer and Karate Practitioner though.