why is there such a large gap in cadio

[jimbob kelly]

Between pro boxing and pro mma ?
Offten I'm Watching nobody boxers fighting fit into later 10 round fights , yet watch top flight mma fighters gas into the 2nd 3rd round ?

[MikeyL]

Ever thought because in MMA you use just about every single energy system in about 2 mins?

Plus the amount of work done is MUCH greater!

[jimbob kelly]

Do u mean both mma fighter and boxer have equal cardio but one is doing more and burning it off faster. Well I can see that wrestling grapling and the wieght been moved is a Massive strain on energy but still I can't see it filling the gap, I still feel the boxer apears. Fitter.
Is it that a striker requires cadio more than a mma. Fighter?
Or is. It a case of a mma fighter simply can't afford to put the effort into such intense cardio instead needing a more rounded fittnes ie explosive strenth and what have you ?

[andymc]

I was fit for sparring thai boxing , but couldnt cope with 5 mins of full on bjj, took me ages to be able to join back in the session after 1st time

[KODE]

Try this.

Do 1 min of Bag Work using just punches. See how out of breath you are.

THEN

Do 1 min of Bag work, using punches, knees, kicks, elbows, and throw in the odd sprawl/burpee, and then see how out of breath you are.

The point is, that MMA uses a lot more than just the hands and footwork needed of boxing. The rounds are longer, and it takes a lot more energy to launch an effective attack in MMA due to the fact that you have to worry about more than just the hands. Also, When you are on the recieving end of a takedown, it takes a LOT of energy and wind out of you. Also things like Leg kicks and knees to the legs can really slow down your movement, meaning again you have to put in a lot more effort to move with speed and agility.

It also seems to me, there is a lot more, 'wasted movement' or tatical movement in boxing, not as much action, hence the reasont hey seem to preserve energy better.

[d@n]

As was mentioned before, mma uses more energy systems and also the fact that there are fewer weight category means the fighters are inclined to cut far more in mma which has an effect on cardio. mma fighters tend in general to be more muscular for wrestling and grappling and muscle needs oxygen (just look how skinny most boxers legs are), tysons build was an oddity in boxing but would be normal in mma.

[jimbob kelly]

I think I get it now, horses for corses.
If dos santos boxed 12 rounds with haye he would gas , but if haye grappeld in the cage. With. Santos haye would be the one gassing right ?

[Dave78]

I think I get it now, horses for corses.
If dos santos boxed 12 rounds with haye he would gas , but if haye grappeld in the cage. With. Santos haye would be the one gassing right ?

wrong, striking is hard physically ... but grappling is sooo much more tiring! When im completely gassed out of my ass, i can still guard and throw (although maybe not kicks) but once the lactic acid is there and im completely gassed i cant grapple and have no td defence!

[Smiler]

Hi guys,

All about the energy systems...and MMA is far more demanding on the body than straight boxing.

Its also the shifts the body has to go through from the tension of grappling reverting to the relaxation of striking...

And here's another point - during grappling your lungs are often compressed or limited in breathing, therefore your body is not recovering at the same rate as when you are free to breath...

Smiler

[LouieJ]

Thing is though, alot of mma guys get gassed before they even go to ground, sometimes its seems as though going to ground is the easier option???

[dunny]

5 min rounds vs 3 min rounds too dont forget

[boxingbrit]

Its also the shifts the body has to go through from the tension of grappling reverting to the relaxation of striking...

Exactly


.......

[jimbob kelly]

Did my first bjj lesson Monday. , sore abbs back and fingers , starting to understand it better now.
Urgh I'm aching

[Jamie Taylor]

Jimbob wait until you put punches, kicks etc into the mix as well as sprawls, td attempts and the sub attempts / positions etc ( I'm guessing you didnt even have a proper roll ) ? Then you will understand even more.

[dawson]

Wait until you do a three minute spar of pure wrestling you'll be breathing out your arse mate