I need help with my career

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Roger

Lurker
Feb 16, 2017
1
0
Hi, I'm 17 years old, I love the art of fighting and I'm currently training BJJ. I would like to be a MMA fighter and hopefully be in UFC one day. Im horrible with school and I'm graduating next year, I need some career advice. I am really confused with life now... i'v been training bjj 8 months now. I go train all weekdays, because weekend the gym is closed.
 

RedDragonUK

Posting Machine
Apr 17, 2015
986
1,179
Graduate do your schooling then ramp up training afterwards. It only takes one injury to end your fight career. Chuck Liddell had an accountancy degree, Rich Franklin was a teacher in fact most of the most successful fighters had a work discipline outside of fighting to fall back on.

You can do both and when the important stuff is out the way then pursue the career. You can still train but don't let it ruin your education. You have years to get good at all the disciplines and get the miles in conditioning wise.
 

nuraknu

savage
Jul 20, 2016
6,247
10,770
Imo, if you can't face a 4-year degree right now, look for a two-year degree or trade certification in something that will help you either in your sport or in your life no matter what. Be open to going back for more schooling later on.

Keep a notebook on strategies used by your coaches and get involved in kids' classes or something.

Seriously watch everyone around you and try making a list of careers around what you love that you can fall back on or do in between fights.

Read Urijah Faber's book. It's not long. It will be worth it for you.

Ask your parents or an older person you trust before taking any advice from people the internet.

There is a good bunch on this forum, so if you post your general location (country or state), you might end up being able to network a little bit or go to local events (with other people to make sure there is no kidnapping or anything).
 
M

member 603

Guest
I'm not going to give life advice on an internet forum, I suggest that you talk with your family about that.

In the topic of your desire to become a professional MMA fighter, my suggestion is to get to a good school, with a good coach who motivates and pushes you, and with a great group of training partners.... Start there and see what your coach says
 

nuraknu

savage
Jul 20, 2016
6,247
10,770
you might end up being able to network a little bit
Sorry, to be clear, what I meant about networking is that there are people around who are fighters or are involved in certain aspects like conditioning, etc.
 

RedDragonUK

Posting Machine
Apr 17, 2015
986
1,179
Just to say I meant graduate not continue education after as I can tell your heart isn't in it but it is important to finish graduating.
 

Darqnezz

Merkin' fools since pre-school
Apr 25, 2015
4,653
7,214
1. Talk to your family.
2. Talk to your coach. He should be able to tell if you should try.
3. Hopefully your gym has high level athletes in it (guys already winning at MMA and bjj at national levels). If not find one.
4. Find a job that will allow you to follow your dream.
 

Leigh

Engineer
Pro Fighter
Jan 26, 2015
10,925
21,293
I fought. I also have an engineering degree. I am SO glad I got qualified instead of putting all my eggs in the fighting basket. My suggestion would be to do the same, IE find a trade other than fighting, whilst you learn your MMA skills alongside.
 

KWingJitsu

ยาเม็ดสีแดงหรือสีฟ้ายา?
Nov 15, 2015
10,311
12,758
Graduate do your schooling then ramp up training afterwards. It only takes one injury to end your fight career. Chuck Liddell had an accountancy degree, Rich Franklin was a teacher in fact most of the most successful fighters had a work discipline outside of fighting to fall back on.

You can do both and when the important stuff is out the way then pursue the career. You can still train but don't let it ruin your education. You have years to get good at all the disciplines and get the miles in conditioning wise.
Listen to this man.
Have a backup plan. Fighting ain't all roses and slow mo highlights..... when you're young you think you'll be the next big thing.
Then reality hits you and you realize the guy you're fighting thinks the same way. (And hits harder than you.)
Separate yourself with a backup plan.
 

SC MMA MD

TMMAC Addict
Jan 20, 2015
5,715
10,841
Listen to this man.
Have a backup plan. Fighting ain't all roses and slow mo highlights..... when you're young you think you'll be the next big thing.
Then reality hits you and you realize the guy you're fighting thinks the same way. (And hits harder than you.)
Separate yourself with a backup plan.
Good advice here. Even UFC level fighters (aside from the very top tier) are highly unlikely to support themselves long term by just fighting. The smart guys have another job or business for when the fighting stops or an unexpected injury happens.