One thing that is known with the lower weights SPEED KILLS

When have you watched a lighter weight class in any combat art and not be impressed with the skill and speed? Most lighter fighters have some sort of skill, but the top guys mix speed with that skill and are unstoppable. In MMA, any advantage you have over an opponent you should exploit, but watching two light guys go at it, no matter on the ground or standing can be epic.

By being a smaller fighter you would already have a speed advantage over larger opponents. In grappling tournaments, this is displayed through the Absolute weight class. Here fighters from all divisions sign up and try to out grapple each other to see who’s the best at that tournament, no matter the weight. Here, you can see a match between someone 300lbs versus someone 120lbs. Speed versus strength. But what happens when you take two fine tuned fighting machines at 155lbs and below, place them in cage where anything goes? Speed and power come into play. We aren’t talking about sprinter speed that is useful, but not so much in the cage. Some of this is natural, but it can be developed and cultivated.

The use of plyometric training built specifically for the movements in MMA are a key to success for lower weight classes. Plyometric training in short is you exert a muscle or a group of muscles at maximum force in the shortest amount of time possible. This over time will improve reaction, and explosive power when initiating action, like a takedown. It is not recommended of you aren’t in some type of good physical condition. You should consult with your physician, trainers and coaching staff if you’re ready for this type of training.

Drilling situations that may arise in a fight are also essential. By drilling, you are removing the thoughts that come to mind and having a reaction to an attack or a perceived opening your opponent leave available. To capitalize in these moments can mean the difference between winning and losing. From experience, everyone’s threshold for technique retention is different. Some people only need to do things a few times and it becomes second nature, others need thousands of reps before they get it to be fluid and natural. It also depends on the technique too. Some people pick up grappling faster than striking or wrestling and vice versa. You must train your strengths and drill your weaknesses.