And New... Mountain guy as MMA champion
Same, same and not any different. Unless by some misfortune they break their hand in the first round, every time a fighter from a remote, mountainous region whose name conveniently ends with a “V” steps into an MMA title fight, the outcome is almost inevitable. Luck has nothing to do with it. Putting aside the obvious fighting factors like skills development, fight IQ and coaching quality. Their success boils down to two simple truths that leave both their adversaries and bookmakers powerless.
A Lifetime of Combat
These fighters have been grappling and scrapping since childhood. While most kids around the world were being forced to eat their cauliflower for dinner, these kids were developing cauliflower ears from playtime beatings. Fighting isn’t a sport to them; it’s a way of life.
As they grow older and go professional, when others celebrate year-round and get serious about training when a fight is announced, these men stay in training mode all year long and celebrate when a fight is scheduled. It’s a clash of mindsets. One that humbled Conor McGregor and quite literally changed his face (though Botox fillers might be the actual culprit).
High-Altitude Conditioning
These warriors don’t just train; they train at altitude, in minimalist and harsh conditions. Take Dagestan, for example, an average elevation of 950m, with fighters frequently pushing up to 2000m for training. Those who have trained at altitude know exactly what this means: bottomless cardio, unbreakable endurance, and the ability to outwork any opponent when it matters most. They don’t gas out. They don’t slow down. They break their opponents.
Now, while nothing can be done about the first part, the second? That can be replicated if you know where to look. And if you don’t, that’s okay.
I’ve already found it for you. You won’t need to go to Russia.
LIVE HIGH, TRAIN HIGH
I moved to the Himalayas for this exact reason. To live at 2000m, train at 2500m, and suffocate at 4000m. Just 90 minutes away.
If you’re an MMA fighter tired of gassing out against Dagestanis and mountain fighters, that same advantage will soon be within your reach.
I’m setting up personalized high-altitude training camps, with a holistic body, breath and mental conditioning approach for MMA fighters in the Himalayas. This will be a raw, no-frills camp, just you and the mountains. Living like a monk, training like a warrior.
The mountains are calling. If you’re ready to stop gassing out and start breaking your opponents, keep your eyes on this space.