Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are two of the most popular sports in the world. Both combat sports have millions of fans with superstars from Canelo to Khabib. There are differences between the two along with key similarities. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you have goals related to physical fitness and learning self-defense.
Boxing and MMA are part of our curriculum here at Absolute MMA in West Jordan, Utah. Members of Absolute MMA who want to learn Boxing and MMA all have different goals and levels of experience. These goals range from weight loss to wanting to compete in organized competition. Regardless of why you want to train, we’re here to help you accomplish your goals through top-tier training and education.
Before we explore what separates MMA from Boxing, let’s cover the main similarities.
What do Boxing and MMA have in common?
Both Boxing and MMA are proven Martial Arts that can help practitioners survive a hand-to-hand self-defense situation. Boxers and Mixed Martial Artists utilize punches, footwork, and angles to launch an offense and avoid damage. Training in these disciplines helps you improve your mental focus and physical fitness.
Organized competition and gear
These Martial Arts have organized competitions for amateurs and professionals around the world. In both Boxing and MMA, fighters wear mouthguards for protection. There is a referee in the ring/cage with the two fighters for the safety of the fighters. For each fight, there are also judges to score the performance of each competitor. Boxers and MMA fighters can achieve victory via knockout and by decision.
Training
Fighters training to compete in Boxing and MMA also share similar training practices. For example, both Boxers and MMA fighters will do the following to prepare for competition:
- Sparring
- Shadowboxing
- Drilling technique
- Hitting pads and heavy bags
- Jumping rope
These training techniques help fighters prepare both physically and mentally to get in the ring/cage. Competitors are able to harden their bodies and sharpen their skills before going against another trained fighter.
What are the key differences between MMA and Boxing?
There are many differences between Boxing and MMA as you’ll read below. These differences include gear that’s worn and the techniques that are allowed in competition.
Strikes, takedowns, submissions
Unlike Boxing which only allows punches such as jabs and uppercuts, MMA allows for a wide range of strikes. The strikes allowed in MMA include elbows, knees, kicks, and spinning backfists. MMA fighters can incorporate a variety of fighting styles such as Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Karate to win.
MMA fighters can also utilize takedowns and submissions to achieve victory. Takedowns allowed in MMA competition include single-leg takedowns from Wrestling and hip throws from Judo. Fighters can also prevent takedowns in MMA by sprawling and other techniques.
Submissions such as armbars, heel hooks, chokes, and kneebars are allowed in MMA fights. Fighters can win a fight via submission by getting an opponent to tap out or a referee stopping the fight due to an opponent being unconscious or seriously injured.
Fight gear
In Boxing, fighters wear Boxing gloves, shoes, shorts, groin protectors, headgear, and mouthguards. Headgear is also worn in amateur Boxing matches.
For MMA competitions, fighters wear shorts, cups, MMA gloves, and mouthguards. Headgear may be worn during sparring.
What are the benefits of learning Boxing and MMA?
There’s a range of benefits that come from learning MMA training and learning how to box. Some of the benefits include but aren’t limited to:
- Weight loss: You can definitely shed the extra pounds through Boxing and MMA. You’ll be engaging your full body as you learn how to move, evade, and strike.
- Better cardio: Since Boxing and MMA require constant motion, your overall work rate will improve. Your ability to move and think with an elevated heart rate will be better as you train consistently. With better cardio, your day
- Greater self-confidence: You’ll love the satisfaction that comes with learning skills and overcoming challenges. This increase in self-confidence will help you do better in other aspects of your life from work to family life. You can carry yourself with poise as you go throughout your day.
- New friends: There’s nothing like the friends you’ll make in the Martial Arts community! You will be surrounded by people with like-minded goals. They’ll help you do better every day as you attend class.
- Self-defense skills: With the training you receive from Boxing/MMA, you’ll gain greater self-awareness of what you’re capable of in hand-to-hand combat. You will also have a better understanding of how to avoid conflict and stay safe.
As you can see, there’s a lot you can gain from Boxing and MMA training. These benefits are physical, mental, and social which can help you live a more fulfilling life.
FAQ for Boxing and MMA at Absolute MMA
Q: What should I wear to class?
A: We recommend you wear a t-shirt and shorts. You’ll want freedom of movement to do everything from jumping rope to hitting the heavy bag. If you don’t have your own gloves, you’re welcome to borrow
Q: Do I need to spar to learn Boxing and MMA?
A: You don’t need to spar to participate in all of our classes here at Absolute MMA. Not all of our classes involve live sparring. However, you’re welcome to spar with your teammates if that’s something you want to do.
Q: How should I prepare for class?
A: We recommend you hydrate and eat nutritious food before coming to class. Doing so will help you have the energy you need to train. You’ll also reduce the chances of cramps and injuries with proper hydration.
Try a free week of classes!
Come and join us at Absolute MMA! You can try out the different classes we offer here in West Jordan, Utah for a week for free. This offer gives you the opportunity to see if you want to learn everything from Judo to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There are classes for everyone of all levels, ages, and abilities. Use this link to sign up for your free trial here: https://absolutemma.com/free-trial/
