The Importance of Coaches and Cut Men in MMA: Behind the Scenes of Fight Preparation

Discover the crucial role of coaches and cut men in MMA. Learn how they prepare fighters for success in the octagon and ensure their safety. Read more.

MMA fighters rely on the expertise of their coaches and cut men to give them an edge in the octagon. Chris Young, a renowned coach from Orrington, plays a crucial role in training and preparing fighters for their matches.

The Fighter-Coach Relationship

Young is deeply involved in every aspect of fight preparation. From studying opponents and analyzing their techniques to devising game plans, he leaves no stone unturned. His dedication to his craft is evident as he explains, "I really enjoy finding the opponent, watching tape, breaking them down, and figuring out how we’re going to approach the game plan for the camp. It’s one of my favorite aspects of coaching."

Different fighters have different needs when it comes to coaching. While some prefer constant reassurance and guidance, others thrive on concise instructions. Young understands these nuances and tailors his coaching style accordingly. He states, "Some fighters want a lot of talking. They want a lot of reassurance. They want a lot of ‘hey, do this. Do that.’ Others just want kind of like ‘keep your hands up.’"

Building a Special Bond

The fighter-coach relationship is built over time and is characterized by trust and understanding. MMA is a grueling sport, both physically and mentally, and having a coach who can empathize with the fighter’s highs and lows is invaluable. Young emphasizes the importance of having someone from the same gym in the corner, saying, "If someone from another gym hopped in to be in my corner, they’re not going to know the verbiage that I know. They’re not going to know the techniques that I know. They’re not going to be in tune with me the way my head coach is, and that’s why having someone from your gym is super important."

The Impact of Coaching

One particular moment stands out for Glory Watson, a fighter coached by Young. During a fight, Watson recalls sitting on the stool between rounds, exhausted and panting. Young’s words were a wake-up call. Watson shares, "He looks at me and goes ‘you are losing right now.’ I’m like, ‘oh.’ He’s like ‘you need to pull something out right now if you want to win this. You are losing.’ That really lights a fire, and you’re like ‘I want to win this. I want to be the best. I don’t want to be complacent. I don’t want to be the one that lost because I didn’t do enough.’ It just lights this fire underneath you to really go."

The Role of Cut Men

In addition to coaches, cut men play a crucial role in a fighter’s success. They are responsible for stopping bleeding and ensuring that a fight can continue. Watson emphasizes the importance of having a skilled cut man, stating, "If you get a cut, it can stop a fight. If you break a bone, it can stop a fight, anything like that. Having a really good cut man that can stop bleeding that other cut men cannot changes the outcome of the entire fight."

Jayce Murphy, a training partner of Watson, echoes this sentiment, saying, "With little cuts, you don’t want it to end the fight that way. It’s good that you can keep going and push through."

The Thrill and Stress of Coaching

For Young, coaching is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. He admits that coaching can be more stressful than when he was fighting himself. However, seeing his coached fighters step into the cage and perform gives him a renewed sense of energy. Young explains, "Getting somebody in there that you’ve coached and trained, you put them in that cage and you’ve got to let it go a little bit. It’s kind of out of your hands to a degree. It can be pretty nerve-wracking, but it’s exciting all at the same time."

The Importance of Teamwork

In the world of MMA, the fighter, coach, and cut man form a tight-knit team. Glory Watson acknowledges the support she receives from her corner, giving a special shout-out to her cut man, Levi Sewall. The bond between teammates is crucial in the high-pressure environment of a fight night.

In conclusion, the role of coaches and cut men in MMA cannot be overstated. They provide fighters with the guidance, support, and expertise needed to excel in the octagon. From fight preparation to the adrenaline-filled moments inside the cage, coaches and cut men are the unsung heroes behind every successful fighter.

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