What age is too old to start mma

[LastingEffect]

If you want to do just do it. If you want to be a professional it's another question. I would advise to not pursue a career in any sport at older age. It's just not likely that you will succeed.

Maybe if you are naturally gifted as f*ck...

 

[Poo4MMA]

What about going pro in training at 41?

 

[Ibm]

What about going pro in training at 41?

the Handy was the best at 43

 

[nonoob]

Mainly for curiosity 2008 they said around age 20 was the limit, now I'm curious as to now

If someone intended to be competitive in ANY pro combat sport when starting at age 20, they would IMHO have unrealistic expectations.

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[BB in Crazy!!!!]

If someone intended to be competitive in ANY pro combat sport when starting at age 20, they would IMHO have unrealistic expectations.

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Why?

 

[BB in Crazy!!!!]

What about going pro in training at 41?

Depends on what shape you are in to begin with. Are you fit? Injuries? Background in other sports? If all are solid you, no problem. Don't expect to make it in the UFC or anything, but you can absolutely fight pro at that age. Just watch out with who they put you up against, might try to feed you to some young monsters and it's best to know your limits.

 

[nonoob]

Why?

They will be at a major disadvantage against fighters that started training early in life. If that is a dream, following your heart in life is a powerful motivator - anything is possible.

 

[BB in Crazy!!!!]

They will be at a major disadvantage against fighters that started training early in life. If that is a dream, following your heart in life is a powerful motivator - anything is possible.

I think you may just be confusing competitive with being high level. Plenty can have pro careers with winning records, at least on the local and regional scene, after starting past 20. Yeah, it's hard to be a world class fighter when starting late and it's typically unrealistic. But every now and then you get a Bernard Hopkins.

 

[David Street]

If I get a symbiote I can sign right away.

 

[TheGreatA]

Herschel Walker was 47, so I'd say 48 is too old.

 

[agibmxmma]

Mainly for curiosity 2008 they said around age 20 was the limit, now I'm curious as to now

I started at 33 as an Am, turned pro at 35, retired at 39/40.. came out of retirement at 45 last year. Plan to fight professionally until I'm 50 for the same reason why I started to begin with.. fun, hobby, the experience, shits and giggles. Don't overthink it, get yourself into a reputable gym with known Pro Fighters in your weight class, immerse yourself into the lifestyle and reality of it all, don't burn bridges, be teachable, remain humble, stay realistic and have fun through it all while learning your truest self. Oh, don't take any advice from couch coaches on here.. unless they have fought in the sport, or taught actual fighters, they are going off bias opinion, not thoughts based off experience. Good luck

 

[David Street]

NEVER too old to start MMA. Always be too old to get into fights.

 

[Trabaho]

Depends on if you are good or not. Multiple factors. Training is possible until old age.

 

[colorles]

Those starting younger and pace themselves minimizing injury will most often do better.

An occasional outlier with Bo Jackson athletism can of course start later but would be better earlier.

Males usually peak early 20's physically which means best recovery strength building stage. Though there are other factors and Werdum and DC and even Brock showed can still be top competitor later in life.

The reflexes and coordination should be better early on. Almost like learning anything, gets harder as we age. Ex. Want to be bilingual easier if start young.

This guys gets it. The male physical prime is anywhere from late teens through early twenties.

I'd say late 30's if you only plan on having a few am fights.

If you want to fight as a pro, well that's all pretty subjective depending on experience, size, athleticsm etc...your physical prime is somewhere around 25-35

This guy doesn't get it. lol at 25-35 being a man's "physical primes". lol by 25 men are already moving past their purely physical primes. yeah of course skills can still be improved. but purely from a physical standpoint? past it.

As for when is "too old" to start fighting? again, that depends on weight class, and the athleticism/mentality of the individual. One thing to keep in mind for all the gentlemen getting up there in age though: most aging men tend to overestimate their abilities relative to what they once had and, by extension, younger men. Makes me think of that recent fight between Vitor Belford and Evander Hollyfield. Hollyfield was so confident he was going to win that, because it seemed like he underestimated just how washed he actually is. Also Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler 2. Even guys that are completely washed can get in the gym and "feel good about themselves" when training. but it is a completely different matter when up against a high level opponent who is younger and thus, not washed. Luke Rockhold is another example when he fought Costa. Felt great in the gym, but clearly washed when up against a high level opponent.

Unfortunately the same is likely to be the case with Stipe Miocic

 

[cheesus]

This guy doesn't get it. lol at 25-35 being a man's "physical primes". lol by 25 men are already moving past their purely physical primes. yeah of course skills can still be improved. but purely from a physical standpoint? past it.

Not really, everyone is different. Most mma / boxing athletes peak around their mid to late 20's and continue having that success until their mid 30's that was my point.