Are You Too Old To Become A UFC Fighter??

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I hope today’s video helps get some people out there excited to pursue their dream.

[@Abduldoctor]

Hi Gabriel, big fan! Could you please do a clip of a suitable diet for kickboxers? I'm trying to lose weight, trained for 9 months (red belt) and my weight has flat-lined. I really can't wrap my head around what to do.

[@bodyboardingchronicles602]

Champion better question... How does a person know when combatant is ready for competition? Teach me to kickbox? I will teach you to bodyboard? 🫵😊🤙

[@drpain300]

Would you say this timeline would be shorter for someone pursing only kickboxing in ONE or Glory?

[@aquilatempestate9527]

Hello chap, was surprised you didnt mention weight division. There seem to be a lot more older guys in heavyweight MMA as opposed to say bantamweight.

[@AuraKnight8]

I wanna join the UFC because I enjoy fighting. Folkstyle Wrestling was fun for me, kickboxing classes was fun to me, learning new moves is fun to me. Even if I lose, I’d still have fun

[@rarefingo]

As someone starting at 30 with some athletic background and 100% dedicated to my training, I needed to hear this. Thanks Gabriel

[@JohnSmith-ei6sc]

Lmao dude not even worth it. You’re just starting. From scratch. You aren’t going to do shit. For sure go compete as an amateur but no you will never be a high level fighter.

[@johnbannana480]

Same brother, BJJ for the Last 18 months has taken over my life 😂 finally started striking and loving it too, let's rise together 🤜 🤜

[@mr.almond6318]

Any update 3 ml ths later?

[@calonordstoast]

I'm 28, 0-0 😅 I started Muay Thai at 22, yet between broken bones, COVID, and torn ligaments, I've yet to find my way to the ring. I still have the drive to become great in the sport, but having such a long road there has definitely been discouraging. However, hearing you break down the path all the way from step 1 has left me much more hopeful going forward.

[@Kravistjr12]

Dont let anything get in the way of making yourself proud, Youve got this brother! 💪

[@Hazy_Bubble]

Keep believing in yourself 🔥

[@dante22723]

You got this man go for it

[@shikharkatiyar5433]

Bro I am 28 to...looking for ring

[@paulv7744]

Interesting.. Im 27 now... Also trained MT when I was in 22, but life got in the way 😂😂good to know I share a story with someone out there. Good luck bro.

[@jqn8361]

This video is very timely, as a 25 year old Judo brown belt (and BJJ blue belt). I would like to make it to the Olympics in Judo (not necessarily medal), but people don’t even consider it an option. I am a heavyweight, which I believe increases my chances (smaller talent pool to compete against) and I am fairly gifted athletically. I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@skyhookschool]

Hope you do make that dream happen. You should check out a book called With Winning in Mind by Lanny Basham. All about the mindset needed to be an Olympian, it’s a life changing read

[@griffonu]

Good luck! Being in the Olympics is a dream worth pursuing with all your might and will!

[@reportingforbbws]

how do you keep up with training a matches do you get paid for your matches and stuff or do you train and compete while having a full time job ?

[@Mckeigan]

Have you considered transitioning? Even smaller talent pool.

[@solomonherskowitz]

That's a lot harder than UFC, cyrl game made it all the way to the top with just 5 years of kickboxing

[@MAT-wn5fr]

Volk started training at 22 and is now one of the all-time greats already.

[@Foqqy]

Volk is inspirational but sadly I think he's the exception not the rule

[@alfredpercerti9832]

volk started training mma at 22 but he was already a professional football player and he has a background in wrestling since he was 15 i think

[@1Xzss]

@@alfredpercerti9832 he was a pro rugby player, very different sport

[@yvnginfinity]

He is also 5’6 with the reach of a 6’2 guy

[@raymondaloni2309]

​@@1XzssSemi pro

[@stevanglamoclija6803]

26 years old and i am starting mma next week with aspirations to go pro. Thank you, i needed to hear this 🙏

[@jaydenjohnson6670]

Weight class is a big factor as well. The 135-185 are where most people fall in weight. If you’re above or below there’s less competition. A lot of heavyweights don’t have the skills of the lower weight classes.

[@eddiesetera7998]

no matter what age, you have to earn your way into an opportunity. you have to grind from the basement and fight your way against very tough competition, so you have to be relentless, and fight through every challenge and setback, fighting has no sympathy and nobody will ever hand you anything and nobody cares how old you are, it's about performance

[@enriquegabriel7708]

I was thinking about a MMA career and suddenly this video comes out. I'll be 30 in 2 months. Thanks Gabriel.

[@jasperamerican6642]

Dont think about it as a career. Just do what you can for yourself do your best and enjoy it.

[@lippycomedy4363]

​@@jasperamerican6642I want it as a career, how do I go about it?

[@Ricky-t3f]

@@lippycomedy4363go to your local mma gym

[@n_sus9530]

Thanks Gabriel, I started kickboxing at 19 my score is 3-1 and now Im 21 starting mma, this video helped me a lot to have better hope to achive something more and hopefully become pro fighter one day. I have 10-12 training sessions per week so I hope it has some meaning to do this.

[@BluRayz808]

That's good to know I'm 28 yrs old and I want to pursue my career in the UFC thanks man

[@NotAMartian-1]

Same. I’m always ready to fight, grew up fighting people much bigger than me. I truly feel I could do good.

[@ChristianThomas95]

Well we 28 and wanna make it let's do it Booiis I hope we can see each other there

[@TheFitnessWarrior-dd4we]

Just started learning kickboxing 2mnths ago and turned 25 last week.. Always wanted to ente striking sports competitions and thought this is the youngest I'll ever be I've got to do it now..Hooe to make it as far as I can.. this video was a lot motivational for me ❤

[@RealRonniePickering]

I'm 22 and have just started kickboxing. Hoping to be in the UFC one day. I just wanted to say I wish you all the best in your martial arts journey.

[@Scamp2x]

I watched your last video on this topic and it gave me a lot of inspiration. I’m 23 now but I’ve been kickboxing and boxing for about 4 years now and just started taking Jiu Jitsu. Hopefully within the next 4 years I’ll be making my UFC debut, thanks for the vid #170

[@Felground]

Man, I needed this video! I started muay thai 2 years ago just to get off the couch at 33, no ambitions of completing at all. I'm taking my first amateur fight next month at age 35. I didn't know how much I was going to enjoy this. Obviously, I'm having doubts being as old as I am. I have no plans of getting to the UFC, but something about training as much as I have brought out the competitive spirit in me, so I got to at least try.

[@Cokemphetamine999]

You got this man!!

[@kuhenson]

How was the fight? I really hope it went well!!!

[@paulserafini9284]

I got really excited when you said 38 because I’m 34 and I started kickboxing at 33.5. However, I do have some traditional martial arts background from most elementary-highschool so not totally from scratch but I’m def still a beginner. And I have no wrestling and only the most basic bjj from the army. Probs a bit late for me. But I’m still going to keep it rolling and try my hand at amateur kickboxing when coach says I’m ready. Maybe if I pick up the ground game quickly do some amateur mma. We’ll see how far we go!

[@Darkness09ization]

This man is so awesome and so informative. Always enjoy watching his videos. I feel like my hope for a fight career has been restored. Now to put in that extra work💪

[@dimo6793]

I cant wait for your next fight

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

After a little break I’m excited to get back to it as well. I will get that belt.

[@sidvisser666]

This mindset can be used for anything. If you’re motivated enough to accomplish your goals you will do it!

[@inditsnotdenon922]

I've had six fights this year, won some and lost some, but won my first amateur boxing title and had a bunch of mma matches. 2 years in, its nice to know i've got a lot of time to go pro. Thanks!

[@wayslifestyle6519]

One of the most simplest detailed straightforward videos of hope and being realistic on this platform. Thank you so much for the answer and motivation 👊

[@Jamesduvall_mma]

I needed this video, I’m 28, 1-0 in mma and started training at 25. 🎉

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

Randy Couture is my favorite UFC fighter of all time. He didn't start until he was in his late 30s, and became light heavyweight and heavyweight champ! First guy to hold both titles in the UFC. I think Randy is an unusual specimen though, I wouldn't recommend going in that late or later for most people. 1) before doing that you need a life time of martial experience (Randy was NCAA champ in wrestling) and did boxing and was in the military before he ever got into the UFC. 2) When you are older your body does not recover from damage nearly as well as when you are young. This is the biggest reason I would recommend against going in late in age. But unusual individuals can pull it off.

[@aquilatempestate9527]

Randy did have the TRT ambrosia of the bio-med Gods.

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

@@aquilatempestate9527 That's fine, at his age I think it's acceptable.

[@ba8e]

"NCAA champ" HUGE DETAIL! Wrestlers are a different breed.

[@mikuspalmis]

​@@aquilatempestate9527😄

[@lostincollegetown6068]

As a 35 year old just getting into combat sports, I appreciate this breakdown. I know i'll likely never make it to UFC, but I'm loving the journey and a successful amateur career is still on the table. Thank you!

[@juansabaTV]

Thank you Gabriel, that's very inspiring. Fighting is such a good way to live life. Stay dicipline, stay focus and chase your dreams

[@gamiii6666]

I will be in the ufc! One day I promise

[@nod1186]

Honestly you could be any age to get into competitive fighting. If you’re older you just have to be realistic about making it to an organization like the UFC. I spent 5 years competing in Muay Thai. Decided to give MMA a shot. After 2 years of training I had my first MMA fight at 30. Won a 3 round decision. I personally don’t think you need any amateur fights.

[@crystalmoreno6020]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. The stereotype of needing to start as a child to make it was so damaging to me for so long. I love videos like this. Thank you 🙏

[@shwartzkatt4695]

34 here, been training on and off since 32 but lifting injuries and needing to PT but still want to fight. Not giving up 💪

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

The dream is still very much alive. 34 isn't too old to have some fights

[@trippytravi]

All I can say is thank you, I started training at crazy 88 in January and this video gave me a new perspective 💪🏾💯

[@DanteCarpenter-kk7dr]

Just turned 30 started a year ago. Thanks Gabriel as always!

[@bingsoo9559]

I’m 18 and I’ve recently transitioned to Boxing from Muay Thai - the transition’s going well but it can be a little rough. I wanna be a Pro Fighter and eventually a Coach one day, wish me luck - I’m doing my best.

[@PoatanPeriera]

This random person here believes in you !! Go get it bro !

[@bingsoo9559]

@@PoatanPeriera Thank you, Random Citizen of KZbin - I appreciate it

[@daniellewis8117]

Thank you, this video was extremely motivating

[@voli625]

I will go pro in ONE Championship for Muay Thai

[@thepyroguy624]

Hoppas

[@randomdude956]

Do it bro ,you can do it

[@seraph450]

hows it going man?

[@voli625]

@seraph450 first fight camp starts in January 🙂‍↕️

[@derrickleeman2394]

Hell yea bro​@@voli625

[@mikkelmoore7374]

Thank you. Im 18 and i hope to start training soon

[@granimations2510]

how are you now?

[@darkhorse7424]

I am 46 years been only been in boxing class for a year. The Coach said I am the “ONE” and should start taking it seriously.

[@nathanielpatterson6963]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[@salihalraziqi4963]

I needed to hear this, thanks champ

[@palawanczech]

I am 38 too Gabriel, you look amazing! I started with combat sports half a year ago after 15 years of weight lifting, would love to try at least one amateur fight, I regret that I didn't start much earlier, it's the way of life 🥊🔥

[@JayTeeRC]

rocky marciano started at 22 if i recall and he "short" and small for a heavy weight

[@thehalokidster]

stick to the rule not the exception! There's a reason why marcianos aren't coming through the ranks by the dozen.

[@JayTeeRC]

@@thehalokidster huh?

[@user-rl7hm7ix5n]

Imo, until you're very good, having that kind of goal is detrimental to begin with. Focus on being the best you can be rn. Then when you are ready focus on winning your first fight. Then on winning more fights, then on winning fights in bigger events, and so on. One step at a time. If you are ever ready to try pushing into a big promotion like the UFC, you will know. Or you will know beforehand if you can't or shouldn't (or simply doesn't want to), but you'll be proud of your accomplishments anyway. I feel like wondering about this (specially when you are a beginner or very young) puts you in a state of "oh no I don't have time, it's not worth it" that makes it demotivating. Focus on the now instead, train your best, let time tell how far you will get. Any accomplishment along that path is definitely worth it. I don't think any champion ever started dedicating to a combat sport with the mentality "if I dont get into the ufc this is not worth it".

[@muladaboc3546]

Thanks bro i needed this today i feel so ready so knowledgeable but family bills and work makes you second guess yourself smh

[@demo.gaming9015]

Im watching this video with the same dream and im 17 im completely satisfied thanks

[@statictech7]

Its you crunch the numbers of world champion level athletes it takes about 10-15 years to get there. There are of course exceptions and it may take less time depending on the sport. Use that as a template so if you are 28 it’ll probably be ten years before you are competing at the highest level. If its worth it to you then do it. Only mad men become great.

[@KiddieThreads]

Wow. Thanks for this video ❤❤❤ Im 28 and I had some kyokushin experience. Like one year that I did 10 years ago

[@budoka_gaijin]

Thank you for this video. This is a really important message people need to hear, including me.I'm about to enter my 30's and I fight Kyokushin and kudo. I train mma on the side. I don't know if I'll ever go pro or anything but I do want to try. But the constant "I'm so old" posts everywhere terrified me and made me question if I there was any point to continue training. So we need guys like you to challenge this myth.

[@giorgiociaravolol1998]

Well kudo is mma. So you already fought some tough dudes. A lot of kudo guys started late. A great example is hisaki Kato. See you on the tatami

[@julez6276]

You can also make your Progress faster with 1 on 1 Training with a good Coach! It is More expensive but totally worth the Money! I did the Same And make fast Progress! If you really believe in yourself And put in the work you will have success! 🥊🥋

[@hokimoki3677]

Im 42 and i done kung fu when i was 5 and stopped at 7 id love to be in ufc , im gonna start training and get in ufc

[@shaaz141]

Nice bro i think train for 8 years and try make youre ufc debut at 50 bro

[@hokimoki3677]

@@shaaz141 excellent plan bro, then after my ufc career ill retire at 55 and focus on getting a wife and making a family

[@danferrazbr]

Im 35 and a black belt in karate. If MMA was , 20 years ago, what it is today, I'd have definetely pursued it. It's tought to realize that Im gonna die without knowing whats like to step on that cage. It must be the rush of a lifetime.

[@Mare-Res]

Thank you, man 🙏

[@moneyballX]

Exceptional analysis 👏

[@morgueblack]

Gabriel, you're awesome. This is timely because I'm 38 years old and i have a lot of boxing experience (since 18 years old) and I'm considering getting back into the amateur boxing circuit.

[@youngdekutrinismash4790]

Thank you for your advice. I've been contemplating about this for a while. You've gave me hope in this video, much thanks

[@cmtfloxicity7095]

I am 18 Turning 19, I'm going for the belts.

[@joshstrom8660]

I'm so happy I got started so young

[@tylergooden2183]

Saw those surfboards. Must be a tofino guy :)

[@wjjwTheDemigod]

I turn 40 at the end of this year. I have plans for my fight career. Even one title is my goal. WAKO, IKF, or ISKA are the titles I'm shooting for. I'll be in my 40s but that's a small price to pay to achieve goals.

[@Iychoenk]

As a 34 years old men, this give me spirit & motivation

[@wjjwTheDemigod]

@@Iychoenk I'm a single parent of 4 kids, all 13 and younger. If I can do that with little to no help, I can do anything

[@thehalokidster]

By the looks of your pic, you're doing some sort of traditional martial arts (unless it's a joke). I hope you have more in the bag than that at 40 (grappling, real striking etc)? If you're starting at zero, that's a high high mountain! But good luck with that, I'll definitely be cheering for you.

[@wjjwTheDemigod]

@@thehalokidster yes I do traditional but I also do Muay thai

[@ErraticFaith]

I always marvel at the stupidity of people who brandish TMA around as if it's ''a joke''. Long as you keep your head, you'll be fine.

[@AaronLankyKongLovell2022]

Hey man awesome video very helpful and thankful also to here this it helps me make my belief more believable

[@justinAclark2075]

As a 28 year old who has practiced martial arts and fought in the streets my whole life, this is a VERY VERY comforting message my friend

[@derbalimoment8394]

Im 31 yo i wanna juste contest in some amateur level like kickboxing or some mma fighting and i will do enchalh soon . Thank you gabriel

[@zaid_____abd___]

Realistically, if you're 25 or older with no solid athletic or martial arts background, regardless of your weight class, it's very unlikely you'll make it to the UFC. I think if you're a big guy, fighting at middleweight or higher you could start later ie early 20s and have a decent chance at the UFC. if you're in your early 20s and welterweight or below it all depends on your background imo. Lerone Murphy is an interesting example of this where he was a high level footballer until he started MMA at 22 (He's a Featherweight).

[@bigman2229]

Hearing this from u is motivating. Thank you

[@bobbybossmanbb]

Started at 24 (very minor high school wrestling before) and this but doubts to test 💪

[@Ufc12355]

I’m 44 just had my last Amateur fight I still train 4 days a week and spar. Today was so rough on my body I think I should spar less and less

[@Theshaman12]

Great video Gabe! Thank you!!

[@TherealSIRenity]

I’m 29 and had my first amateur kickboxing match back in July but I lost. I didn’t perform to even half my ability and that loss doesn’t sit right with me. I’m going to try again💪🏿

[@RainReignsX]

If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and …

[@butterymuffinz]

Thank you for this video !

[@gvardiecky9507]

i dont think there is exact age when people have to start, BUT, the sooner the better, your body reshape itself. i started doing karate when i was 13-14 im now 20, im doing mma 2 years (7/12 was exactly 2 years) and i got great kicks, i can do things with relative control that others cant. people compliment my endurance and kicks and headmovement. but i know that there are guys that started with everything sooner. we got guy like that. i had 4 years of karate (shotokan) almost zero kumite, he had 7 years lol. he had 2 years of experience with mma before he came to us, but he had year or two when he wasnt training. so his experience is total around 10 years, and for me its 6 years i would say im almost equal to him in kickboxing. my kicks suprise everyone lol. and i love to counter in southpaw. in other words. it doesnt matter how long you train, its HOW you train. and also, what style you have against who. but it depends on what your mindset is. its easier for me to say things like that when im young and commited. and im sure i changed my body a bit thanks to training at younger age so i will have it easier then 30 year old that never trained before. but styles and strategies make ups the fight, not age of the fighters

[@moredown1303]

video that makes me happy. thank you :)

[@tzaeru]

My dream - or goal, rather! - is just to have a few amateur MMA fights in a safe way and with some actual technique! For me that's still quite a bit of pushing myself, but it's what I really want to get done. That goal is not too far anymore, been training BJJ for 4-5 years and MMA 2 years, with more focus on striking this year. Biggest hurdle is getting weight in order and building strength levels up a bit.

[@Slymarauder]

Thank you for your insight!

[@ChrisDeVarro]

Thanks brother.

[@acmoney3446]

Great video

[@kannanpillai6758]

Thank you so much

[@kevk4607]

I came in clutch lol

[@AlphaBravoDingo]

Almost 31, I'd love to finally make my dream of professionally kickboxing a reality but it's pretty tough up in my area (VT) No place to train, no amateur fighting scene to get started in 🤔

[@jusjay3834]

Then move and fucking go for it

[@mrzurkon7688]

I'm 34 years old I started my owned mma training watching tutorials and dvds im living in York Pennsylvania and we don't have a gym for mma I still want to be a pro.

[@animenia3002]

Im confused whether I should go into ufc or boxing Boxing pays more but I have trained karate grappling and kickboxing which suits me more for UFC I am still young (17) and dont which path to choose Personally i like mma more

[@quinntolchin5727]

Boxing only pays more if you are the #1 highest paid like Flyod. But everyone else in MMA makes more. And if you get to #1 draw levels of money what does it matter at that point anyways. You might as well pursue your passion and curiosity!

[@Steveparkbox]

I had my first amateur match at 33 and i got refund from gym because of the trauma. Starting to work full time again. I was working part time for a bit because of the training. Im thinking about joining the gym again and maybe do another match if i have time.

[@jackjones267]

Gabriel could you do a video about maintaining a full time job and training 👍

[@slayycs2]

Israel Adesanya is probably the second best middle weight to ever fight in the ufc and he started from scratch at 18 with a athletic lean body

[@sumitsarkar4992]

sir make a video about glory kickboxing like how can we go in glory

[@TAJIG]

I started wrestling at 13 and learned basic boxing at 5, I’m 27 now and worry about this. Trying to juggle life and training with no support, I see other guys have done it but fuck me. Gotta take the leap

[@nomasmedia2053]

what you end up doing bro?

[@Matthew-C23]

I am 14 years old, there is no MMA gym near me as I live in somewhat rural Scotland, I teach myself through watching fights and videos on fighters youtube channels, if I continue this and start training in a gym a few years down the road would I have a chance in professional MMA, I would say I am genetically well above average in terms of strength and power, just wondered what other people would think. Thanks

[@hansgruber5158]

Could you do a breakdown of Rafael fiziev and what makes him so good ?

[@funwithmadness]

Damn... I was hoping you were going to say mid-50's. I guess I'm out of the running. :)

[@morganweller1491]

Nobody's got nothin on Randy Couture started at 37 with 20 years of high level wrestling 😅

[@akikaisod3208]

wanna see u in one champ or lumpinee

[@aleksandry.7213]

If you’re like 28 and you wanna do it I say fuck it, if having the dream motivates you then try to become the first to do it

[@drpain300]

Would you say this timeline would be shorter for someone pursing only kickboxing in ONE or Glory?

[@Ponder_lust]

one thing to note, its a a tough life and probably not worth it for most people to barely make the ufc. You only make decent money as champ or a top contender. Its not like soccer where you a guaranteed to be a millionaire if you made it to the EPL as a bench warmer.

[@YourJobMentor]

40, sad to hear, but thanks for the red pill

[@jeremiahcoyne]

But what if your 26 in the military but no kick boxing skills?

[@davefair7062]

Looks like there are a lot of 30-year-olds out there getting into martial arts! Glad I have plenty of company!

[@DashAce-j1c]

Dude i am 19..i started martial arts since 14...i stopped tho i had to quit bc of covid at 15 ...i trained kick boxing every single day alone at my house stop then go back i became 18 ..i had to stop everything for my finals and i failed so now i am 19..do i have a chance? I will inchllah start about month from now going to an actual gym...

[@npx_riff_lift-g]

I’d love to go pro. Not UFC per se, but just a professional career. I did wrestling and boxing from 8-18 years old. Passively train nowadays (lifting and cardio intensely, but stopped fight training seriously) because of commitment to school. Excited to get back into the ring💪🏼

[@bloop1470]

19 feeling like I’m too old 💀

[@lilmanq7746]

Same here 😂, knowing there are kids that started around at 13-14 I feel old as shit

[@ledion2485]

What about glory kickboxing

[@Veridianth67]

Im 16 and not worried about time but finaances would be weird soo please make a video about making money and not going homeless

[@calvinwallis2634]

Does this guideline apply to karate combat?

[@liyematshambuluka1171]

Thanks Gabe, very much appreciated.

[@jaredjohnson117]

5 fights in 2 years is crazy 5 fights in 2 months is normal from scratch