How To Overcome FIGHT NERVES | Mindset | Stephen Wonderboy Thompson

One of the most frequent questions I get through social media is how to get rid of pre-fight nerves. So today is the first vid in my "Mindset" series where I will do what I can to help you build your mental game as well! In MMA mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation!
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[@WonderboyMMA]

What are some ways you cope with the nerves of a big event?

[@Me-mz2ep]

I Always Meditate & Get Super Calm

[@aaronkemper8747]

Put on some calming music and get some fresh air and focus on breathing

[@javiermatias1788]

I find waiting around for my fight a competition really boring so I kind of lose nerves by the time my fight comes :/

[@neveroffended45]

@@javiermatias1788 why dont you have any fights on your channel ?

[@karlarden6260]

Stephen Wonderboy Thompson I think ‘what would Wonderboy do?’

[@jerome9848]

“I’m f**king nervous ‘cause i’m not nervous” - Justin Gaethje 😳

[@rasmusquavangsfar9447]

Something that helped me a lot mentally before a fight that I won: I focus on the gameplan, I say it doesnt matter if I win or lose, because I dont know, but what matters is I do my absolute best and give it my 100%! As long as I fight the best I can, its okay. And also, focus on something you have to do the next day. I know this sounds stupid but I had to make a big essay the day after my fight. And thinking about that essay, made the nerves for the fight go away, because it reminded me, that my normal life is not gonna change, everything is gonna be the same tomorrow, so I allowed myself to enjoy the 10 minutes I had to be in the cage, because tomorrow life is gonna be exactly the same again, no matter what happens.

[@hasofdhi]

I've done the same thing

[@ODnotOdd]

💯💯

[@levimeijer821]

thanks alot man i have my first fight tomorrow and this def helps

[@koiiyhonze9148]

Different point of view👍 I see it as the present is all there was and ever will be. As Society:social media programmed us to live in our heads

[@Lucaspalmer-ek3dd]

The thing is it won’t be the same tomorrow if I lose this fight cause all my friends are gon be making fun of me forever and the dude who I’m fighting is just gon keep talking shi

[@deanodebo]

Bruce Lee said it’s your body preparing for violence. As an amateur boxer knowing this helped me embrace the “nerves”. I knew my body was ready

[@mohammadgolkar2789]

Wonderboy will still love me after this fight, i will never forget that. ♥️

[@MikeB-ng3ol]

Pride and fear of the loss itself was my biggest enemy in contributing to nerves. After everything, pride really held me back.

[@nightone9720]

Yeah having humility for yourself. No one is perfect but we think that we ought to be otherwise we aren't enough. Pride is the source of shame.

[@nmr20067]

Fear of loss and being KO’d and humiliated in front of people is probably the biggest… But I think that is normal for everyone. That’s the pride and ego you guys are talking about. At least to me…..

[@travishopps5446]

Wonderboy talking in all lowercase is soothing.

[@user-re9vf9lq1b]

If Jorge wins I hope you win the belt in a possible rematch. It is gonna be a striking chess game

[@jimmygan801]

bad matchup for Jorge, Jorge needs to be more patient and sit in pocket to avoid another decision loss smh

[@eireabu9486]

@@jimmygan801 Instead if he wins he's trying to fight Diaz I've lost all respect for him now

[@Wakandashitisthis]

Éire Abú he said if he wins, he wants the rematch with Nate and then wonderboy.

[@theboltthrower8661]

@@Wakandashitisthis Why would Jorge want a rematch with Nate? He already messed up Nate´s face, a rematch against Wonderboy is highly more interesting.... but well, I like Jorge but I dunno what´s going thru his mind. I´m rooting for Jorge against Usman, and if he wins the title, the more logical defence should be against Colby, Wonderboy, or Gilbert Burns (If the latest gets rid of Corona)... I also Like Nate Diaz, but that fight just doesn´t make any sense.

[@Wakandashitisthis]

The Bolt Thrower completely agree with you, i don't understand the logic behind his thought process, he said he wanted to give Nate the opportunity to fight for the belt like he gave him the opportunity to fight for the BMF belt , makes no sense to me either lol, hope he wins against Kamaru so we can get Masvidal vs Covington.

[@herobtw7709]

I get fight nerves sitting at home with a beer. Always wondered how fighters coped with it and wonderboys backstage taking a nap. wtf

[@inferno5755]

Use fear to your advantage

[@beauhalliday9496]

@@inferno5755 how

[@beauhalliday9496]

@Clear Kim how

[@liammullen2144]

@@beauhalliday9496 it's the sort of thing you can't convey in a youtube comment

[@zombieslaya780]

@@beauhalliday9496 turn your fear into excitement, both feelings are very similar structurally in the brain. So when you’re nervous, remind yourself you are excited. You’ll perform better cuz u ain’t stressing as badly

[@noahbleckner4931]

404 likes to 0 dislikes This...this does put a smile on my face.

[@terry9917]

3.1k likes 7 dislikes is an insane ratio haha

[@upont9770]

@@terry9917 It's crazy, I don't recall if I ever saw this type of ration on yt

[@charliezelenowski2701]

As soon as I hear "what up every body" I like. That intro alone deserves my like every single time.

[@ItsAdrin]

I don’t know how to describe it, but as soon as that bell rings and the fight starts, I feel like I’m fighting in third person, like my consciousness is watching from above me.

[@nightone9720]

I know exactly what you mean. Ive actually thought about this phenomenon deeply. I honestly think it's the minds way of protecting itself from trauma in a primal way. It's as if the mind is trying to distance itself from the experience. Idk how else to describe it either. There really are no words for it other than the 3rd person example you gave.

[@peadarbrennan5918]

this happens to me when im taking lots of hard shots and fighting out of pure muscle memory

[@svg9657]

Had the same thing bro

[@romankim9671]

I think it’s called flow state. It’s very interesting

[@nebulous-5581]

You’re disassociating

[@hotcakes278]

The NMF we need but not the NMF we deserve. Shouout for making this vid champ, I remember I proposed this idea in your twitch chat and you said you'd look into it. #NMF4Lyfe

[@mysteryhombre81]

This reminds me of when Joe Rogan was talking with Josh Barnett and they were saying how most motivational advice, espec on social media falls flat, as the people saying it havn't done shit in their lives to back the words. Wonderboy has lived it, acheived alot and is still just a really cool dude so his advice fully hits us all different.

[@avpro209]

Respect to Wonderboy from Tajikistan

[@JanTjerrild]

You're a gift to the world and especially the fightworld 💪👊🙏🤗

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

Just watching this video calmed me down. NMF vs BMF next!

[@ishansaha24]

So called BMF was Mrs. Thompson when he fought the NMF

[@70mjc]

Jorge lost already. ...

[@whatsyrcardnumba7061]

The fact only 18 people out of 82k viewers didnt like this, really shows how valuable this is

[@nathanielkang2397]

Everyone send your good vibes to Jorge to win! He’s a great matchup for wonderboy if wonderboy can get a title shot.

[@eireabu9486]

Wonderboy kicked him around the octagon once he'll do it again if they fight

[@moonknight5188]

They did fight a few years ago

[@RealistMindset7]

Éire Abú twice actually! But it don’t really matter I think wonderboy would kick usman into the ocean if they was fighting on fight island

[@bicmitchum1368]

@@eireabu9486 wonderboys chin has been compromised, if Pettis can put wonderboys lights out then masvidal can baptize him

[@shaksbftd]

Bic Mitchum not true till rebounded after two baptisms (losses) all you have to do win is to fight smart with a good fight iq Stephen has one of the best fight iqs in the ufc so he knows what he's doing he beat luque which I know for a fact hits harder then Pettis,he put mike perry to sleep

[@chrisangel1404]

I'm about to make my amateur debut in Kickboxing in 3 weeks, and hearing this honestly helps a lot. I'm very nervous. But I know after 15 years of training. I can do this. So thank you for the advice.

[@ccrimewave]

Are you doing WAKO nationals by any chance?

[@gabwestd9304]

how did it go, man?

[@SpiralPlayz]

How did it go?

[@mikeyankee8603]

​@@SpiralPlayz he got slept 1st round 😢😅

[@SpiralPlayz]

@@mikeyankee8603 ah that sucks

[@leatherface9377]

The fact you think about the people who sacrificed their time for you to help you train is a beautiful thing.

[@DarkAristocrat]

I agree, I always get nervous whenever I'm in a fight. It takes me out of focus. One thing my teacher taught me about that was: "Remember, if you feel nervous while facing an opponent, most likely, he's feeling the same way. So be calm, and surprise him." It had always worked for me. It always gave me a small boost of confidence in the fight and lets me focus more. It really helps in making your opponent fight your fight, not the other way around.

[@ryane7906]

You’ve never had a fight

[@austinbatton4849]

@@ryane7906 it’s always you people projecting lmao

[@raquelcosta4161]

my dad is a boxing Trainer and I am a Muay Thai athlete, the phrase they both said that changed my whole mindset was: " the less important thing is the result of the fight. you can win or you can lose, but the only important thing is to keep a clear conscience that you did your best."

[@aikiwolf84]

"Wonderboy will still love me after this fight" This gotta be the best self advice going round in 2020!!!

[@FDonovan1979]

There's some real lost souls in martial arts, psychos and lunatics but Stephen is the epitome of what a martial artist should be, how they should act and carry themselves. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@itsurmombruh1391]

It’s a relief to hear that a guy with over 70 fights still gets nervous when ever he fights

[@RickGrimes__]

When u hear Jon Jones being scared, Cowboy Cerrone $hits few times a day (true story), Tyson was scared etc etc..

[@DisciplineLab1]

@@RickGrimes__why do i feel nerves to compete ? i have my first training sesh coming up so im a beginner, but i really want to compete when im experienced and ready, but why do i feel so nervous already about competing? is it because i really want to or what

[@RickGrimes__]

@@DisciplineLab1 It can be for many reasons such as fear of unknown, fear of competition, and as you said maybe because u really want it..The best part u have to remember is that no matter how scary someone looks or is we all feel scared and nervous. The key thing is to give everything into training and developing mental strenght..

[@DisciplineLab1]

@@RickGrimes__ especially when i spar, im afraid to get hit i mean not get hit but like i dont know how to explain, like not really commit, but thanks for the advice

[@RickGrimes__]

@@DisciplineLab1 You feel like you dont feel scared but you just cant go forward and do what you want? common thing in all people who are starting, just train as much as you can and those things will go away soon

[@mysteryhombre81]

You can apply this to any nervewrecking event in your life, seriously inspirational bro!

[@ryanblotsky2365]

I think the mindset series is a great idea, and I'm pumped for more! Thanks for the vulnerability you display by inviting us into every aspect of your life as a professional fighter. And congrats on 200k!!

[@Lucas420Farough]

I have my second amateur mma bout coming up in a month, everytime I watch your videos I feel more prepared haha. I was very relaxed going Into my first fight, I won but also took some damage to the right eye/cheek. I feel like that has mentally effected me in a way to where it will be harder time be relaxed for this upcoming bout. After watching this though I feel more at ease, so I just wanted to give you a thank you! And you rematching Jorge for the belt would be epic. I hope you have a good day! Everybooodddyyyy

[@leonascimento333]

Man you gonna get the W in your next fight too and you gonna be a killa doin lol do your best!

[@doublew030]

I’m rooting for you bruh!

[@nickriddle1586]

did you win?

[@Lucas420Farough]

I didn't see your words of support until just now, thank you gentlemen! I did not win my fight but I am happy overall. I learned a lot about myself and just competition in general. When people say fighting is 90% mental they are 100% right. I won the first round of my fight but I I was submitted in the second round via rear naked. I was doing good until I started over thinking everything, my mind wasn't in the right state of thinking. I was analyzing events that just happened rather than what to do next. Which let my opponent dictate the pace which led to my demise. So much fun though and no injuries.

[@chernobylsurvivor2398]

@@Lucas420Farough aye you miss 100% of the shots you don take you tried your best and that’s what matters good job

[@Nightwolf-YT]

This helped me when I was in a real fight at my highschool when a guy came up behind me. the mental state helps you and guides you what this man says is straight up facts !!!

[@andymma6286]

Fighting is always scary, its like entering a parallel universe its like a movie happening before your eyes and you are the main character, you either bite down and swing with hate or panic and collapse under the pressure.. Theres no in between, if i dont think of hate and rage i would probably crumble under the pressure

[@nightone9720]

It's crazy to think that but yeah hate and anger are 2 powerful emotions that are built within the human mind to survive violent conflict. The movies make it look like hate is an evil emotion but in reality it's just as important to embrace as love. Use hate in violence and use love in.....well non violent situations haha 😄

[@uglyass9084]

When I did Muay Thai sparring for the first time ( light touches) but quick movement it was like I was sacrificing myself... And I realized to become skilled you have to die before you can defend yourself... Opened my eyes to what is underlying in martial arts... Spirits going to battle with itself

[@daniellopez-vd8pm]

I love how wholesome can Wonderboy Thompson get

[@TobinHolz]

This is the "Eye Of The Tiger" level advice Stephen. Great Respect

[@Seffsqautch]

Love the video as usual. Also, I’m praying for Sweet T’s new baby- for a smooth delivery and good health.

[@royalreber]

Great advice for one fighter to the next 🤝🙌🏻

[@mitchdodorico3583]

Something that always helps me when i start to feel anxious. I just tell myself to be playful. When in sparring and you are just having fun and being playful youre the most calm, most fluid and most dangerous. I then do maybe 2 minutes of light playful touch sparring right before walking out. And the nerves and anxiety is gone.

[@OldSchoolStrength]

That's what i tell people to do instead of taking everything so serious

[@dannyfessler1282]

Always like wonderboy's videos before I even watch them... this is one I've been excited for🔥🔥🔥

[@HN-fb6md]

Real Insight for 0 cost. Thank you Wonderboy, you're an absolute legend of a man.

[@RodrigoHernandez-wc4ej]

Wonderboy you are the best💪 I love that you also talk about topics like these to help us amateur fighters out. Keep up the good work, I am sure you have what it takes to win the title🥇 Big fan from Chile🇨🇱, South America✌️

[@joanunderwood2944]

Always thankful for your mindset. You're positive attitude is inspiring. 🙏

[@goatandyourmom9690]

Wonderboy!!! Always such a great humble role model and person. A true inspiration.

[@chadmaxwell1608]

Congrats on 200k WB and Sweet T. You are both some genuine dudes.

[@coolman54061]

Thanks for motivating me to wake up and give it my all everyday. Means a lot, you have no idea :)

[@jasonborges6701]

Really enjoyed this kind of video. Not often do we hear about these things and imo it's even more meaningful coming from such a positive person, win or lose! Looking forward to more videos like this 👍🏼

[@Enigmatized13]

Best guy to answer this question as you are always so relaxed in the octagon.

[@DPham1]

Mindset is so important but talked about very little Thank you Wonderboy for delving into this beautiful topic and sharing your knowledge and experience with us

[@noahbleckner4931]

Damn I love these type of ‘fight preparation/mentality’ videos. Very fascinating.

[@tjlance7031]

i love your mind set. my dad was working with me when i was younger, he passed away in 03 and i lost the love for the sport. Thank you for doing these videos.

[@user-re1ff9jb4e]

Thank you brother for taking the time. I step in the ring in a few days and sapping up the last tips I can to get me through it safely and not let nerves ruin it 💙

[@patrickzdanek2681]

Hey man, awesome video!! I've always wondered what it's really like to be in that back room leading up to you being called out to make that walk in the octogan. I really like how you give the fighters perspective because that's something that most of us, even though you train MMA will never TRULY experience. Much love Wonderboy! 🤙

[@goa7516]

Dear ! Stephen thanks for sharing your real life experiences with us . You are truly blessed to be loved n supported by Your Loving Dad . God bless You 🙏 . - Goa ❤️ India .

[@macleod1592]

Wonderboy will still love ya. Dude you really are the NMF'er around. True champion with or without a belt.

[@heeltoeherewego9730]

I love your honesty and attitude to martial arts as a whole, most genuine decent killer of a human,but also complete gentleman, let’s go wonderboy 👊🏻👌

[@josiahsimpson8829]

I’m about to go fight me 8th amateur MMA fight in a few hours. This video helped me a lot! Thanks Wonderboy

[@alukew10]

Love the idea of having a series about mindset!

[@maxanderson3733]

Thank you Mr.Thompson. Your words helped me a great deal today

[@124ds124]

Love this idea, always great content!

[@nidstang373]

Awesome video man. This is an aspect of the game that should be dealt with more often.

[@charlespresley5596]

Love the message for fighters at the end. Great video.

[@mikeailinger9975]

I’m 3 weeks out from my first fight with a messed up toe. This is what I needed. Thanks wonderboy

[@leannegalemarkwright9439]

200K Baby!!!! I really, really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@mattmensing9251]

We love you no matter what too, Wonderboy. We appreciate it.

[@brycespivey7358]

Congrats on 200k!! Much love!

[@mementomori5374]

Awesome bro ! Thats exactly what i love to do taking very short powernaps and while focusing on my breath and visualize it really helps with anything

[@marco4317]

Mindset videos are a great idea, love it! I feel nervous even when I visualize myself fighting, even if I'm not gonna fight in a lot of time. But I think it's ok, that means I'm able to recreate uncomfortable situations and be ready for them. When time to fight actually comes, I love to think that I really want to be there and my opponent doesn't, this thought often gives me the confidence I need

[@tagearbinboxning5474]

Ik it’s an old comment but that’s so relatable. I’m litterly in my bed nervous as hell thinking about a tournament I’ll have in 6 weeks 😂

[@flyingknee23]

I never think about the fight because you don’t know the outcome

[@lovelaven6491]

This was awesome advice, perfectly in line with what I need. Thank you WB!

[@juniorbabylon]

Oh I'm definitely going to love this series

[@JoeySkate24]

Another banger video Stephen!!! Thank you this helped so much. The thing that i have never figured out though is that ''what should a fighter think when fighting/sparring?? do you even think? are you supposed to think or are you supposed to go with the flow?'' i'm completely lost with this and i think that would also make a great video too. Keep em going champ!!

[@mehdiiraasbai]

Cheers from Morocco, wonderboy your the man, hope u keep your instructional videos coming and hope you get your title shot soon. Nobody deserves it more than you do

[@LosingNemo]

Classy, honest and generous as usual, it will be hugely satisfying when you become the champion.

[@brycekeeney4995]

Thanks for sharing this, especially opening up about what your dad tells you. Charish that!

[@Abuzhumagulov]

Best in the world. Wonderboy!

[@emanuelsimoes5873]

This was literally the video I needed right now

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Thank you so much, Mr. Thompson, and take care.

[@thegrimreaper8388]

Appreciate this no one really talks about it

[@reeceainsley828]

Thank you Wonderboy.

[@RickMerced]

I honestly wished more fighters would talk about the mental game. Great video Wonderboy.

[@thelastchimp8670]

thank you wonderboy, this is awesome to hear

[@stonerboi7801]

Yoooo I love the new series appreciate you

[@karilacrosse5011]

Your fans will still love you too Wonderboy, thanks for being you. ❤️

[@stonerboi7801]

Yooo love this new series appreciate you brother

[@amanisamson4562]

THANKS STEPHEN. I FEEL LIKE WITH THIS GREAT ADVISE, AM READY TO GO.

[@AXLee27]

I really really like this video WB! This is gold

[@jovanespinoza6343]

Thank you Wonderboy! I have my very first boxing tournament this weekend. This was very helpful 🙏🏼

[@m.t.oproductions7428]

Im glad that I saw this video leading up to my next fight it helped my nerves now and I'm sure it'll help me on fight day

[@hirohitisandford1503]

I love you too Stephen thanks for calming me

[@ahmedalmalik7141]

Every day is school day with you thanks alot ❤️🥊

[@logantatum2071]

Cannot wait to learn these wise word and everything I’ll learn when I’m in your gym man👍🏻🏅

[@fightington]

Always loved you no matter what bro

[@parrishinvestigations952]

You're awesome bro!

[@simonlloyd1922]

You are an inspiration you deserve every success in your future : ) keep pushing wonderboy : )

[@quicklern818]

Thank you for this advice, Wonderboy.

[@longlivedonda7596]

A nap = A true calm before any storm. Thanks Wonderboy 💯

[@johnpullantes4013]

Needed this video for todays fight day thanks Stephen ✌️

[@LariMihai]

Thank you Wonderboy

[@gayealisir5661]

Okay win or lose in March. Ill remenber wonderboy still loves me. Cool.

[@Downhaven]

Im curious how popular this series will be, but it will probably be one of the deepest and most important contributions to me personally. So thanks!

[@prodrivebrasil]

You are awesome Stephen! Thanks a lot. Great tips!

[@TOPSyndicate]

I used to think I had to get angry before I spar or go into a fight but honestly I've seen that that's only an aspect of it. it really helped me when I watch sparring videos and focus on my technique

[@monsieurfrank8069]

you are amazing stephen