Top Training Priorities 💥 1-10 From Pro Fighter

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

What do you NEED in camp when training for a fight? Some people say sparring is the most important. Some people swear by bag work. What is your #1 priority???

[@nem3908]

cardio by far

[@francoislandry6284]

Sparring and power training .Most Figther put too much emphase on cardio when It s so much less important. Cardio is important just over rated.

[@hexnrxchdiemvsch1n356]

Im not a Fighter, but without hand speed drilling i absolutely suck at sparring.

[@chriskintner5173]

EPIC vid again G, thx!!

[@rawke7279]

pads and light sparring. technique first, then cardio then strength and conditioning

[@brownlashawn56]

10. Jump Rope 9. lift weighta 8. shadow box 7. bag work 6. body conditioning 5. clinch work 4. partner drills(pseudo sparring) 3.sparring 2.running 1.padwork

[@bambreez]

Goat

[@frankbatista]

You beautiful thing you

[@BAMBINO-68]

Yes sir i agree

[@wavethatcrashed9155]

WHAT sparring is 3??? I disagree that is the most fun thing to do also it allows you to apply what you learnt from pads to real world situations

[@timm5970]

Padwork #1? Man I started out doing a lot of padwork with a friend. When I got a bag I made bigger improvements faster

[@siegfriedo]

Cardio is King. 💥 Totally agree on that one. You can have all the technique, timing and knockout power in the world, but once you are depleted and cannot go on, you're done.

[@chriscja.training4789]

This is good information for up an coming fighters, going into my very first fight I never really ran in camp. And also didn’t focus on boxing as much as I should. Watching your videos shows us how important it really is!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I also didn't run in my very first camp. Big mistake. I got so tired.

[@Elohim100]

I didn’t realize how important boxing was. I consider myself more of a kick and knee fighter in Muay Thai. But when I realized in camp I was getting punched from a variety of angles so quickly, before I could even set up a kick, I realized I needed to get better at the sweet science. 😂

[@jackjones267]

You should definitely do more videos like this they are very helpful

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I definitely will. Thanks for the feedback 🙏

[@NA-oo4ls]

I just signed up for my first amateur boxing bout, so this is great timing for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience Champ!

[@a1gamez262]

how and where did you do that?

[@tomnguyen4673]

Sparring Partner drills Technique Don’t put running and padwork as your main focus Because boxing and kickboxing is different sports

[@dexrexpex]

did you win?

[@eyesoreyt]

@@tomnguyen4673 Yes. But road work is so important!

[@nattygains4104]

did you win

[@hughesadam87]

I appreciate you actually have opinions and this isnt just an "it depends" fluff piece

[@shane9723]

Much appreciated, Gabriel. Some of the low-priority items on your list are my high-priority, and I notice I gas out and lack defense when I get tired. This has made me reassess my training going forward.

[@waterlegend72]

Your info is so invaluable Who bloody posts this insider tips and tricks

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

😀👍 I just hope subscribers are taking notes and winning fights.

[@memevarg2530]

I like what you said about bagwork. It's not urgent. That's why I love bagwork with my coach watching and forcing me to do something. It not only makes me work like I was on pads, but it makes me work especially on my will, since there's no stimulus to hit like when there's someone holding up a pad. The only cue to work is your coach's voice, just like when in the ring when he's in the corner. I remember precisely the day I got better at the switch kick. It was an off day, I was the only one at the gym so my coach decided to work on improving my switch on the bag. He'd have me react as fast as possible to his voice, a bit like a 1-2 but instead of fast hands the 1 was the switch and the 2 the kick itself. It was awesome. It was punishing. I loved every second of it.

[@Fightookaishii]

This video is an ABSOLUTE BANGER!

[@zerte4197]

This is insanly usefull, your video ideas/topics are someting amazing

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Glad you think so!

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Holy moly this is so true. Practitioners from traditional martial arts should take notes as well!!!

[@raphaellopez9290]

1. Pad Work 2. Cardio & Explosiveness Sprinting 3. Sparing 4. Partner Drilling, Sudo Sparing 5. Clinch Work 6. Body Conditioning 7. Bag Work 8. Shadow Boxing 9. Weight Lifting 10. Flexibility and Mobility

[@slamdunkonu]

This is champion level information. Absolute gold!

[@Joobkl]

I train Muay Thai, Great list. I'm guilty of not doing enough cardio/running. Enjoy light technical sparring.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

If you're not competing light technical sparring is the way to go 👍

[@TheChattounet]

And of course the diet ! your channel is so gold !

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

🙏🙏🙏

[@triocha233]

Got my first BJJ match in 11 days, wish me luck lads 🫡🥋

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

All the best

[@triocha233]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial thanks bro I smashed them

[@User-m9v3k]

​@@triocha233Have you had any fights since then

[@trevorosborn9572]

How did it go? Did you rak up any other matches since?

[@triocha233]

@@trevorosborn9572 Hahahaa since then I’ve competed 7 times That one I said there was white belt comp Then I’ve done 6 at blue belt Journey has been awesome Been a blue belt for about 16 months now

[@Andyofwasa]

Intresting video. I don't see running so important because you can replace its effects using padwork drills or hard bagwork rounds. Good thing in running is that it is very safe to do hard rounds. An assault bike is one good option also.

[@CharlottesBelief]

I needed this video! I never know what to concentrate on. This helped so much. Thank you!

[@andreassyvertsson2667]

You should do this list again but for beginners looking to learn from start

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Great idea. I can make that happen.

[@KelpWolf]

I second that idea!

[@RPanda3S]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Do this please! Though I think I could adjust this video's list for my goals (and I am), it would be cool to see your thoughts.

[@RPanda3S]

Oh wow you already did :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmfMiWmKo7Oda7s

[@mammothair132]

I have to agree with you pad work is very important it amazes me how the young Fighters don't do it as much as I do and I'm old every Sunday's pad work no matter what I do six rounds of pad work I'm almost 60 years old and just amazing these young Fighters are not doing it

[@collinporter357]

I'd love it if you covered alexander volkanovski man has been on Fire and just defeated max holloway I think he needs a what makes him good with tips to improve! Love you gabriel

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Yes. That guy is looking sooo sharp. I'll make my next "what makes him so good" on Alex.

[@trimakin6148]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Looking forward to it.

[@collinporter357]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial thank you Gabriel you're an inspiration truly

[@acme-1889]

Thanks for your advices. I am a hobby fighter but I benefit from your videos a lot.

[@stevenmorgan9549]

Great info. I’m a beginner and sparred for the first time 3 days ago. I did ok but definitely gassed out 40 minutes in. I was definitely considering joining a boxing gym as well as that what enabled me to hold my own in my first sparring session

[@Elmonsterhombre]

If you can spar for 40 mins straight without gassing out, that's pretty good. Or very relaxed sparring. Normally beginners crap their lungs out after one round cause they're so tense

[@drphoenix8246]

Great info. Totally agree

[@JamesJohnson-pz8pu]

I told someone that running is a bigger training priority than everything except pad work, but he didn't believe me. He said he would prioritise many other things over running. He had previously competed in fights with shin guards, where fitness didn't seem to affect him. However, when he moved up a level and participated in his first semi-professional kickboxing fight (in the UK, this 3 x 2-minute round), he was exhausted after the first round. His legs felt weak, hindering his ability to defend himself correctly, and the fight was stopped in the third round off leg kicks. Afterward, he admitted that I was right about the importance of running. He felt better, but lacked the fitness to perform effectively and protect himself, ultimately resulting in a technical knockout.

[@ShohanShahid]

You're the best advisor, bro ❤️💙

[@Cryttanz]

I agree with this list, it's a good one

[@mgmodp8966]

Great video! Thank you Gabriel

[@leejahn8856]

Very helpful material!! Not just the list but why those training methods are as important - or not so important as they are. I am not training for a fight but still find this useful in identifying gaps in my training.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Yes. This list should be helpful for recreational athletes and competitive athletes.

[@cophanuonglamcongty6001]

Why do you put jump rope so low while jump rope is similar to running? We can jump fast and slow for different intensity. Please explain, thanks!

[@richardgrimm7222]

I have my first fight coming up and was just thinking about how to prioritize my time. Thanks for the solid advice Gabriel!

[@missfrosty98]

I just had my first fight 3 weeks ago. I did a ton of padwork and sparring leading up to it but I did 0 running. I must have went running once or twice during camp and they were both 5-7 km, no sprints. Needless to say, I gassed after the first round, which I won, but then had no energy to offer much offense as well as to do anything effective in the clinch ( which was fucking exhausting lol). I gotta start running!!

[@notevenalex]

Bravo man!!

[@Devoceantattoo]

For me #1 sparring. Can be lighter to avoid injuries.

[@iankelley9704]

This was an exceptional video

[@vasheldiablo507]

Thanks gabe

[@jonenglish6617]

That explains why Kru Alin likes pad work so much

[@underzerogravity8184]

Padwork is my favorite, when i was in thailand i trained with phenomonal padholders and i feel like in 2 weeks i got better than i would in the US in a year..or more

[@WorldHistoria111]

Awesome!

[@stefankeeney8462]

While I like the reasoning behind your order based on the “bang for your buck” each method gives, I still feel as thought all these methods should be included and have their place so their all important

[@escueladeartesemocionales]

thank you so much man, this is very valuable for a starting fighter like me!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Glad I could help!

[@tomnguyen4673]

Crazy you put shadow boxing So high up But I guess it’s your opinion and I respect that

[@DJ-hb6qu]

A tier list of training !! Nice ideas 💡

[@BrandonTLuong]

I felt pad work was going to be top choice as that's what I prioritize. So glad I was correct 😌

[@Anticipate]

Nick Diaz says the same about having good hands...if you can stop the kicks, you need good hands to win the fight in striking

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Good thought from Nick. Solid kick defense and good boxing can beat most people

[@yoshuanguerrero1381]

Really interesting video and invaluable as always!! Thanks ❤️🙏

[@Cam-jx4drgh]

I always thought bag work was what made the difference in punching power.

[@jayw8306]

Can you do a video on tips to be a good pad holder we all get told how to fight but pad holding is normally overlooked

[@Sacciuiguai]

To be honest I use jumping rope as cardio 10-20 minutes mid to high intensity range besides footwork and agility work.

[@ScaredycatG]

Brilliant content!

[@eyesoreyt]

I think Lifting weights depend on weight classes, especially if your trying to bulk up or if your trying to add more power!

[@ram_bam]

Excellent video. I’m going to incorporate your spirit / jog into my normal running routine.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Nice. I hope you find it helps.

[@mohhammadscharifie5059]

Great advices , as always 👍👍

[@danilo6548]

Amazing video. Gabriel you are so good at explaining. Pure gold information in this video. Pad holding is so important and so underestimated. One of the first thing they should teach to newbies is how to hold pads. Also pads are for offense and defense, the pads holder has to throw back at you. It makes so much sense what you are saying: sparring for timing, sprint for cardio, pads for everything. Love it.

[@micaiahflores1592]

What I do for number 9 is a burnout of 100 reps in 25 reps with 10lb dumbbells and 10-20 push-ups in between and wooo man that is one hell of a burn

[@occupationallystrong1606]

Great video

[@KelpWolf]

Thanks for the solid tips! As a beginner, I would have to move partner drilling further up my priority list - such a good way to learn technique. I was talking to a futbol player 2 days ago about conditioning for futbol: Speed and endurance. Reminded me of your take on fighter conditioning. Interval sprinting at 100% is such a crazy workout, especially on hills.

[@pussyhammer6969]

I love playing futbol.

[@CyclingMartialartswithMusic]

I wish gyms will follow the concepts of the video instead of a 30 minute of burpees, push ups, body squats and etc and 20 minutes of alternate pads and 10 mins of cooldown.

[@neilbeech4093]

This is awesome

[@paulpelle3046]

Legend 🙏

[@Matt_J106]

How to out fight in Kickboxing

[@champ1159]

Thats a great idea

[@Ninjacob00]

Spam sidekicks and teeps lol

[@urmomgayming1834]

Grigorian Vs superbon 2 is an excellent recent example of how to do so if you haven't seen it 👍

[@trimakin6148]

@@urmomgayming1834 That was complete domination.

[@HanFromFF]

Can you do a video about Japanese Kickboxing? Some basic breakdown about the clean kickboxing style of japan.

[@Ash__Adler]

Cool timing to see this from you, because I learned about a muay thai gym nearby that I'm looking to join to get back to training properly 🙂

[@deshawnmuhummadhaywood9195]

Great information sir thank you 🙏🏽

[@thehybrid4608]

Can we get another boxing combos video or kickboxing/karate one?

[@nwbdirge1198]

One thing i didnt see you mention was body weight exercises

[@fernando64395]

0:00 As a non English native, I can't say if he's saying 'ohhh well', 'ohhh boy' or 'ohhh wey'

[@ben2177]

Great video thanks!

[@haha-rf8mx]

Hi Gabriel, I understand that cardio is so important hence why running is so high on the list. But why don't you do bag work as solo cardio instead since you can work on your technique and power at the same time. Wouldn't it be more worthwhile?

[@dankent8650]

Thank you as always for sharing. I have not yet returned to my gym since the COVID mandates. I’m rearing up to get up and go train! I have no excuse now! The gym is open! Some of your priorities and your reasoning surprised me! It’s so interesting to hear different peoples approaches to fight preparation. But it seems like everyone is so different in their fight prep strategy. I guess I would have thought that sparring would have been a top priority? I’m no where near your level as a fighter and martial artist, but I feel that sparring would be my top priority. Without enough adequate sparring I feel mentally week. Next I for sure would go with pad work, but at my gym our coach only has a limited time and only give us 3 rounds per team member, unless I schedule a private. For sure Running is a must, but you didn’t specify what style/modality you prefer. I honestly only feel like 400-200 meter repeats are effective for me. Coach has us run 2 miles before class 3x a week, and I feel weaker because of it 🤷 But when we’re doing track work with the ‘Repeats’ I really feel the difference in sparring and drilling! Also I love weight training! But I have had similar problem you had regarding getting hurt. I never injured myself per say Lifting, I did tear my pec Benching once due to improper technique, but it doesn’t bother me now. My observation with strength training is that I normally have issues when I first start strength training. Then after the first 2-3 weeks those issues go away, and then improve. The issues I have are usually in my hips and low back. I think it’s part of the adaptation process. But after the initial first weeks my back and hips feel strong and stable. I also never test my 1 RM. I start with a light weight, which would be lighter than I want it to. From there I add weight in conservative increments; for example I would start Squatting with like 60kg then in around 8 weeks I’m comfortably working in the 160s kg. Anyways, thanks again for the content Champ! If you read my post thank you very much for your time 😆

[@basaran3180]

Niceeeee . Can yo do pls mike zambidis 5 things that make him so good pls

[@ahmedalhamadi1231]

I liked it so much... Any video about how to be the good pad holder?

[@michacierpisz78]

Thanks 👌🏻

[@Wavecheckfoo]

I just started Muay Thai but been lifting for the past year not throwing shade but I have a bit more muscle than you but definitely lacking in the abs department (not fully toned or too noticeable without getting close) but I’m just saying I’m glad I’m pay that and can focus on technique more

[@jonathangogi]

Thanks for the knowledge Gabriel

[@carbajal4732]

thank you

[@jamielondon6436]

Interesting. I would have bet that sparring would be #1.

[@brianbadonde8700]

the Thais training is mostly pad work and no one can argue against how effective it is, weightlifting and ''conditioning'' like flipping tyres and all that is a waste of time and recovery reserves, (interactive) pad work, running, sparring, bag work.

[@seekingwisdomandmentors6864]

Can you do a Grappling/MMA version of this video?

[@paxtecum8699]

Thanks

[@Zetraxes]

have you ever tried deathmatch sparring with maximum protection for 8 rounds after warmup adn stretching?

[@kurtbell4096]

Legend thank uou

[@whoknows8223]

2:35 I get your point but like in your fight with van Roosmalen I really think it was just the sheer difference in power which lead to the loss (of course he cut weight and rehydrated way more than you but still). I do not see a single good reason for neglecting that aspect. Just like someone else with KO power should not neglect cardio, because he didn't "need it" yet.

[@kvarga9164]

Robin is a great fighter for sure. Most people do not realize after weigh ins - Robin posted he was 168 lbs that night and he 173 lbs. in the ring. Gabriel was 148 in the ring for the fight. There was a 25 lb weight difference in the fight and at the top pro level when things are pretty equal skill wise there is no way a fighter who is 25 lbs smaller will win. Frankly - for the health of fighters, weight cut rules should be much more stringent.

[@Brolylovesme]

This video was definitely a good supplement for the question I asked you haha 😂

[@moumous87]

bag work would have been #10 for me and skipping rope way more important... but maybe that's why I'm not a pro fighter XD

[@konnor9577]

I agree in the list 100%. But I put body conditioning higher in the list. For me is 1. Cardio (HiiT, all out sprints, or zone 2 HR training), 2. sparing with 16 oz gloves thorax and all protective equipment for muay Thai (you can apply some drilling rounds where only one attacks and the other defends but you are trying 100%, 3. Pads 4. body conditioning, 5. Wall pad (instead of boxing bag) just to finish off with some hits you like to throw like you do with makiwara...etc. everything else is meaningless and I don't spend a single minute on it. 6. Strength and conditioning (full body mostly high reps in explosive tempo) but periodization is key in weights and callisthenics It took me a while to understand the importance of pads. It can be a good replacement for everything especially when the fight is near. It works your cardio, reaction time, reflexes, technique...all from my list 1-5, without getting injured and overtrained. Especially if you had shin splints from running or gotten hit on the head a lot in sparring.

[@breezylotus07]

What do you do to stay in the shape you do? How often are you lifting? I see many people with similar physiques who life all the time and am just curious on how you go about it.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

2 times per week right now. But that is new over the last year. Before that maybe once a month.

[@MMAengineer]

a bunch of ufc fighters (leon edwards, max h) said as soon as mma guys are on danawhitecontender level they dont need to spar ever again.

[@sergiothespanishnightmare6727]

For me is a crap advice, I need sparring for improve my fight and beside, I don't feel very well if I don't do sparring, but you don't need to do hard sparring always, this type of sparring is bad for you if you do this kind of sparring always

[@alexdomino23]

As always great video. However are you suggesting that there is no strength training at all during a fight camp? Where does strength training fit in in your opinion?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I'm sure strength training is a massive part of many people's camp and is VERY important. I have put very little focus on it and therefore feel it's low on my list of priorities. But I may start utilizing it more now that the weigh-in weight in 150lbs and I'm only walking around 154-157lbs. Another 5-10lbs of muscle seem warranted and I need strength training to make that happen.

[@gts013]

Hey Gabriel. What do you think about Superbon's trainer, Trainer Gae and his padwork style? Seems like he fits your criteria as someone that will keep you honest on defense after your combos and someone that will push your cardio to its limit. Not sure if it's just me but it seems like Superbon has been doing better since joining up with him and maybe that padwork style actually has a lot to do with it...

[@TheJoshuamcgowan]

Rad!

[@dimo6793]

Noti

[@Brusttraining]

sprints are important, more than running. Bc in a fight you don’t went always the same pace like in running but it goes up and downs and mostly very intensive like in Sprints

[@comosediceesoo681]

Imagine getting in a bar fight with this dude not knowing. he'd beat you up and then apologized for beating you too hard like a good Canadian

[@johnmcpherson3229]

Pad work... i am lucky i have an exvellent pad man

[@СтилиянКръстев-р7т]

Helo my friend I have a problem with throwing flying knee they see me and block me can you show how to throwing sefely and heavy like a Kory Sandhagen

[@averagebro413]

Nice video man, i really hate running but it seems really important, what can i do?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

You can swim or find other cardio drills that are mean. The cross fit bikes (Rouge) are so mean and just as hard as a good run.

[@KelpWolf]

You could also cross train with another sport. Do you like basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, squash, tennis, or any other fast-twitch sports that need endurance and explosive speed? Whatever you do, it's good to mix up your pace between fast and recovery/slow. Personally, I feel that a lot of bike work slows me down and reduces my ability to be quick on my feet. Do something fun! Or if you're a masochist like me, just do a lot of HIIT workouts. . .

[@averagebro413]

@@KelpWolf I like high intensity shadow boxing, otherwise i suck at basketball, football and so on.

[@deemc7756]

🥊

[@edgargael1926]

How often should someone do sprints per week at a soccer field like you said 10 times ?

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

1 per week for sprints is probably good