So You Want to Be a Fighter? Here’s the Truth

April Adams
Jan 22
3 min read

The idea of stepping into the ring or cage is electrifying. The adrenaline, the spotlight, and the glory all paint a glamorous picture. But before you start dreaming of your hand raised in victory, let’s talk about the reality of what it takes to get there.

Behind the scenes of a fight night. Coach and UFC Veteran, Ben Nguyen is warming up one of his MMA fighters. — Moments before stepping into the ring.

The Allure of the Label

Let’s be real: people love the idea of calling themselves a fighter. The label carries a sense of toughness, discipline, and respect that few other titles do. It’s a badge of honour, proof of stepping into an arena most fear. The mystique of being a fighter is irresistible—movies, social media, and highlight reels have turned it into something larger than life.

But here’s the catch: wearing the label without earning it means nothing. The title of "Fighter" isn’t about how cool it sounds or how it looks on Instagram; it’s about the blood, sweat, and sacrifices made behind closed doors.

Fighting isn’t just a one-time goal; it’s a lifestyle. For many, that realisation comes too late.

The Grind You Don’t See

Training for a fight isn’t just hard—it’s relentless. It demands consistency, frequency, and intensity that most people can’t sustain. We're talking about training 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. Hours of drilling, sparring, conditioning, and recovery, all while balancing work, relationships, and the rest of life. There’s no shortcut, and the grind doesn’t stop when you're tired.

Think about this: can you push through when your body screams for rest? Can you show up on days you feel defeated, sick, or unmotivated? If your answer isn’t a solid "yes," you need to question if fighting is truly for you.

Former Professional Fighter, April Adams is mentally preparing whilst wrapping her hands before her training session in Mexico. — It's fight week for April Adams. She is in Mexico prepping for her upcoming fight against one of their local fighters.

Fighting Is the Easy Part

Believe it or not, the fight itself is often the least demanding part. It’s minutes compared to months of preparation. The real battle is in the training camp: cutting weight, dealing with injuries, and pushing past your limits daily. If you haven’t embraced the discipline and sacrifices required, stepping into the ring is a recipe for failure—or worse, injury.

The High Dropout Rate

Here’s a sobering fact: most people who start training with dreams of becoming a fighter never make it to their first bout. The dropout rate is staggering. Why? Because the reality of the grind isn’t as glamorous as the fantasy. It’s exhausting, lonely, and demands sacrifices that many aren’t willing to make.

Wanting to fight isn’t enough—you must want everything that comes with it.

Even those who fight often don’t stick with it long-term. The consistent effort to stay in peak condition, the mental strain, and the sacrifices required are too much for most. Fighting isn’t just a one-time goal; it’s a lifestyle. For many, that realisation comes too late.

The Mental Game

Beyond the physical, there’s the mental strain. Fighting isn’t just about throwing punches; it’s about staying calm under pressure, managing fear, and facing the reality that you could lose. Not everyone has the mental resilience to handle the highs and lows of competition. Are you ready for the doubts, the sleepless nights, and the loneliness that can come with pursuing this path?

Be Honest with Yourself

Wanting to fight isn’t enough—you must want everything that comes with it. That means embracing the pain, the sacrifices, and the grind. Be brutally honest with yourself: are you ready to commit? If not, that’s okay. Fighting isn’t for everyone.

But if it is for you, be prepared to give it everything. The road is gruelling, but for those who stay the course, the rewards go beyond the ring. You’ll discover what you’re truly made of—and that’s worth every drop of sweat.