Mixed Martial Arts
MMA Fighters are at elite levels of stamina and strength, key points that help them become combat athletes. The right supplementation can be essential for a modern day cage fighter, being able to train as often as possible within their recovery limit is a vital part of training.
So in this article I will explain what I believe (with a little help from MMA Fighters who work at FactorySupplements.co.uk) are the most important supplements for the average MMA Fighter.
The Six Essentials
- Whey Protein
- Pre-Workout Supplement
- Strong Multi Vitamins
- Electrolyte based drink
- BCAA's
- Testosterone Booster
1 - Whey Protein
Whey Protein is the primary supplement for any athlete undergoing remote muscular stress. Whey protein is the fastest acting, fastest digesting form of protein. Quick recovery is essential for cage fighters and the like, so getting a good one should be a primary focus to the athlete.
Low carbohydrate, high protein, pure whey protein powders are what you're looking for as an MMA Fighter. Ideal for keeping weight down and only gaining lean muscular mass, helping you get the best strength to weight ratio and not put on any fatty weight in between fights.
The three below all match these requirements and are also filled with BCAA's to further help with recovery.
Hyper Strength Hyper Whey £39.99
PHD Pharma Whey £35.99
Reflex Instant Whey £36.99
2 - Pre Workout Supplements
Pre-Workout supplements are a luxury supplement. A good point was made to me recently by one of my colleagues Jamie Chadwick, a cage fighter himself - "They don't just help with strength and focus throughout your workout, anyone who holds down a serious job will just find themselves drained most of the time after they finish work. It's motivation when you're just not all there. Pre-workout drinks will allow you to perform to the best of your ability even after a long day". A good point, after all if you're sparring or doing a strength and conditioning class you obviously want to be on top of your game. You want to make sure you're always on top of your game.
Pre-workout products are stimulant based, nitric oxide boosting products. Designed to allow more blood flow around the body to allow great levels of oxygen to be transported. This helps slow down fatigue, increases strength and overall performance. You will stay focused and be able to give it 100%, allowing for more productive training sessions and better progression.
BSN N.O Xplode £34.93
Gaspari Nutrition Super Pump 250 £32.99
USP Labs Jack3d £25.99
3 - Strong Multi Vitamins
Strong Multi Vitamins are essential for the MMA Fighter. Here are some key reasons why you should do so - The maintainence of healthy bones, protection of mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat, smoother skin, healthy nails and hair, digestion of carbohydrates and controlling of blood sugar levels, energy levels, growth, absorption of protein, healing of scars and fractures, resistance to infections, stronger immune system, helping with night time blindness and general eyesight...The list keeps on going.
Those who are more active need stronger dosages of each vitamin and mineral than the average person. If you're a serious MMA Athlete, training frequently each and every day you really do need the highest quality multi vitamins with strong dosages. For this there is nothing else better than VM75s.
Solgar VM 75's
Available in a month, 2 and 3 month supplies. 1 First thing in the morning with breakfast will do the trick.
4 - Electrolyte Based Drink
An electrolyte based drink is an absolute essential supplement to have for the type of training MMA Fighters will do. Long circuits, hill sprints, kettlebell workouts, weight training circuits - Heavily endurance focused work. Doing so depletes the body of electrolytes (containing essential minerals the body needs to fuel the muscles) which we need to keep topped up. Buying an electroylyte based drink can help improve performance in the gym. Allowing you to complete your circuits quicker, push the lactic acid thresh-hold further thus improving your overall fitness.
CNP Pro-Hydrate - 7.99 (12 servings)
Absolutely bargain supplement that will get the job done. Feel free to visit the rest of the section containing similar drinks all for top prices. The CNP Pro-Hydrate is by far our best selling drink, 1 scoop with 350mls of water to drink throughout your workout helping with recovery and performance.
5 - BCAA's
BCAA's (branched chain amino acids) are amino acids that the body does not synthesize itself. Therefore we need to get them through our diet and what more convenient than through a sports supplement. BCAA's are especially good at getting rid of delayed onset muscle soreness and overall recovery. Taken frequently throughout the day, they should be a part of any serious athletes supplements list.
Considering the amount of sparring cage fighters will do along with the long strength and conditioning session, it's safe to say that the less they can feel sore and fatigued the better. BCAA's will serve their purpose well here.
PHD BCAA's £18.39
PHD Produce the highest quality BCAA's. We're aware on their own instructions they request you to consume 15 of their BCAA's per day. This is however un-necessary, three servings of three tablets evenly spaced throughout the day will be plenty.
6 - Natural Testosterone Booster
Boosting your testosterone levels naturally will help increase strength, stamina and gym aggression. As an MMA Fighter it kinda helps if you enjoy fighting to get a better edge over opponents. Taking a natural testosterone booster could help increase your testosterone production by over 40%! Any little extra advantage you can get over the other guy is only going to help boost your game.
D-Aspartic Acid - £19.99
Dymatize Trib 650 - £17.99
For more in depth information on the sports supplements featured in this article and others such as human growth hormone boosters, check out our bulking articles. For those interested in prohormones, we have a section for that too.
