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Starting MMA in your late 30's

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Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

05.03.2016 | 11:00 AM ET

I fought my first MMA fight when I was 36 and though I wish I had started younger, I had a black belt in BJJ before taking the plunge.

I wonder how long and far I can continue to be successful. Thoughts?

Responses

Tampa01

Member Since: 2016.05.03
Predictions: 0 | 0.0%
Forum Posts: 1
Post Score: -200

05.03.2016 | 11:12 AM ET

Why did you wait so long?

Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

05.03.2016 | 11:23 AM ET

Just one of those imaginary restrictions people put on their selves. I just wanted to be solid at one art before cross training.

FaceStomper

Location: New Jersey
Member Since: 2013.01.01
Predictions: 4,891 | 62.6%
Forum Posts: 1,399
Post Score: 224

05.03.2016 | 2:27 PM ET

It really depends what age you started training and if you've been doing hard sparring sessions for practice everyday that takes out your longevity throughout your career.

"You fight midgets" - Nate Diaz

Follow The Money

Member Since: 2015.03.01
Predictions: 5,951 | 61.7%
Forum Posts: 2,031
Post Score: 150

05.03.2016 | 2:53 PM ET

I was a pac--man belt in the Gracie online university before I ever threw a 1-2.

PilloryChoke

Location: United States
Member Since: 2012.10.11
Predictions: 32,017 | 64.3%
Forum Posts: 2,972
Post Score: 195

05.03.2016 | 6:58 PM ET

What weight class are you in? Seems like the lower the weight class the younger age of the prime fighters.

"When Conor fought Cowboy, he looked like a lion. When he fights stronger opponents, he looks like a scared chicken." - Khabib

Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

05.09.2016 | 3:42 PM ET

I'm 145 to 155er. I was a better than average athlete in my 20's, but didn't find martial arts until 26. It looks like I'll be fighting for my first title later this year and I've been working a lot on striking.

AnAlias

Member Since: 2011.08.22
Predictions: 7,888 | 63.4%
Forum Posts: 8,737
Post Score: 246

05.09.2016 | 4:18 PM ET

Well obviously at your age most wouldn't guess that you're likely to get too far, but hey. I don't know you or what you're capable of. Follow your dreams and do your best, man. I wish you the best of luck.

WastelandWanderer

Location: Coney Island, New York City
Member Since: 2015.01.13
Predictions: 155,871 | 66.6%
Forum Posts: 13,491
Post Score: 130

05.09.2016 | 4:37 PM ET

A judo coach before he badly injured his hip ( reducing him to only being able to do newaza/ground work) was beating 28 and 26 year olds quality black belts when he was 52... i know there's a big difference between grappling and mma but if you have the fire inside and want to express yourself through competition , do it ! But fair and appropriate match making / intangibles should surely be a key focus ... Age is just a number !!! ( within reason ..
again , not quite mma , but my 2nd uncle is in his mid 40's, this guy is p4p top mountain runner in Ireland, you can see his profile on "irish mountain running association" , guy vis beast

* Edited at 05.09.2016, 8:01 PM ET *

"I am the greatest blonde man in the world. I am Tru Viking." - Alexander Gustaffsson / "The world must bow to my glory. I am a God amongst mortals. They must pay me tribute in wine and concubine for my deeds." - Jon Jones "

Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

05.10.2016 | 8:05 AM ET

That's inspiring! I don't feel old and I am not giving myself permission to get old any time soon. I'll post pics when I win the belt.

Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

09.21.2016 | 1:06 PM ET

Update!

poir420

Location: Sabattus, ME
Member Since: 2010.12.31
Predictions: 143,346 | 63.0%
Forum Posts: 18,232
Post Score: 245

09.21.2016 | 1:14 PM ET

Congrats on the win man!

Picked it right and got to see it live!

"“All of a sudden, he was shooting for a takedown, and I’m like, ‘Oh, you’re a wrestler now? Remember, I’m the black belt in jiu-jitsu. And you’re shooting on me now? This is a wrap." - Nate Diaz"

yossgold

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Member Since: 2012.07.25
Predictions: 67,515 | 62.2%
Forum Posts: 14,550
Post Score: 295

09.21.2016 | 2:13 PM ET

@Raffa9000, congrats man!!! Keep on going for as long as your body holds up. You look to be in great shape for some people age is only a number :)

Oh, and with that nickname, how can you lose? lol!

"Hay lohh you Mike, ay lov you Mike. Hyou say somesing like di fo me, and naw I say you ... I LOV YOU! See you som. Boy." -- Yoel Romero, UFC 205

Raffa9000

Location: Norridgewock, Maine
Member Since: 2015.09.09
Predictions: 133 | 57.1%
Forum Posts: 7
Post Score: 457

09.22.2016 | 8:26 AM ET

Ha! Nice pick man. I got it wrong because I had me finishing by KO in round 1.

yossgold

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Member Since: 2012.07.25
Predictions: 67,515 | 62.2%
Forum Posts: 14,550
Post Score: 295

09.22.2016 | 9:54 AM ET

Do you research next time, LOL!!!

"Hay lohh you Mike, ay lov you Mike. Hyou say somesing like di fo me, and naw I say you ... I LOV YOU! See you som. Boy." -- Yoel Romero, UFC 205

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