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Mixed martial arts is probably the most diverse sport in the world. The dynamic of mixing styles makes anyone who wants to compete have to master a variety of disciplines. 3 areas that you must train along with the variety of techniques of the individual martial arts are outlined below to be a competitor in the planet's fastest growing sport.

Conditioning.

This may be the most critical area. If you plan on going into a match for three five minute rounds, fight your heart out, and have energy at the end, you're sadly mistaken. This is the hardest area for most to practice, and should have more focus than any area.

You should plan on training some aspect of conditioning every day. The rush of stepping into a cage or ring is enough to fatigue you from the rush of adrenalin, and you're going to train to not be that fighter.

Strength.

To get really strong in mixed martial arts, you must train body to body as much as possible. This is one of the prime reasons wrestlers are some of the most strong in the cage.

For strength training in the gym, focus on traditional full body exercises targeting big muscle groups. Utilize the bench press, squats, and traditional dead lifts.

Speed.

Your speed is of utmost importance. If you're a middleweight, you're goal should be to move and act like a lightweight. If you want to catch your opponent at any time, you need to be two steps ahead of him with the speed to do so.

Working on speed requires you to practice at a faster pace. Hit the heavy bag and speed bag as fast as you can (while maintaining technique), and pick up the pace of sparring with your training partner's discretion.

These 3 factors of MMA training should never be neglected as you will find out in more detail in MMA training programs. A complete program is necessary to get off to an incredible start and win in MMA.