Train, Train, Train

• The primary way to develop skills and train for the UFC is to find an MMA gym close enough for you to practice at least three times a week. You should rest at least one day and include cardio and weights in your workouts. Some gyms have earned reputations as producing high-quality fighters that do well in the UFC, such as Miletich Martial Arts, American Top Team and Team Punishment. If you are able to train consistently at these gyms, you have a chance of developing the well-rounded martial arts experience needed to enter and do well in the UFC.
  
  

Research

• You can supplement your workouts by watching videos and reading books about fighting techniques and workouts. You need to understand the details of each move. Slight errors in arm and leg placement can result in serious injury during training and competition.
  
  

Real-World Testing

• Try the skills you learn from the videos on real opponents during sparring sessions. Do not wait until an actual tournament to first try out a move. Work on offense and defense. Have your sparring partner practice techniques on you to learn how to defend against them. Your opponent may be watching the same videos as you.
  
  

Customize

• If there are no specific MMA gyms in your area, create your own routine. Most cities have classes in karate, jiujitsu, boxing and wrestling. You can begin training by learning skills from each class.
  
  

Evaluation

• As you progress, it may be worthwhile to travel to one of the more well-known MMA gyms to spar and train with MMA veterans. Coaches at these gyms can evaluate you and offer tips on what areas need improvement. Based on their advice, you can organize your local resources to best serve you.
  
  

Gain Experience

• Once an experienced coach says your cardio, boxing, kicking, wrestling, offense and defense are up to par, locate small MMA tournaments near your city. The only way to see if your regiment is effective is to start fighting. If you lose, a good coach should be able to tell you how to improve. If you win, it shows your training regiment is effective, but you might need to increase your level of training. If you win more tournaments and continue to gain fighting experience, you might be ready to try out for the UFC.