Lessons from My First MMA Fight: Fighting for More Than Victory
There’s a moment before you step into the cage where the noise fades, and all that’s left is yourself. It’s just you, the preparation you’ve put in, and the unknown waiting on the other side. For me, that moment wasn’t filled with nerves or doubt—it was filled with curiosity.
I didn’t pursue MMA for glory or the thrill of the fight. I did it to see what I was made of, to reclaim something I felt I’d lost. After a knee injury sidelined my dreams of American football, I needed to test myself as an athlete and as a person. Could I rise to a new challenge? Could I push past fatigue, fear, and doubt to prove something—not to others, but to myself?
I realized early on that it wasn’t about the outcome—it was about the process. That’s what I live for. The outcome is fleeting; it’s the journey that shapes you. And this was the journey I had chosen, for reasons I didn’t fully understand at the time.
The Journey to the Cage
I trained at Starkey’s Martial Arts in Earlsdon, Coventry, a gym that struck the perfect balance of technique and live sparring. Unlike other gyms, where sparring is rare, Starkey’s emphasized gentle but consistent practice. This environment sharpened my instincts and gave me the confidence to trust my abilities in a live fight.
But preparation wasn’t easy. Balancing full-time work, MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and gymnastics to improve my body control meant days that started early and ended late. Fatigue was my constant opponent. Yet, I stuck with it because I believe in one simple truth: You get out what you put in. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens in the grind.
Fight Day: The Calm Before the Storm
I wasn’t nervous on fight day. While other fighters paced nervously or had heart rates spiking between 80–100 beats per minute, mine was steady at 60–70. I’m not the type to dwell on what could go wrong. For me, preparation is everything. Once you’ve done the work, the rest is out of your hands.
If you die, you die. What’s the point in worrying about what you can’t control?
There wasn’t much time to warm up; the fights moved quickly. As I watched the other matches, I wasn’t tense—I was simply curious. What would this experience be like? Would all my preparation pay off?
The Fight: A Test of Fitness and Will
From the first round, I realized that MMA fitness is its own beast. My lungs were burning, my legs felt like lead, and my chest heaved with every breath. No amount of preparation can truly simulate the intensity of a real fight.
But in those critical moments, I relied on my training. My strength lay in my ground game, and I found it easier to fight for position. I recognized opportunities for submissions, but my opponent fought hard to stay in the game.
There were flashes of control: a takedown, an uppercut, a clean dodge of his counter. But the fight was exhausting, and I had to dig deep to stay focused. In the last round, he dipped his head for a takedown and pinned me against the cage. My whole body felt like I was stuck in cement.
Out of the corner of my eye I see my coach, Kieran, waving a single finger back and forth.
"One minute marcus! One minue!"
"Oh... go on then". I whisper to myself.
I hook under his knee with my hands and drive him back trying to tip him.
Success.
I release my hands to let him go to the floor thinking I would be able to take his back and finally finish the fight.
He gets up too fast and I lose my opportunity but stil have the upper hand.
Maintaining pressure on him from his side, I recognise another clear chance.
I pivot to hook my right wrist under his chin for the guillotine.
"C'est l'heure."
I fall back and secure one of his legs with mine.
My fingers working tirelessly through blood and sweat and tempered leather to find one another.
My hands and arms constrict like a starving python.
"Lift the Elbow", Coach orders.
Compliance.
And slowly I feel defeat beset my opponent.
Victory Without Joy
When the fight ended, I expected to feel pride, relief, or even accomplishment. But what I felt was emptiness.
My opponent congratulated me graciously, then returned to his pregnant partner, defeated. I couldn’t shake the thought: What was the point of this?
I didn’t step into that cage to hurt someone. I did it to test myself, to be prepared for a world where harm is sometimes necessary to protect those you love. But what did I truly accomplish by beating someone who wasn’t my enemy?
I wish there were a way to practice fighting only against “bad people,” but life isn’t that simple. The lesson wasn’t in the fight itself—it was in the process, the preparation, and the parts of myself I discovered along the way.
What I Learned About Myself
The most surprising thing I learned wasn’t about my opponent—it was about me.
People often see me as carefree, non-chalant - as someone who doesn’t take things seriously. But when the stakes are high, I rise to the challenge. Everytime.
I’ve realized I’m the type to do the hard work quietly, when no one is looking. People won’t see the grind, and they might not believe in my preparation. But when the moment comes, they’ll see the results.
This experience taught me something else: I can’t pursue everything. Preparing for the fight demanded everything I had—time, energy, focus. In the future, I know I need to narrow my efforts, to approach challenges with more focus rather than trying to hit multiple goals at once.
Advice for Those Considering an MMA Fight
If you’re considering an MMA fight, here’s my advice: If you’re scared, it’s exactly what you need to do.
Fear is natural, but it’s also something you can overcome. I wasn’t anxious or nervous, but I did feel the fear of being hurt. I chose to accept it. If you’ve made the decision to fight, then deal with what comes with it—it’s your choice, your responsibility.
Stepping into the cage isn’t about enjoying every moment. It’s about proving to yourself that you can handle discomfort, pressure, and the unknown. If you choose to stay in your comfort zone, that’s fine, but know that comfort comes at the cost of growth.
Gratitude, Growth, and Resilience
The fight changed how I view life. I’m grateful that I don’t have to fight every day, that I don’t live with the constant pressure of survival that so many around the world face.
But it also taught me resilience. Life isn’t easy, and there will always be challenges—physical, mental, or emotional. The fight reminded me that preparation is everything. You may not control the outcome, but you can control your readiness.
Personal growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from stepping into the arena, facing what scares you, and putting in the work when no one else is watching.
The Lesson: Fighting Is About More Than Winning
MMA taught me that fighting is as much about preparation and self-discovery as it is about victory. It’s about finding out what you’re capable of, even when you’re exhausted or unsure.
You don’t fight to prove yourself to others—you fight to understand yourself. Whether it’s in the cage, at work, or in life, the effort you put in behind the scenes is what defines you when it matters most.
So, if you’re facing a challenge—whether it’s a fight, a career change, or just a hard day—remember this: The work you do in the dark will shine in the light.
You don’t need to shout about it or seek validation. Just put in the effort, and trust that when the moment comes, you’ll rise.
A Big Thanks
With the victory in mind I would like to thank Coach Kieran at Starkey Martial Arts in Earlsdon and would highly recommend him for anyone who is considering starting a combat sport and isn't sure where to start.