MMA Forum

Hi,

I have this wild dream of making my professional MMA debut at the ripe old age of 40; I'm 37 now, so that gives me 3 years. Is it attainable? What do you think?

First of all, a bit of background...

I started Karate training mid-way through 2005 with my daughter and managed to attain my purple belt before having to stop due to problems with my back early in 2007 (after having spinal surgery on a herniated disc in 2006).

Since then my health has been up and down, but after some more minor surgery and physiotherapy, I feel I am now in a good position to move forward and start training again.

I've had an interest in MMA for many years and have watched my fair share of fights, but I'm under no dillusions of grandeur; whilst I'd consider myself a competent fighter at the level I am (albeit a little rusty) I know I have a lot more to learn.

Sure I'm 37 years old, but I feel a very young 37; to be honest, I feel like I'm 19 still! My life over the last 7 years has been rather sedantry and so I don't really feel as if I've aged much. Sure, I've had problems with my spine, but when I'm in the zone I'm dedicated to my training and the human body is quite resiliant.

I know it's going to take time, but with the right training - MMA, conditioning, strength, diet, rest - surely anything's possible right?

And to start it all off I'll be giving up smoking to help pay for my training.

Many thanks for your time and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

I'd say it's pretty ambitious to be starting professional fighting. I'd say it's definitely worth taking up training and seeing where things go, maybe ask the coach about how realistic your targets are. If not, still worth it just for the fitness.