UFC Performance Institute
Injury Prevalence and the Impact Fighters Endure
In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where success is often measured in split seconds and precise movements, the head and neck play a pivotal role.
Concussions, stingers and neck pain stand out as significant concerns in the rigorous training regimen of MMA athletes, accounting for a notable percentage of issues.
“The speed at which a punch is thrown and landed is under 0.3 milliseconds,” says Gavin Pratt, director of strength and condition at the UFC Performance institute in Las Vegas. "That’s fast as hell."
These forces demand unparalleled agility and endurance. To combat these challenges, the innovative approach of incorporating Iron Neck into training programs has proven indispensable.
"Any strike currently is ranging between 10 to 40 G forces," adds Pratt. “We can’t train for a 40 G strike, but we can accumulate force over time.”
By focusing on rotational factors, rate of force development, and endurance, Iron Neck has emerged as a crucial tool for UFC fighters. It not only helps to prevent injuries but also provides fighters with the precious time needed to enhance their skills, thereby increasing their probability of success in the arena.
Injury Prevalence and the Impact Fighters Endure
In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where success is often measured in split seconds and precise movements, the head and neck play a pivotal role.
Concussions, stingers and neck pain stand out as significant concerns in the rigorous training regimen of MMA athletes, accounting for a notable percentage of issues.
“The speed at which a punch is thrown and landed is under 0.3 milliseconds,” says Gavin Pratt, director of strength and condition at the UFC Performance institute in Las Vegas. "That’s fast as hell."
These forces demand unparalleled agility and endurance. To combat these challenges, the innovative approach of incorporating Iron Neck into training programs has proven indispensable.
"Any strike currently is ranging between 10 to 40 G forces," adds Pratt. “We can’t train for a 40 G strike, but we can accumulate force over time.”
By focusing on rotational factors, rate of force development, and endurance, Iron Neck has emerged as a crucial tool for UFC fighters. It not only helps to prevent injuries but also provides fighters with the precious time needed to enhance their skills, thereby increasing their probability of success in the arena.
Weekly conditioning and daily training puts MMA athletes at higher rates of injuries. As their bodies burden the cost of training, injuries are never far away.
Grapplers and fighters with wrestling backgrounds have the highest prevalence of pain related to neck and back injuries.
MMA athletes are often sidelined due to head injuries. Even with headgear, concussions still occur.
How Iron Neck Helps Athletes Train at UFC Performance Institute
Since 2018, when Iron Neck was first integrated into training protocols at the UFC Performance Institute, Iron Neck has become an established part of nearly every UFC fighter’s preparation when they visit the UFC PI.
“It’s a really special tool that we use in the weight room from the beginning, returning to training all the way into their fight camp,” says Rebecca Summers, strength and conditioning manager at the UFC PI. “The athletes really buy into it.”
One key feature that sets Iron Neck apart is the ability to provide rotational resistance, essential for building neck strength. Fighters need to withstand powerful punches, each carrying significant force.
The ability for strength and conditioning coaches to simulate these forces and better prepare fighters for the challenges they face during fights is key. It also facilitates dynamic strength training, a critical aspect of MMA preparation. The speed and precision required in fights are replicated through innovative techniques such as cluster sets, allowing athletes to enhance their reactive strength.
“We use Iron Neck to incorporate fast dynamic strength,” says Pratt. “Reactive strength I would say that’s where we predominantly use Iron Neck. Iron Neck is brilliant with this for us.”
Additionally, the versatility extends from the initial return to training after an injury all the way to intense fight camps. By integrating Iron Neck into their training routines, fighters can not only increase their strength but also fine-tune their reactive components, providing them with a competitive edge.
As for where things go from here, there’s a sense of excitement from Gavin Pratt. “There’s a lot of creativity that we’ve been able to do down here, but I still think there’s a lot more we can do.”
How Iron Neck Helps Athletes Train at UFC Performance Institute
Since 2018, when Iron Neck was first integrated into training protocols at the UFC Performance Institute, Iron Neck has become an established part of nearly every UFC fighter’s preparation when they visit the UFC PI.
“It’s a really special tool that we use in the weight room from the beginning, returning to training all the way into their fight camp,” says Rebecca Summers, strength and conditioning manager at the UFC PI. “The athletes really buy into it.”
One key feature that sets Iron Neck apart is the ability to provide rotational resistance, essential for building neck strength. Fighters need to withstand powerful punches, each carrying significant force.
The ability for strength and conditioning coaches to simulate these forces and better prepare fighters for the challenges they face during fights is key. It also facilitates dynamic strength training, a critical aspect of MMA preparation. The speed and precision required in fights are replicated through innovative techniques such as cluster sets, allowing athletes to enhance their reactive strength.
“We use Iron Neck to incorporate fast dynamic strength,” says Pratt. “Reactive strength I would say that’s where we predominantly use Iron Neck. Iron Neck is brilliant with this for us.”
Additionally, the versatility extends from the initial return to training after an injury all the way to intense fight camps. By integrating Iron Neck into their training routines, fighters can not only increase their strength but also fine-tune their reactive components, providing them with a competitive edge.
As for where things go from here, there’s a sense of excitement from Gavin Pratt. “There’s a lot of creativity that we’ve been able to do down here, but I still think there’s a lot more we can do.”
AMBASSADORS
Pioneers of Wellness & Recovery
Our brand partners are leading the charge in disrupting the status quo when it comes to performance, recovery, and wellness. With the use of Iron Neck products, they are forging a new path, one that prioritizes the integration of cutting-edge technology and science-backed practices.
