Mixed martial arts, once a niche spectacle, has transformed into a rapidly growing global sport, largely thanks to the UFC’s widespread popularity over the last two decades. While audiences are captivated by the intense competition, athleticism, and sheer combat within the ring, fighters and coaches emphasize that the sport’s most profound effects often manifest outside of it.
Not long ago, public figures like the late Senator John McCain controversially labeled MMA as “human cockfighting,” questioning its legitimacy as a sport. Today, however, MMA has evolved into a significant global industry, a cultural phenomenon, and a daily commitment for countless athletes worldwide.
Mental Health in MMA
Beneath the dazzling lights, championship bouts, and spectacular knockouts lies an individual. Fighters grapple with pressures, anxieties, self-doubt, and the everyday challenges that affect everyone. For many, training transcends mere preparation for competition; it becomes a source of structure, therapeutic release, and a strong sense of community.
Glover Teixeira
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira has experienced the multifaceted reality of this sport for years. Since retiring from professional competition in 2023, Teixeira has dedicated his efforts to nurturing the next generation of fighters at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Bethel, Connecticut. Since establishing the gym in 2019, he has focused on coaching elite athletes such as Cage Titans bantamweight Kyle Boller and former two-time UFC champion Alex Pereira, while also leading classes for commercial and youth martial arts programs.
For Teixeira, the mental aspect of fighting has always been as crucial as the physical. While acknowledging the importance of physical conditioning and strength, he asserts that discipline, consistency, and the daily commitment to training are the true determinants of success. He believes a strong physique is rendered ineffective if the mind is weak.
“You constantly have to battle your mind,” Teixeira shared. “It’s a game. It’s no different for anyone pursuing anything, whether it’s business, marriage, or any endeavor – the mind will try to pull you back.”
Teixeira suggests that sports, in general, can empower individuals to progress, challenge themselves, and improve their lives. However, he points out that MMA demands an exceptional level of focus due to its intense physical and mental requirements. Despite his passion for the sport, he holds that any form of athletics can serve as a powerful tool for managing depression, anxiety, and stress. In his perspective, an individual’s most formidable adversary is often not their opponent but their own internal struggles.
He also cautions against allowing confidence to morph into arrogance. Teixeira believes that possessing self-defense skills and carrying confidence can enhance one’s quality of life. However, overconfidence can be as detrimental as insecurity. He emphasizes that balance, discipline, and humility are the cornerstones of lasting achievement.
Kyle Boller
Kyle Boller, one of Teixeira’s students and an active Cage Titans bantamweight competitor, feels that MMA has instilled precisely that balance in his life. “There are highs and lows,” Boller explained. “As things fluctuate, you begin to understand the reasons behind these fluctuations, and once you do, you realize that discipline and making the right choices can keep you on an upward trajectory.”
Boller views training as a form of therapy. He applies the principles learned in the gym to all facets of his life, stating that martial arts equip him to navigate difficult situations, whether physical or mental. He believes the intense focus required in MMA fosters mental clarity outside of training as well. When life presents stressors, he finds that attending training provides a tangible goal and an experience that cannot be faked.
He considers joining a martial arts gym one of the most beneficial actions an individual can take for both their mental and physical well-being, as few activities demand such a high degree of discipline, challenge, and accountability. “MMA has essentially shaped my entire life,” Boller stated. “Many of my relationships stem from MMA.”
This extends to his personal life; Boller recently introduced his girlfriend to training, providing them with a shared passion and a new avenue for mutual growth. Consequently, he feels MMA influences nearly every aspect of his existence, extending beyond competition to shape how he handles work, relationships, and setbacks outside the gym.
What Does The Science Say?
Scientific research corroborates the experiences described by many fighters. According to Harvard Medical School, aerobic exercise triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin – neurochemicals associated with stress reduction, mood enhancement, and emotional regulation. The rigorous physical demands of MMA produce similar biological benefits, helping to explain why numerous fighters consider training vital for their mental health.
Mitch Raposo
“I feel it makes me a more peaceful person,” said Mitch Raposo, an active UFC flyweight. “I notice that when I don’t train, I become easily agitated. I don’t feel good about myself, and I feel that training keeps me sane.”
Raposo views training as a privilege rather than an obligation. Like Teixeira, he considers fighting his outlet and a primary means of safeguarding his mental health. He believes that at the elite UFC level, where every athlete possesses exceptional talent and physical preparedness, mindset becomes paramount. A fighter might have a flawless training camp and still perform poorly, or struggle through camp and emerge victorious. Once the cage door closes, preparation is crucial, but mentality often dictates the outcome.
Raposo notes that the discipline required for elite competition compels fighters to confront themselves honestly. There is no room for pretense in training, nor any excuse once the fight begins. Outside the Octagon, Raposo finds stability in his Christian faith. He believes that understanding his “why” through faith helps him remain grounded amidst a life heavily centered around fighting.
However, this lifestyle necessitates sacrifice. Raposo admits that hobbies like comics and video games often take a backseat due to the demands of maintaining competitiveness at the highest level. Training camps, recovery, dieting, and continuous preparation leave little time for other pursuits. “I try to separate Mitch Raposo the person from the guy who performs in front of millions of people,” Raposo stated. “But it’s challenging since this is all I do.”
Raposo first entered the UFC at 22 years old as the top pick on Alexander Volkanovski’s team in “The Ultimate Fighter.” He later reflected that the spotlight arrived prematurely. After rebuilding his career on the regional scene, he was re-signed by the UFC in 2024 and made his return at UFC 302 against Andre Lima. He is scheduled to face Allan Nascimento on June 20 at the UFC Apex.
There’s an irony in combat sports: people often assume fighters are the most aggressive individuals present, yet many describe the opposite. Consistent training cultivates patience, emotional control, and humility. Experiencing submissions, corrections, and intense challenges daily forces athletes to confront their egos. For many, the gym becomes the sole environment where honesty is unavoidable.
This environment is why martial arts gyms across New England are emerging as unexpected havens for mental health support. While UFC fighters like Raposo face immense pressure at the pinnacle of the sport, coaches affirm that the same principles apply to beginners stepping into a gym for the first time.
Maddie and Ross Levine
At Turbo Kickboxing Academy in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, co-owner and coach Maddie Levine observes that the most significant transformations in students are rarely physical initially; they are mental. “After six months, you witness an overall improvement in mental health,” Levine commented. “Whether you’re training for enjoyment or competition, if you approach it seriously, you will see progress both on and off the mats.”
Levine notes that many students initially seek fitness but remain because they discover confidence, structure, and a sense of belonging. In a sport often misconstrued for its violence, she emphasizes that the strongest gyms are built on trust. Students are encouraged to leave their egos at the door, fostering an environment where individuals feel secure enough to openly discuss stress, anxiety, and depression. She believes this culture is as vital as technical proficiency.
She mentions that many beginners anticipate only a physical workout but often leave with stronger friendships and an enhanced sense of self-worth. For some, the gym becomes the first place in years where they feel fully supported. Head coach Ross “Turbo” Levine, a former Karate Combat champion, believes fighters often find their most robust support networks within the gym. “A good coach is also a bit of a therapist,” Levine stated.
For Levine, a major misconception about MMA gyms is the expectation of constant aggression from outsiders. In reality, he asserts, the most effective fighters are often the most composed individuals present. “You cannot train with people every day without trust,” Levine said. “You are entrusting your body and safety to someone else.”
This trust forges a bond among teammates that often feels more like family than friendship. Fighters rely on each other not only for preparation but also for accountability during challenging periods, both within and outside the gym. Levine points out that coaches often detect mental struggles before anyone else – missed sessions, sudden shifts in mood, unusual quietness, or a decline in energy can all signal deeper issues. He notes that a part of coaching involves recognizing when a fighter requires more than enhanced technique; sometimes, the right conversation is more impactful than the perfect game plan.
Pete Jeffery
At Triforce MMA in Pawtucket, head coach Pete Jeffery observes the same pattern. He believes discipline begins long before fight night, stemming from consistency, accountability, and the resolve to show up even on difficult days. Jeffery is convinced that martial arts fundamentally change individuals due to its demanding nature. Whether someone joins an MMA gym, a jiu-jitsu school, or a kickboxing class, he suggests they often leave with greater confidence in their daily lives.
“Do something difficult every day,” Jeffery advised. “Then the minor things won’t seem significant and will fade away.”
Not everyone who joins a gym intends to compete professionally. Many seek structure, a challenge, or a place where progress feels attainable. Jeffery notes that many individuals lead lives centered around convenience, but learning to push through demanding rounds, fatigue, and discomfort builds resilience that extends far beyond the gym. He believes most people underestimate the power of small victories. Showing up on a bad day, completing a tough round, or enduring a hard class can profoundly alter one’s self-perception. “Win or lose, you got through that,” Jeffery stated. “When you get through that, it makes you feel good.”
Evan Judkins
For TKA lightweight fighter Evan Judkins, this consistency has become indispensable. “There are many days when it’s hard to get here,” Judkins admitted. “But as soon as you arrive and get going on the mats, all that goes away. Everything in my life seems to start flowing more smoothly.”
Both Maddie and Ross Levine emphasize that positive mental health can only flourish in a gym culture that mirrors the values fighters strive to cultivate within themselves. “A good martial arts gym provides not only discipline and a great workout, but it should also be a reflection of your mental health,” Maddie Levine stated. “It’s not just about the external.” Ross Levine adds that a gym feels like home only when it exudes warmth and welcome the moment someone enters. At TKA, he notes, this begins with a clean facility, coaches greeting students by name, and teammates inquiring about each other’s well-being. These small gestures encourage consistent attendance. A negative gym culture, he warns, can undermine even the most talented fighter.
“You are the sum of the five people closest to you,” Levine explained. “So, if those individuals don’t treat people well, it won’t end well for you.” For him, the relationships among fighters, coaches, and teammates are crucial for long-term success. “Culture is king,” Levine declared.
For some, MMA leads to championships and professional careers. For others, it simply offers confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Coaches agree that both types of victories hold significance. Long after the competition concludes, what often resonates with many athletes is not the event itself, but the resilience, structure, and the profound belief that they possess the capacity to navigate life beyond the cage.
