Pankaj Singh Bisht, Jadetimes Staff
Pankaj is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News.
The combat sports world is used to seeing athletes cross over from one discipline to another, but none have done it as well as Mick Stanton. A former boxer for Team GB, Stanton took on the test of mixed martial arts (MMA) and established a prosperous career in the sport. Recently, he discussed his experience of crossing over and how fighters such as Francis Ngannou can use their abilities to excel in both boxing and MMA.
Mick Stanton's Transition from Boxing to MMA
Mick Stanton started out in the ring of combat sports, where he learned footwork, precision punching, and defending. As a boxer for Team GB, he had a great foundation in stand-up fighting, but his desire to compete at the highest levels and learn everything about combat arts pushed him toward MMA.
Adapting to MMA meant Stanton had to diversify his skill set considerably. Unlike boxing, MMA involves grappling, wrestling, and kickboxing, which requires a balanced approach. Stanton focused on studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and wrestling, realizing that becoming an expert in takedown defense and ground control were the keys to longevity in the sport. His tireless work ethic and ability to adapt helped him establish himself in the cage.
Keys to Success When Making the Transition from Boxing to MMA
Stanton is of the opinion that boxers transitioning to MMA need to pay attention to specific areas in order to make a successful transition:
Takedown Defense and Grappling: One of the largest challenges for boxers transitioning to MMA is the risk of takedowns. Without good takedown defense, even top strikers can falter. Wrestling fundamentals and building strong hips to defend against takedown attempts are crucial.
Impact Adjustments: Although techniques in boxing are well worth it, striking in MMA is distinct because of the potential dangers of kicks, elbows, and clinch work. Stanton emphasizes the need to change one's stance to block leg kicks and pay attention to various angles for striking.
Cardio and Conditioning: MMA involves a different type of endurance than boxing. As rounds entail both striking and grappling, the need arises for cardiovascular endurance to facilitate explosive action and extended bouts.
Mental Adaptation: Transferring from boxing to MMA is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The fighters have to be ready to accept the learning curve and venture out of their comfort zones.
Francis Ngannou's Potential in Boxing
Stanton also had an opinion on Francis Ngannou's recent switch from MMA to boxing. Ngannou, famous for his crushing knockout ability in the UFC, has embarked on taking on professional boxing. Stanton says that Ngannou possesses the physical tools and punching capability to fight at a top level in boxing but will have to work on his defense and movement to keep up with seasoned boxers.
If Ngannou can implement a balanced boxing game while holding on to his aggressive strength, he may be a heavyweight boxing force to be reckoned with, just like Stanton effectively transferred his skillset to MMA.
Mick Stanton's career transition from boxing to MMA is a shining model of how combat sports athletes can adapt and thrive. His words offer a practical guide for combat sports athletes such as Francis Ngannou who seek to excel in multiple areas. As combat sports continue to grow and expand, transitions from boxing to MMA will become increasingly prevalent, with committed athletes like Stanton leading the way for future generations.
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