Mixed-Martial-Arts Archives

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of aspects of people’s lives, including the enjoyment of sports. Restrictions were implemented, such as the limitation on contact sports, fewer audiences for live games, and even cancellation of scheduled games.

Good thing that there are still available ways to enjoy sports even during this pandemic. You can play non-contact sports, watch live streaming online or through the TV, or participate in online sports betting.

Importance of sports during the pandemic

Sports unite people, no matter the age, gender, and social status. It also is an important factor in social and economic development. It empowers the children, individuals, and communities. It also contributes to education, health, and social inclusion.

However, with the declaration that COVID-19 is a pandemic, the sports world went spiraling down. It started with the suspension of games following the confirmation of positive athletes and staff, postponing upcoming sports events to hinder the spread of the virus.

Good thing that normal life is starting to resume these days.The mental and physical health of the people should still be thought about. Regulations were put in place to make sure that the health of the people is not jeopardized while also making sure that people can still enjoy sports despite the pandemic. People are still encouraged to stay at home. If people still want to play sports or exercise, they can do so but for a limited time only.

Aside from playing sports during the pandemic, athletes also play an important role in using their platforms to help others. For one, they can spread awareness and information on the importance of hygiene and health. Second, they can be a vehicle for donations to help those affected by the pandemic. Third, they can become an inspiration to people and be a platform for change.

Play non-contact sports

If you’re the type of person that cannot stay still without sweating it out through sports or workouts, then you can play non-contact sports. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends a limitation of 10 people for team sports. These sports include volleyball, basketball, and softball.

However, this does not mean that you cannot play sports anymore. If you want to play, make sure that you follow the guidelines set by the CDC. First, you should adhere to physical distancing for at least 6 feet. Second, wear masks. Third, mind your respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene. Fourth, maintain a healthy environment with your co-players.

Live streaming

With COVID-19 restrictions slowly loosened, sports leagues are starting to do live events and live streaming. The UFC made its first live event in May 2020. NASCAR returned also in May after a 2-month hiatus. Germany and Spain’s soccer also returned to live events.

The return of live events and live streaming decreased the TV viewership of sports events. With everything going digital and online, people are now watching live games and events on online streaming sites. Sports news is also now easily accessible online, perfect for those whose sporting calendars are busy and crowded.

Online sports betting

Not everyone who likes sports wants to play, others participate in online sports betting. The excitement and predictions are what make betting fun for bettors. Online sports betting has been around for quite some time now. However, it boomed during the pandemic due to people staying in their homes instead of making bets in the field.

There are many sports where you can make a bet online. These sports are the following:

1. Horse racing

A lot of horse racing tracks put on hold their racers, while others continued without any spectators. The upcoming races you can bet on are the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and Kentucky Derby.

2. Mixed Martial Arts

The Ultimate Fighting Championship shortly put on hold their games because of the pandemic. However, there are already scheduled games for people to enjoy. UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis and UFC 259 are confirmed to be happening.

3. Football

The NFL has previously canceled its preseason last year. However, the 102nd season has already resumed. The length of the season is contingent, depending on the effects of the pandemic. Betting for the NFL is still ongoing.

The NCAA is also happening this March 2021. There is a planned single-elimination tournament and will conclude in Indiana due to the pandemic and the cancellation of the tournament last year.

Online sports betting is simple. First, you look for a website to bet on, depending on the type of bet you want. Second, you make an account. Third, deposit on your account through credit card, debit card, or any way you can deposit on your account. Fourth, research on who you want to bet on. Lastly, make your bet and hope for the best.

Final Words

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of the lives of people, including sports. Although there might be restrictions to working out and playing sports, you can still enjoy sports even during the pandemic. You can play non-contact sports, watch live streaming online or through the TV, or participate in online sports betting.

Header Image Source

About The Author

Belinda is a 42-year-old married mother of three who lives in Naples, Florida. While staying at home to raise her children, she began to write articles and blogs for various outlets. She was raised in a strict, Christian home, but has since found more peace with a more spiritual approach to life and health. A strong believer in natural and alternative medicine, energy healing, and total wellness, she stumbled on the health benefits of orgasm quite by accident. Since then, she has often written pieces that help inform others about the benefits she discovered. Belinda also enjoys taking care of her home and family, and often jokes that she is a bit of a Stepford wife… with a wild side. In her free time, she loves to spend time at the beach with her family, host parties and BBQ’s, and work outside in one of her many flower gardens.

Fighting in the Octagon at professional level is hugely demanding both physically and mentally, so the fighters who participate in this brutal sport need to train heavily for several days or weeks prior to their next big fight.

Entering the octagon without sufficient preparation is incredibly dangerous and has led to a handful of unfortunate results during past contests. Whilst the exact regime no doubt varies from fighter to fighter, these men and women know they have to be at the top of their game to participate in these explosive contests. Moreover, if you have thought about taking the next step and placing a bet on your favorite fighter, you should know that the outcome of the match is dictated by the fighter’s training and diet plan. A good website where you can place your online MMA bet is Unibet IN, a licensed and legal operator in Indiana which offers a large variety of markets.

Exercise

To compete effectively in the sport of mixed martial arts, these fighters spend a huge amount of time on strength and cardio based exercise routines prior to their next fight. Whilst boxers will usually spend a lot of time jogging, MMA fighters tend to favor high intensity training such as Tabata workouts using a treadmill and circuit training with weights. Short, high-intensity intervals can help to develop fast-twitch muscle fibers, which can be an enormous advantage during a fight.

Weight lifting helps to build chest, shoulders, back and leg muscles, and fighters will usually spend 2-4 days each week in the gym lifting weights and participating in gymnastics training. MMA fighting places enormous stress on every part of the body, so this training is essential for building core strength and muscle development.

Martial Arts

It may seem obvious, but the very nature of MMA requires fighters to constantly improve their technique in a wide range of martial art disciplines. Fighters who want to make it to the top will dedicate some time almost every day to working on their technique whether through jiu-jitsu or shadow boxing, wrestling or muay-thai – every skill needs to be practiced to perfection to enable the fighter to unleash their greatest strengths on their opponent.

Diet

Back in 2013 MMA fighter Jon Manley gave an interview to Boston Magazine regarding his training regime in the lead up to his next fight. This interview gave a fascinating insight into the typical daily diet eaten by professional MMA fighters, and the details are still just as relevant today.

Jon stated that he ate pretty much anything he wanted when he was not training for a fight, but this all changed whenever he was in training mode. In the lead up to a fight Jon would eat only chicken, steak, or turkey with either sweet potatoes, kale, or spaghetti squash, plus many different types of fruits. Sugary food or drinks are strictly forbidden, so Jon would drink only coffee or water with his many meals – up to five times a day, three hours apart. “I’d eat pretty much the same thing over and over again” said Jon.

The magazine pushed Jon on why he chose these specific food items, to which Jon explained that protein and vegetables are pretty much all he needed to prepare his body to fight. He would stick to this diet for his first, third and fifth meal of the day, then switch to a plain Greek yoghurt and protein powder for meals two and four. He also stated that he believes drinking a large amount of water to be beneficial, so he would drink about a gallon and a half every day until 24 hours before weigh-ins.

Jons message to those wanting to become an MMA fighter was to be sure to eat clean – stay away from fast food and read all the labels on your food to make sure they aren’t full of sugar, salt, or any other unnecessary garbage. When you shop for food, forget all the processed junk and stick to fresh, healthy food. Your body will thank you for it.

Stretching

The importance of regular stretching and the resulting flexibility cannot be overstated with regards to mixed martial arts. Fighters need to be flexible in order to pull off many of their moves, whilst also protecting them from injury resulting from their opponents offensive techniques.

When a fighter stretches their body and muscles the body finds and attempts to repair any microscopic tears that have appeared in their various muscles. By repeating these stretching routines every single day, the fighter ensures their muscles stay strong, healthy, and most importantly – flexible.

Tag: Mixed-Martial-Arts

How to Enjoy Sports Even During a Pandemic