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The Best MMA Coaches of All Time: Masters Behind the Warriors
- Austin Jones
- Sep 13, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 31
The Best MMA Coaches of All Time: Masters Behind the Warriors
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), fighters often take center stage, but behind every great champion is a mastermind coach who has sculpted their skills, mindset, and career trajectory. These coaches are the unsung heroes who can transform raw talent into a great fighter with legendary status.
Many professional MMA fighters join a professional fight camp to help them prepare for fights, benefiting from the expertise of these coaches and the camaraderie of training alongside other elite athletes.
Training camps allow fighters to train against other top fighters, pushing their limits and refining their techniques. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best MMA coaches of all time, whose influence on the sport is undeniable.
1.Greg Jackson of Jackson Wink MMA
A true pioneer in the sport, Greg Jackson co-founded Jackson Wink MMA Academy and has been instrumental in developing some of the most successful fighters in UFC history.
His emphasis on game planning, adaptability, and intelligence inside the cage has made him a go-to coach for elite fighters. Jackson has coached great fighters like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Carlos Condit, guiding them to championship victories.
His strategic mindset and ability to dissect opponents make him one of the most respected figures in MMA coaching. Notably, Jackson’s academy was also the site of one of MMA’s biggest upsets, when Ray Longo coached Matt Serra to a victory over Georges St-Pierre.
2. Firas Zahabi
A mastermind behind Tristar Gym in Montreal, Firas Zahabi is most famously known for his work with Georges St-Pierre. Zahabi’s approach is cerebral, focusing on making fighters not only physically but mentally sharp.
Many of these athletes, including Zahabi himself, transitioned from being an mma fighter to becoming influential coaches. His fighters are known for their ability to control the fight, much like GSP, whose reign as the UFC welterweight champion was marked by technical dominance.
Zahabi’s methodical style has been a driving force behind some of the most well-rounded fighters, including Rory MacDonald and Kevin Lee.
Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy
Javier Mendez, head coach at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), has produced a roster of champions in multiple weight classes. Known for blending kickboxing with wrestling, Mendez has helped craft the careers of some of the UFC’s most feared fighters.
Mendez also incorporates Muay Thai techniques to enhance his fighters' striking skills. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Cain Velasquez all achieved greatness under Mendez’s watchful eye.
His attention to detail, especially in striking and defensive strategy, helped Khabib go undefeated, becoming one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
4. John Kavanagh
Based in Dublin, Ireland, SBG Ireland’s John Kavanagh became a household name through his work with Conor McGregor.
Kavanagh established his own gym, SBG Ireland, which has become a training ground for high-profile fighters and significantly contributed to their careers.
Kavanagh’s unorthodox coaching methods and his belief in evolving with the sport have allowed McGregor to conquer two weight divisions in the UFC.
Known for encouraging creativity and confidence, Kavanagh has helped fighters like McGregor develop their unique fighting styles. His influence extends beyond McGregor, as SBG has produced other top fighters, such as Gunnar Nelson and Artem Lobov.
5. Henri Hooft
Henri Hooft, the striking coach and founder of Sanford MMA, has been an essential figure in elevating the striking game of some of MMA’s best athletes.
Hooft’s Dutch kickboxing background allows his UFC fighters to blend powerful strikes with technical precision. His coaching helped guide champions like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, among others.
Known for his no-nonsense approach and insistence on technique over flash, Hooft has created a stable of elite fighters who dominate the stand-up game.
Before a fight, his fighters undergo an intensive training regime for several weeks, ensuring they are in peak condition both physically and mentally. Training camps often culminate in a dramatic weight cut before fights, a process that requires careful planning and discipline.
6. Mike Brown
A former WEC featherweight champion, Mike Brown transitioned into one of the most successful MMA coaches of all time as part of American Top Team (ATT).
Brown has coached a number of world champions, including Dustin Poirier, Amanda Nunes, and Jorge Masvidal.
His ability to connect with fighters on a personal level and tailor his approach to each individual athlete has made him one of the most trusted coaches in the sport.
Brown's success in guiding Nunes to become arguably the greatest female fighter ever is a testament to his coaching brilliance.
7. Andre Pederneiras
The co-founder of Nova União, Andre Pederneiras is a legend in the Brazilian MMA scene. Under his guidance, fighters like José Aldo and Renan Barao became dominant champions in their divisions.
Pederneiras’ deep understanding of jiu-jitsu, combined with his ability to develop complete fighters, has earned him a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the sport.
Aldo’s reign as featherweight champion, in particular, highlighted Pederneiras’ ability to cultivate elite-level talent from the ground up. Notably, Pederneiras was Aldo's coach during his time as a UFC champion, further cementing his legacy in MMA.
8. Trevor Wittman
Trevor Wittman, founder of ONX Sports, has been on a hot streak in recent years, coaching Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas, and Justin Gaethje.
Wittman’s fighters are known for their mental toughness and well-rounded skill sets, reflecting his philosophy that mastering the fundamentals is key to winning.
Usman’s dominance as a welterweight, Namajunas’ rise to the top of the strawweight division, and Gaethje’s transformation into a technical brawler all demonstrate Wittman’s ability to maximize his fighters’ potential.
Additionally, Wittman and his fighters have been part of some of the sport's most intense rivalries, showcasing the competitive nature of top fighting camps.
9. Eugene Bareman: New Zealand’s Finest Has Led Multiple UFC Champions
Eugene Bareman, the head coach of City Kickboxing in New Zealand, has rapidly ascended to the upper echelons of MMA coaching.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative training methods, Bareman has cultivated a stable of elite fighters who have made significant impacts in the UFC.
His gym, City Kickboxing, has become a beacon for fighters seeking to refine their skills and achieve greatness in mixed martial arts.
Bareman’s coaching prowess is perhaps best exemplified by his work with Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Under his guidance, Adesanya captured the UFC Middleweight Championship with his striking precision and tactical acumen, while Volkanovski’s relentless pace and versatility earned him the UFC Featherweight title.
Bareman’s ability to tailor his training to the unique strengths of each fighter has been a cornerstone of their success.
What sets Bareman apart is his holistic approach to MMA training. He emphasizes not only technical skill and physical conditioning but also the mental fortitude required to excel in combat sports. This comprehensive methodology has helped his fighters dominate their divisions and consistently perform at the highest levels.
As the head coach of City Kickboxing, Eugene Bareman continues to shape the future of MMA, one champion at a time.
10. Greg Nelson: A Minnesotan Who Doesn’t Get Enough Respect
Greg Nelson, the head coach of The Academy in Minnesota, is a name that deserves more recognition in the MMA community.
Despite his impressive track record, Nelson often flies under the radar when discussions about top MMA coaches arise. However, his contributions to the sport and the success of his fighters speak volumes about his expertise and dedication.
Nelson’s coaching career is highlighted by his work with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and former UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas.
His ability to develop fighters with such diverse skill sets is a testament to his deep understanding of MMA tactics and strategies. Nelson’s emphasis on technical skill and physical conditioning has been instrumental in preparing his fighters for the rigors of MMA fights.
One of Nelson’s standout qualities is his ability to see and exploit tactical opportunities that others might miss.
This strategic insight has helped his fighters develop winning game plans and achieve success in the octagon. Despite not always being in the spotlight, Greg Nelson’s impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy as a head coach continues to grow with each champion he develops.
13. Top Gyms and Training Camps
In the world of mixed martial arts, the environment in which a fighter trains can be just as crucial as the coach guiding them.
Top gyms and training camps around the globe have become breeding grounds for champions, offering state-of-the-art facilities, elite training partners, and access to some of the best MMA coaches in the business.
American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), led by Javier Mendez, is renowned for its blend of kickboxing and wrestling, producing champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier.
Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, co-founded by Greg Jackson, has been a powerhouse in the MMA world, shaping the careers of legends like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre.
City Kickboxing in New Zealand, under the leadership of Eugene Bareman, has quickly risen to prominence with champions like Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. American Top Team (ATT), home to Mike Brown, boasts a roster of champions including Amanda Nunes and Dustin Poirier, thanks to its comprehensive training programs and world-class facilities.
Kings MMA, founded by Rafael Cordeiro, has been instrumental in the success of fighters like Anderson Silva and Fabricio Werdum, blending traditional martial arts with modern MMA techniques.
Tristar Gym in Montreal, led by Firas Zahabi, is known for its cerebral approach to training, producing well-rounded fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald.
These top gyms and training camps are more than just places to train; they are communities where fighters push each other to new heights, guided by some of the best minds in the sport.
Whether it’s the strategic brilliance of Greg Jackson, the striking expertise of Henri Hooft, or the holistic approach of Eugene Bareman, these training environments play a pivotal role in shaping the future of MMA.
Fight.TV The Brilliance Behind the Fighters With MMA Coaches
While the fighters get most of the glory, these coaches have been instrumental in shaping champions and influencing the direction of the sport. Their dedication to the craft, innovation, and adaptability have made them cornerstones of MMA. From creating comprehensive game plans to pushing fighters beyond their perceived limits, the best MMA coaches are architects of success in one of the most demanding sports on the planet. Rafael Cordeiro, for instance, has trained fighters like Anderson Silva and Fabricio Werdum to titles, showcasing his ability to develop champions across different weight classes and styles.
Who do you think is the best MMA coach of all time? Let us know in the comments!
