After that I started trying nitric oxide supplements. I experimented with NO Explode and Force Factor, and had ok results with both. While I was still using Force Factor I stumbled across a supplement called Fighters Fuel, and figured I’d give it a try since I was still testing different supplements and hadn’t decided on which one I was going to stick with. I received my trial bottle promptly, and began my free 15-day evaluation of the product. Almost immediately I noticed an increase in the size of my pumps at the gym, and they lasted for several hours after I got home and showered.  Fighters Fuel has a small amount of caffeine, and as a result, I found that I had more energy during my workout, and was able to lift more weight as well.  I started seeing a noticeable increase in strength during the second week of taking it. I realize that lifting weights makes you stronger, but I was able to increase the amount I was lifting much faster than I usually do.

Another difference between Fighters Fuel and other NO supplements is that Fighters Fuel comes in pill form as opposed to a powder.  It’s not a huge difference, but I don’t particularly like the taste of the shakes made from supplement powder, so taking a few pills is a lot easier for me.  But that issue comes down to personal preference. Now you might be asking yourself why I’m writing a review of Fighters Fuel and not one of the more well-known NO products I’ve taken. For one, I’ve had better results with Fighters Fuel than I got from either NO Explode or Force Factor. In addition, most fighters looking for supplements have already heard of the popular nitric oxide brands, and I wanted to introduce people to a new supplement that produces good results.

Overall, I’ve had better results with Fighters Fuel than any other NO supplement I’ve taken.  I have no problem recommending it to any aspiring MMA fighters, as it’s the best supplement I’ve found to enhance my mixed martial arts training. The link to the site is below.

Fighters Fuel

10. Spinach

Spinach is an incredibly nutritious vegetable, and rich in antioxidants.  If you’re looking to get more spinach in your diet, try substituting it for iceberg lettuce when you eat a salad.

9. Chicken Breast

Chicken is a great food for several reasons.  Not only is it full of antioxidants, it is a great lean meat option.  If you find yourself eating too much red meat, try substituting chicken into your diet.  You can eat a lot of it even when you’re on a diet, and it is a great source of protein.

8. Peanut Butter

Who doesn’t love peanut butter.  This food shouldn’t be terribly hard to work into your diet, if it isn’t there already.  Don’t overeat, though, because peanut butter can be high in fat.

7. Tea

Tea has gained a lot of popularity recently.  It seems to be especially prevalent among people who already eat healthy.  If this applies to you, so much the better, and you’ve been getting a healthy dose of antioxidants without even knowing it.  If you don’t currently drink tea, consider adding it to your diet.

6. Nuts

Nuts are an extremely popular snack, and I for one can’t make it through a family gathering without watching several cans of mixed nuts being devoured.  Nuts are full of antioxidants, just don’t eat too many; they are high in fat.

5. Corn

Corn doesn’t have the reputation for being rich in antioxidants like other foods and drinks, such as red wine (still to come on this list), but it is nonetheless a great source of antioxidants, which is great, since we eat tons of it.

4. Carrots

Carrots have multiple health benefits.  Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they also help keep your eyes strong.  Carrots have been shown to lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

3. Dark Chocolate

Milk chocolate is pretty much universally well liked.  Dark chocolate, on the other hand, isn’t quite as popular.  But those willing to make the switch will be rewarded with a tasty snack full of antioxidants.

2. Red Wine

This is the one that everybody knows.  If you haven’t already heard, red wine is full of antioxidants, and having a glass every night can go a long way towards increasing your heart health.

1. Berries

Berries are number one on the list because they are such a great way to get more antioxidants.  They are delicious, and since there are so many of them, you can try different berries every day or work without eating the same thing over and over.  Berries to try include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to increase the amount of antioxidants you get from your diet.  Try some of these foods, and you should be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

9. Soy

Not the best tasting thing in the world, but it’s found in a lot of healthy foods.  If you’re looking to improve your diet and increase nitric oxide production at the same time, try eating some soy foods.

8. Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans, though not the most appetizing snack, are quite healthy.  In addition to containing large amounts of L-arginine, they are also good sources of dietary  fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

7. Melons

Melons are a great addition to any diet.  They taste good, and are an excellent source of vitamin C. In addition to that, melons contain about 92% water by weight, which is great considering most people aren’t adequately hydrated.

6. Walnuts

Walnuts are an excellent snack, but unfortunately, an often overlooked one. In addition to being a great source of L-arginine, they also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol.

5. Peanuts

I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t eat peanuts if offered some.  It’s great that peanuts are such a prominent snack food, since they contain large amounts of L-arginine as well as protein and various healthy fats.

4. Red Meat

Red meat is a great choice to improve nitric oxide production in your body because so many people already like to eat it.  Be careful though, red meat can be counterproductive since too much of it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Almonds

Along with peanuts and walnuts, almonds are another great choice for boosting your nitric oxide levels because they are a great snack food

2. Salmon

Salmon is a great addition to any diet because it is very lean and also helps nitric oxide production.  So not only is it a great way to cut calories from your diet, it is good for long term cardiovascular health.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is number one because it is also high up on the list for foods that provide antioxidants.  It is a great substitute for other desserts if you have a nagging sweet tooth, since in addition to to being healthier than other kinds of chocolate, it also has ample amounts of L-arginine and antioxidants.

Fighting as a southpaw is most noticeable in mixed fighting against striking opponents, when the match often doesn’t go to the ground.  Once you get to the ground, it doesn’t really make a difference whether you are left handed or not.  One of the things to remember if you’re a southpaw is that many of your opponents wont be experienced against left handed fighters.  Oftentimes you can knock out an opponent with a punch they cant even see, since your power comes from an unexpected and unseen angle.  However, you need to be very wary of the lead right handed punch, as it is probably the thing that southpaws are most susceptible to.  A good way to counter this is simply jab with your right hand while also moving to the right.  This accomplishes two things: first, it keeps an orthodox fighter off balance, and also keeps you away from a powerful right hand punch.

Personally, I am much less a striking fighter than I am a a grappler.  I prefer to get to the fight to the ground as soon as possible and utilize my skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in order to obtain a submission hold.  As a result, I usually don’t have any problems being a left handed fighter. The advice I’ve given only applies when both fighters are standing, as that is the only time when being a southpaw makes much of a difference in mixed fighting. A southpaw well trained in the fundamentals of mixed fighting should stand a good chance against orthodox fighters.

An effective strategy against any fighter is to keep the fight in the area where you are most comfortable.  For example, if you know you are good at submission wrestling, you should try and keep the fight on the ground as much as possible.  If you’re fighting someone that prefers stand up combat, you should either try and take them down to the ground or hold them in a clinch, where they can’t utilize ranged striking attacks. Either way, you’ll keep them from using their strengths against you. Of course, you shouldn’t assume that just because someone is a striking fighter they aren’t familiar with the basics of clinch fighting or submission wrestling.  Most good striking fighters are trained in defending takedowns as well as basic submission holds; some are even excellent ground fighters. Learn as much as you can about your opponent.  For amateurs, this can be a bit difficult, but at the very least try and learn what type of fighter they are and how they fight people with your skill set.

If you can manage to get a striking fighter to the ground, you should be in fairly good shape, as it is a pretty sure bet that even if they have a good ground game, it wont be as dangerous as their stand up attacks.  Remember, in your preparation you may have to adjust your fighting style and learn new skills in order to expose the weaknesses of your opponent. Strategy is everything in mixed fighting, and with the right kind of preparation, you should be able to overwhelm a striking fighter.

Sprawl and brawl is a style of fighting employed by many fighters from boxing, kickboxing, or full contact karate backgrounds.  These types of fighters are skilled at striking opponents from the standing position as well as the ability to avoid being taken down.  It is essential for these fighters to know basic submission wrestling technique in the unfortunate, and inevitable situation that they do get taken to the ground.  However, their strategy revolves around avoiding being taken down and striking their opponent from a standing position.

Clinch fighting is a mixed fighting style that utilizes the clinch hold in order to keep opponents close and either attempt a takedown or strike with the knees, elbows, or fists.  Clinch fighting is often employed by wrestlers that have added striking capabilities to their arsenal, as well as some Muay Thai fighters.  Fighters who prefer the clinch need to be skilled in both stand up striking techniques as well as submission wrestling, and need to have the ability to take the fight to the ground if the battle on their feet doesn’t go their way.

Yet another mixed fighting style is ground and pound.  This style consists of taking an opponent to the ground and unleashing a series of blows from the top position.  This style is often used as a precursor to a submission hold.  Ground and pound is often used by wrestlers or other fighters with a background in takedowns and the ability to defend against submission holds. An effective ground game is becoming more and more essential for MMA fighters because so many of today’s fights end up on the ground.

The last of the four main mixed fighting styles is submission wrestling.  Submission wrestling is a general term used to describe the tactics of taking an opponent to the ground and applying a submission hold.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the most commonly used martial art in mixed fighting that employs submission techniques. All MMA fighters should have at least a basic working knowledge of submission holds, if only for the purpose of defending against them.  Submission wrestlers should also be competent in stand up striking styles, otherwise they run the risk of being knocked out before the fight ever reaches the ground.

As you can see, there are a number of skills required to be a successful MMA fighter.  Each of these different styles can be mixed and matched with the others, and all of the well known fighters have at least a general knowledge of each discipline, as well as a specialty in one or two.  It is up to you to decide which style best suits you as you begin your training for mixed fighting.

Mixed Martial Arts: I suppose that it is best to define the sport before explaining the terms that exist within it.  Mixed Martial Arts is a hybrid sport that allows all forms of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat to be used.  As a result, participants must be well versed in a variety of combat styles in order to succeed.

Arm Bar: Also known as the cross lock, an arm bar is one of many possible joint locks.  The arm bar is used to hyperextend the elbow joint.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Originally derived from Japenese Jiu-Jitsue and Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a primarily ground-oriented martial art.

Catch Wrestling:  Catch wrestling is a style of wrestling that uses submission holds and generally favors “catching” an opponents limb over gaining a dominant position in order to achieve a submission.

Clinch: A clinch is a position where two fighters are face to face with their arms and upper body locked.  Fighters will often engage one another in a clinch in order to rest for a few seconds.  However, some fighters use the clinch for offensive purposes, punching, kneeing or elbowing their opponents from the position.

Clinch Maulers: Clinch maulers will use the clinch in order to neutralize strikes from an opponent while at the same time wearing them out.  While in this position, clinch maulers will also attempt to punch, knee, or elbow their opponent.  Many clinch maulers also employ underhooks.

Full Guard: This is a position that comes from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  In this position, you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent at his waist.  You need to be able to control your opponent’s movement by grabbing either the back of his neck, his wrists, or by bear hugging him.  It is imperative that you keep him from improving his position, which would leave you susceptible to ground and pound attacks.

Full Mount: This is by far the most dangerous position to be in if you are on the bottom.  In this position, the fighter on top straddles the opponent with both legs either at the abdomen, called low mount, or at the armpits, called high mount.  While in this position, the top fighter strikes their opponent with their elbows, forearms, and fists.  What makes this position so dangerous for the fighter on the bottom is that it is extremely difficult to get your opponent off you and regain position.

Grappling: This is a general term used to describe wrestling and ground oriented martial arts forms.

Ground and Pound: This style of fighting works pretty much like it sounds.  These types of fighters try to get their opponent on the ground and pound away at them from a dominant position.  This style is favored by many wrestlers.

Guard: This is a Jiu Jitsu term that refers to a type of ground position.  There are many variations of this position, the most common of which occurs when the fighter on the bottom wraps his legs around his opponent.  This position can be used to both defend against strikes and set up submissions.

Half Guard: This position is similar to the full guard, except in this case one of your opponent’s legs is to the side while the other is between your legs

Kneebar: This is a submission hold used to hyperextend  the leg at the knee.  It is similar to the armbar, except it focuses on the knee.

Leglock: Yet another submission hold, this term refers to a lock that focuses on the leg or the ankle.

Muay Thai: Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing that originated in Thailand.  It allows for low kicks as well as knee and elbow strikes, which traditional kickboxing forbids.

Pulling Guard: This is a Jiu Jitsu move where you pull your opponent down on you, getting into the full guard position.  It is difficult, however, as your opponent practically has to let themselves be pulled down on you.

Sambo: This is a Russian martial arts form that combines elements of wrestling and Japanese Judo.

Shoot Fighting: Shoot Fighting is a style that claims to incorporate the best elements of other martial arts forms.

Side Mount: Also known as side control, a side mount is when you are chest to chest with an opponent and both of his legs are to one of your sides.

Striking: Hitting an opponent with an arm, elbow, leg, foot, or knee.

Submission Hold: This is any choke or joint manipulation meant to cause an opponent to “tap out” or submit.

Sprawl and Brawl: Sprawl and brawl fighters are striking fighters that actively train to avoid being taken down.  Many of them also learn takedown counterstrikes, such as a flying knee, to counter an opponent’s attempted takedown move.

Slick Submissions: Slick submission fighters want the fight to get to the ground are usually most comfortable either in top position or on their backs.

Takedown: A takedown includes all methods of trying to get an opponent down on the ground.  Examples of takedowns are single and double leg takedowns, Greco-throws, and sweeps, though there are many others.

Tap Out: This is an act of submission, which ends the fight.  It occurs most often when a fighter is in a submission hold or when they are being hit relentlessly with little chance of gaining position.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for your body, and dietary guidelines generally advise that you get 55%-75% of your total energy for carbohydrates.  It is especially important for mixed fighters to eat an adequate amount of carbs, as these athletes expend a tremendous amount of energy during their workouts and fights.  Most grain products contain large amounts of carbohydrates.  Pasta, bread, cereal, potatoes and beans are all great choices in terms of carbohydrates and overall nutritional value.  If you’re planning on eating lots of bread, be sure and choose wheat as opposed to white bread, since wheat contains significantly more fiber and is simply more nutritious than white bread.

Adequate protein is essential when training for mixed fighting, and there are a variety of foods that give your body the protein it requires.  Fish and poultry are healthy foods that also contain significant amounts of protein.  Eggs, dairy products, and nuts are also excellent sources of protein.  Nuts are especially good because they provide both protein and the essential fats your body needs.  Yes, your body needs fat, especially polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and nuts contain a significant amount of both.

Eating a balanced diet full of carbs, protein, and healthy fats should significantly impact the results you see from your mixed fighting training. If you are just getting involved in mixed fighting, don’t be surprised if you start eating more than usual;  this is normal when you begin a rigorous workout routine, and as long as you stick to a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, you should be well on your way to becoming a fighter.

Each of these five minute training rounds should focus on a different skill set.  For example, your five rounds might look like this:

Round 1: Focusing on body-weight endurance

Push-ups that target the chest (your elbows point outwards, away from your body, as you perform the push-up)
Push-ups that target the triceps (your elbows point inwards, parallel with your body, as you perform the push-up)
Triceps dips
Pull ups
Shoulder raises without weight or very light dumbbells (no more than 5 pounds)
Extend your arms to the side and move them in circles (for the shoulders)

You don’t need to include each of these exercises in your mixed fighting workout every day.  These are just examples of body weight exercises to try.  Try jumping jacks or high knees in between the body weight exercises if your muscles get too tired.  Just do something so that you aren’t resting during the five minute round.  Rest one minute before the next round.

Round 2: Focusing on lower body muscular endurance

In this round, you will be using the bench press bar without adding any additional weight.  Perform each of these exercises with that bar as many times as you can. you should be resting very little, if at all, between each exercise.

Squats (with the bar resting against your trapezius)
Walking Lunges (with the bar resting against your trapezius)
Calf Raises (with the bar resting against your trapezius)
Squats with an added military press

Rest one minute before the next round

Round 3: Focusing on your core

I call this the five minute abs workout.  Do an exercise for one minute before moving onto the next exercise.  Do not rest in between exercises.  You don’t need to perform each of these exercises everyday, I’m just trying to give you some exercises that will work all parts of your core.  Mix up your ab workout everyday, while making sure that you are always doing at least one exercise that targets each section of your core.

Bicycles
Leg raises
Side plank (For the obliques.  Do one minute on each side)
Plank exercise
Crunches (with a twist at the top if you also want to work your obliques)
With legs in the air, perform flutter kicks (for the lower abs)
Crunches on an exercise ball
Sitting side twist (Sit on your butt and lean slightly backwards.  Lift your legs in the air and twist your body from side to side to work the obliques and upper abs)

Rest one minute before the next round.

Round 4: Focusing on upper body muscular endurance

In this round, you will be using the bench press bar without adding any additional weight.  Perform each of these exercises with that bar as many times as you can.  You should be resting very little, if at all, between each exercise.

Military press
Biceps curls
shoulder raises
triceps extensions
bench press

Rest one minute before the next round

Round 5: Focusing on cardiovascular endurance

Perform each of these exercises for one minute before moving onto the next one.  The order of the exercises is not important and should be mixed up every day.  Do not rest in between each exercise.

quick high knees
mountain climbers (done from a push up position)
side shuffle back and forth between two cones placed ten feet apart
burpees
suicides (set out four cones, five, ten, fifteen, and twenty yards away from you.  Run to the first cone and back, then the second, third, and fourth, and then work your way back in.)

You will also need to find an experienced trainer in order to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a staple of mixed fighting.  It would also be beneficial to learn Muay Thai Kickboxing and wrestling, as both incorporate skills essential to mixed fighting.  The workout I have outlined is geared towards building muscle and getting you in shape for mixed fighting.  In order to learn the techniques for mixed fighting, you will of course have to put in the time to master them, which is usually done separately.  However, once you get good enough to where you can actually start fighting, sparring with a partner can provide a great workout, as well as a better simulation of what mixed fighting is actually like.

Nitric oxide supplements are reported to increase energy, help with pain and inflammations, improve sexual function, aid weight loss, and increase blood flow during workouts.  Whether or not nitric oxide supplements accomplish everything they are purported to, I don’t know; I simply want to focus on how they increase blood flow during workouts.  Nitric oxide gas expands small arteries in the body, allowing for increased blood flow.  For athletes, especially those who lift weights, this means that you can experience a longer pump.  More blood flow to your muscles can also help increase strength. In my experience taking nitric oxide supplements, I noticed an enhanced pump from lifting weights as well increased muscular endurance and less overall muscle fatigue.  As to how you can start introducing nitric oxide supplements into your workouts, simply follow the instructions on the bottle.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding nitric oxide supplements and what they do or do not accomplish for you.  I used them for the sole purpose of enhancing my strength training, and I found that they did what I hoped.  As a result, I feel confident recommending nitric oxide supplements to anyone looking to augment their weight training or mixed fighting workout.