| Elite professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters are skilled athletes proficient in multiple disciplines, competing with equally talented fighters for a title in a top paying organization. The purpose of this study was to understand more fully what psychological characteristics these athletes have that may separate them from other professional fighters from a coach's perspective. Specifically, what coaches thought were defining factors within the athletes motivation, self-constructs, ability to cope, and concentration capabilities. Research participants consisted of ten professional MMA coaches who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. A total of 10 major themes and eight minor themes regarding psychological characteristics were revealed. Themes included psychological characteristics such as Self-Belief, Manage Emotion, Focus, Coachability, Motivation, Love of the Sport, Seeking Challenge, Use of Goal Setting, Well-Rounded Fighter, Resilience, Humility, Self-Advocate, Mental Toughness, and Work Ethic. Suggested significant factors influencing success included Coach Contribution to Character Development, Sponsorship, and Prevent Burnout. Further understanding of elite fighter psychological characteristics and utilization of mental skills influencing the characteristics, will further the knowledge of MMA athletes' performance enhancement. |
