Abstract - Navigating the Octagon: Understanding the Challenges and Risks Faced by Polish Professional MMA Fighters
Introduction. This study examines the factors influencing the career paths of Polish professional MMA fighters, including training and competition organization, the finances, health concerns, doping, and body weight management.
Material and Methods. Our mixed-method approach involved a questionnaire survey with 88 male Polish MMA fighters (average age: 27.5 years; minimum 3 professional fights). Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 athletes from the surveyed group, which included elite athletes boasting world championship experience and Olympic medalists.
Results. Respondents highlighted the demanding nature of their profession, financial disparities among competitors, dissatisfaction with earnings, and challenges related to health and weight management. Recurring pain, body mass reduction difficulties, severe injuries, and health complications posed significant threats to their careers. Moreover, the study revealed elevated individual health and financial risks in MMA practice.
Conclusions. This research provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Polish professional MMA fighters, shedding light on the demanding nature of their careers and the risks they navigate. It underscores the unique multidimensional risk culture of MMA compared to mainstream sports, where fighters often face challenges largely on their own despite the achievements of top athletes.