September 14, 2020, 7:02 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

MMA is considered the pinnacle of combat sports and one of the toughest sports overall. Reason enough for me to find out how exhausting a workout really is. For this, I sought some powerful support.

Who Did I Step Into the Ring With?

She was the first German woman to become both European and World Champion in MMA featherweight. Additionally, she is successful in judo and sumo wrestling–unique in the world. We’re talking about Julia Dorny. Known as the “MMA Queen,” the Berlin native developed an early passion for martial arts. At 14, she competed in the Judo Bundesliga, and at 18, she earned her black belt. In her mid-twenties, she began her sumo and MMA career, winning the world title in 2018. At the peak of her athletic career, the 30-year-old fighting machine gave me a glimpse into her training routine. For two days, I had the privilege of accompanying the world champion and training with her for two hours each day–including in the cage.

How Did I Prepare?

The closer the training got, the more nervous I became. As a longtime gym-goer, I knew: I was neither conditioned nor coordinated for such a workout. So, I quickly called a good friend and invited him to an evening training session. At the local gym, I was briefly prepared for the upcoming ordeal. He showed me various grips and ground exercises, as well as counter techniques for possible attacks. Honestly, nothing stuck. I just got more nervous. Even the short, 20-minute interlude left me exhausted. However, alongside Julia Dorny, I had to endure two hours. And they were going to be intense.

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How Tough Is an MMA Workout?

As I opened the door to the Spitfire Gym, doubts surged within me. A wave of sweat greeted me, and the sound of boxing gloves clapping made me break out in a cold sweat. I would have gladly turned on my heel. As an unassuming reporter, the athleticism and physical condition of the trainees intimidated me. But then Julia Dorny entered the gym, and suddenly there was no turning back.

Now it was time to change and hit the training floor! With shaky knees, I left the locker room, hoping for some leniency–no such luck. The first challenge wasn’t even physical. Before the workout even began, I had to wrap my hands. As my nervousness increased, my concentration waned. Which strap around which finger and in what order? It drove me to the brink of despair. All of Julia’s instructions fell on deaf ears, so the world champion eventually had to step in herself. Thus, the first 20 minutes were already gone.

Then, without much ado, we joined a training group and began the warm-up. In front of me was a course of cones and a coordination ladder (also known as an agility ladder). Mistakes in the exercise sequence were punished with push-ups. After each exercise, a pool of sweat formed beneath me, and the gym’s climate resembled the tropics. After 20 minutes of up and down, I wasn’t warmed up but burned out. The subsequent stretching at least allowed me a brief respite. The most strenuous part was yet to come, as we were now heading into the cage.

Seconds later, I’m already on the ground. “Make yourself heavier,” Julia Dorny shouts. How can you make yourself heavier? I’m overwhelmed. Even a 40-kilogram weight difference doesn’t protect me from being tossed around the ring like a frisbee. Once again, I hit the ground with my back. Every attempt to defend myself is nipped in the bud. Finally, it’s my turn to retaliate, and I get to try to bring the MMA pro to the mat. But Julia doesn’t budge an inch–somehow, it seems possible to make oneself heavier. It certainly felt like the 65-kilogram athlete suddenly weighed more than I did. After numerous throws and chokeholds, where I nearly lost consciousness, I finally collapse. I’m done! The video above gives you a glimpse into my ordeal.

Conclusion

The MMA workout was the most demanding training I’ve ever completed. Especially since I’m not a fan of extensive cardio sessions. The constant exertion without longer breaks pushed me to my limits and revealed my deficiencies. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my life.

Note: The footage for the video was taken before the COVID-19 lockdown.