Train like the best. These Golden Age Hall of Fame Workouts break down the training styles of MMA’s greatest legends—Let’s go to war!
Table of Contents
Introduction
MMA is a game of evolution. Over the years, legends have risen, each leaving their mark on the sport with signature styles, unrivalled dominance, and unforgettable moments. This Hall of Fame post pays tribute to the fighters who defined eras, blending their unique training methods into circuits you can try yourself. Whether it’s Conor McGregor’s explosive power, Georges St-Pierre’s all-around athleticism, or Amanda Nunes’ devastating versatility, these workouts are designed to challenge and inspire.
Pick your legend, step into their mindset, and train like the elite.
The Circuits
About the Circuits
Each Hall of Fame Workout hones in on a key ability or attribute that made these fighters great. Whether it’s GSP’s all-around conditioning, Aldo’s brutal leg kicks, or McGregor’s explosive power, these circuits are built to reflect their strengths.
Check them out, find what resonates with you, or challenge yourself in an area you need to improve. Want to sharpen your striking? Work through Anderson Silva’s precision drills. Need endurance? Max Holloway’s relentless pace will test your limits. Pick your legend and push yourself—because greatness isn’t given, it’s earned.
Workout Format
Each workout is divided into two key parts:
1. Conditioning Circuit – A 7-station workout designed to build strength, endurance, and athleticism, tailored to each fighter’s style. 2.MMA Drill Round – A fight-specific drill focusing on striking, takedown defense, or explosive counters.
Both sections run back-to-back, completing one full round before resting. The goal is to complete 3-5 total rounds, with 30-45 seconds rest between each, depending on experience level. This structure mimics UFC fight pacing, pushing conditioning and skill development under fatigue.
7 Station Conditioning Circuit
45s Work / 15s for exercise changeover.
Focuses on strength, conditioning, and athleticism.
Exercises are fighter-specific, targeting their signature strengths.
MMA Drill Round
Comes after the circuit each round
Focuses on striking-to-takedown transitions or signature techniques.
3-5 minute rounds depending on your level.
Workout Levels & Progression
Each workout follows a fight-paced structure, scaling intensity based on experience:
🥉 Unranked – 3 rounds of both circuits, 45 seconds rest between rounds. (Beginner level).
🥈 Mid-Rank – 4 rounds of both circuits, 30 seconds rest between rounds. (Intermediate level).
🥇 Championship Material – 5 rounds of both circuits, 30 seconds rest between rounds. (Advanced level).
Choose your level.
Note on HOF Choices:
The Hall of Fame Workouts are based on fighters I believe deserve their place in this list. MMA is full of legends, and while some names may be missing, the goal was to keep this post concise and focused. There will always be debates over who belongs in the Hall of Fame, but at the end of the day, this is my selection—fighters who defined eras, dominated their divisions, and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Georges St-Pierre
(All-Around Conditioning)
Bio:
A true master of the game, GSP was the complete fighter—flawless wrestling, sharp striking, and an unmatched ability to control fights. His return after a four-year layoff to win the middleweight title proved his greatness, making him one of the most well-rounded and respected champions in MMA history.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: One of the most complete MMA fighters ever, dominant in wrestling, striking, and strategy.
Greatest Fight:vs. Matt Hughes 2 (Won the title, avenged his only loss at the time.) Titles & Achievements: 2x UFC Welterweight Champion, 1x UFC Middleweight Champion. Fight Style: Elite wrestler with pinpoint striking and unmatched fight IQ.
GSP Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Balance of strength, endurance, and mobility.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Hex bar Deadlifts.
Pull-Ups.
Burpee to Box Jump.
Sled Pull with Rope.
Assault Bike or Row Machine Sprint.
Bulgarian Split Squats
Landmine Rotations.
GSP - MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Striking to Takedown Entry
Jab > Cross > Lead Hook (Fundamental striking entry.)
Inside Leg Kick > Rear Cross > Level Change (Disrupt balance before engaging wrestling.)
Double-Leg Takedown > Pass Guard > Ground & Pound (Short Elbows & Punches) (Secure position and control on top.)
Drill 2: Pressure Striking to Takedown
Jab > Overhand Right > Rear Uppercut(Draw opponent in and land clean.)
Fake Level Change > Step-In Superman Punch(Signature GSP technique to set up the next move.)
Single-Leg Takedown.
Fedor Emelianenko
(Explosive Power and Durability)
Bio:
The greatest heavyweight never to fight in the UFC, Fedor’s run in PRIDE remains legendary. His icy composure, devastating power, and seamless blend of striking and submissions made him a mythical figure in MMA. Despite fighting giants, he remained a step ahead, embodying the perfect balance of skill and ferocity.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: The greatest heavyweight to never fight in the UFC, known for his cold-blooded composure and devastating power. Greatest Fight:vs. Mirko Cro Cop (One of the best heavyweight fights ever, showed striking and grappling mastery.) Titles & Achievements: 3x PRIDE Heavyweight Champion, 2x Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion. Fight Style: Powerful, well-rounded striker with lightning-fast submissions.
Lift & Dump Sandbag/Punchbag. (Simulating a throw or takedown into dominant position)
Ground & Pound – Continuous strikes (Punches, Hammerfists, Elbows) for duration. (Maintaining control while striking aggressively).
Anderson Silva
(Striking Creativity and Balance)
Bio:
The middleweight GOAT, Silva turned the octagon into his playground, humiliating opponents with movement, precision, and highlight-reel knockouts. His record-breaking title reign was defined by effortless striking and moments of pure artistry, making him one of the most feared and admired fighters in the sport.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for:The longest title reign in UFC history, famous for his head movement and striking precision. Greatest Fight:vs. Forrest Griffin (Pure striking masterclass, dodging punches with ease before a walk-off KO.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Middleweight Champion (Longest title reign: 2,457 days). Fight Style: Fluid, creative striker with pinpoint accuracy and next-level movement.
The Spider Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Precision, balance, and fluid movement.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Front Squats(Lower-body strength and postural control).
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts(Balance, hamstring, and core engagement).
Ring Rows or TRX Rows(Upper-body pulling strength with stabilisation focus).
KB/DB Sumo Squats(Balance and lower-body coordination under load).
Med Ball Rotational Slams(Core engagement and rotational stability).
Step-Ups with Dumbbells(Unilateral leg strength and balance work).
Side Plank with Oblique Crunch(Core stability and oblique strength).
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Evasion & Counter-Engagement (Footwork & Angles Before Striking)
Slip Left > Slip Right.
Jab > Cross > Lead Hook (Counter off defensive movement).
Lean Back > Front Kick to Face > Cross > Lead Uppercut (Evade, reset, and strike back with precision).
Lead Hook > Spinning Back Kick (Defensive read into a counter-attack with flair).
Demetrious Johnson
(Speed and Agility)
Bio:
Pound-for-pound one of the most technically gifted fighters ever, Mighty Mouse dominated the flyweight division with speed, adaptability, and creativity. His ability to mix striking, grappling, and movement at an elite level set new standards for MMA skill and athleticism.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: The most well-rounded flyweight ever, famous for his speed and seamless technique transitions. Greatest Fight:vs. Ray Borg (Landed the legendary “Mighty Wizbar” suplex-to-armbar finish.) Titles & Achievements:UFC Flyweight Champion (Most title defenses in flyweight history). Fight Style: Insanely fast and adaptive, mixing striking, wrestling, and submissions effortlessly.
Mighty Mouse Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Speed, Agility, Endurance.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Jump Rope(Footwork and endurance).
Sprint Intervals (Treadmill or Open Space)(Max speed bursts to build fight endurance).
Plyometric Push-Ups(Explosive upper-body power and endurance).
Medicine Ball Overhead Slams(Full-body explosiveness and core activation).
Lateral Bounds (Fast-Paced)(Side-to-side movement for quick directional changes).
Bear Crawl Sprints(Full-body coordination, speed, and agility under fatigue).
Hanging Oblique Leg Raises(Core endurance and fast-twitch muscle engagement for scrambling ability).
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Speed Striking & Rapid Movement
Jab > Cross > Straight
Rear Elbow.
Rear Leg Roundhouse Kick.
Drill 2: Striking to Takedown to Positional Dominance
Lead Teep Kick > Jab > Cross (Multi-level striking before setting up movement entry).
Lead Hook > Single-Leg Takedown.
Top Control > Ground & Pound.
Daniel Cormier Workout
(Wrestling Dominance and Strength)
Bio:
One of the greatest heavyweights and light heavyweights, DC was a relentless wrestler with surprising knockout power. A two-division champion, his ability to outwork and out-grind opponents, combined with his wrestling pedigree, made him one of the sport’s most respected competitors. His rivalry with Jon Jones and championship reigns in multiple weight classes solidified his legacy.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: A two-division UFC champion with elite wrestling and knockout power. Greatest Fight:vs. Stipe Miocic 1 (Knocked out the greatest heavyweight to claim a second belt.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Light Heavyweight & Heavyweight Champion. Fight Style: World-class Greco-Roman wrestling with surprising KO power in close range.
DC Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Strength, Explosiveness, Endurance.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Zercher Squats (Full-body strength with emphasis on core and grappling posture).
Jefferson Deadlifts (Unilateral strength and core engagement, reducing overuse of standard deadlifts).
Dumbbell Chest Press (Upper-body pressing power and endurance, vital for wrestling pressure).
Barbell Bent Over Rows (Grip strength and pulling power, crucial for clinch work and wrestling).
DB Plank Rows (Core and upper-body stability under load, improving grip endurance).
Dumbbell Squat Jumps (Lower-body explosiveness and endurance for scrambles and movement).
Turkish Get-Ups (Full-body coordination, core stability, and total-body control under fatigue).
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Bag Clinch & Domination (Full-body clinch strength, control, and striking endurance.)
Lift Heavy Punch Bag/Sandbag (Engage grip strength and full-body control.)
Deliver Rapid Knees, Elbows, and Punches (Simulates clinch domination.)
Bag Dump to the Mat (Simulates throwing an opponent.)
Repeat for Duration of Round (Non-stop pressure and control.)
Drill 2: Overhand to Double-Leg (Striking entry to takedown)
Jab > Cross > Fake Level Change (Bait the opponent to drop their guard.)
Overhand Punch (Power shot to set up takedown.)
Double-Leg Takedown (Drive through for dominant top position.)
Jose Aldo
(Kicking Power and Agility)
Bio:
A king of the featherweight division, Aldo dominated with blistering leg kicks, elite striking, and near-impenetrable takedown defence. His decade-long reign cemented him as one of the most feared and respected champions in MMA history, proving that technical mastery can rule a division.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: Featherweight legend with devastating leg kicks and world-class striking defense. Greatest Fight:vs. Chad Mendes 2 (Relentless action, showcasing Aldo’s toughness and striking mastery.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Featherweight Champion (Longest reign in division history). Fight Style: Powerful, technical Muay Thai with elite takedown defense.
King of Rio Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Leg Power, Agility, Speed.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Weighted Step-Up with Knee Lift(Leg strength, stability, and explosive drive).
Pistol Squats(Single-leg strength and balance).
Chin-Ups(Upper-body pulling strength, grip endurance, and back activation).
Broad Jumps + Burpees(Lower-body explosiveness combined with endurance work).
Cossack Squats(Lateral strength, mobility, and stability for dynamic movement).
Sled Push (Light & Fast)(Leg drive and sprint power).
Dumbbell Push Press(Upper-body power and explosive pressing strength to balance workout).
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Sprawl Recovery & Counter (Defensive wrestling and counter-striking.)
Sprawl (Stuff the takedown and regain control.)
Recover to Stand-Up Position (Quick reset for counter-attack.)
Knee to Body (Punish opponent for shooting in.)
Jab > Cross (Reset stance and establish striking control.)
Rear Roundhouse Kick (Signature Aldo-style power kick.)
Flying Knee (Explosive mid-range attack.)
Spinning Elbow Attack (Unpredictable strike to finish sequence.)
Kamaru Usman
(Wrestling Dominance and Strength)
Bio:
Usman redefined the welterweight division with his suffocating wrestling, relentless pressure, and ever-evolving striking. A dominant champion with one of the longest winning streaks in UFC history, he showcased an unmatched work ethic and fight IQ, proving that fundamentals, when perfected, can be unstoppable.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: Dominated welterweight with relentless pressure, wrestling, and improved striking. Greatest Fight:vs. Colby Covington 1 (Epic five-round war, won via KO.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Welterweight Champion (15-fight win streak, one of the longest in UFC history). Fight Style: Relentless wrestler with suffocating control and powerful striking.
Nigerian Nightmare Circuit
7 Stations
Focus: Strength and endurance for grappling.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Deadlifts (Total-body strength and posterior chain power).
Racked Farmer’s Walk (Heavy) (Grip, core stability, and endurance).
Burpees with Pull-Up(Full-body explosiveness, combining cardio, strength, and endurance to mimic fight conditioning.)
Sandbag Toss (Full-body strength and grappling endurance)
Landmine Rows(Upper-body pulling power, grip strength, and core engagement.)
Weighted Bulgarian Split Squats(Single-leg strength, stability, and explosive power.)
Barbell Ab Rollouts(Core strength, stability, and durability for grappling control.)
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Pressure Striking to Takedown (Usman-style relentless forward pressure.)
Step-In Uppercut > Body Shot (Disrupt opponent’s balance, break their guard.)
Level Change > Double-Leg Takedown (Chain wrestling entry.)
Drill 2: Clinch Warfare (Dominate the clinch while inflicting constant damage.)
Control Heavy Punch Bag for 3-5 Minutes (Simulates cage control and pressure.)
Deliver Body Blows, Dirty Boxing, Knees, and Elbows (Relentless striking output from clinch control.)
Amanda Nunes
(Power and Versatility)
Bio:
The greatest female fighter of all time, Nunes shattered records, knocked out legends, and became the UFC’s first simultaneous women’s double-champion. Her ferocious power, technical striking, and complete dominance over two weight classes set a new standard for women’s MMA.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: The greatest female fighter ever, dominating multiple weight classes. Greatest Fight:vs. Cris Cyborg (Brutal first-round KO to become champ-champ.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Bantamweight & Featherweight Champion. Fight Style: Heavy-handed striker with ruthless finishing ability.
Lioness Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Strength and explosive transitions.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Dumbbell Snatches (Full-body explosiveness and upper-body power).
Barbell Bench Press (Upper-body strength and pushing power).
Sled Push (Heavy & Fast) (Leg drive and explosive movement under load).
Medicine Ball Slams (Core power and transition speed).
Hip Thrusts (Barbell or Dumbbell) (Glute and lower-body power for explosive movements).
Kettlebell Swings (Hip power and endurance for sustained explosiveness).
Box Jumps (Lower-body reactivity and plyometric explosiveness).
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Drill 1: Power Striking to Takedown (Brute force finishing sequence.)
Jab > Cross > Lead Hook (Set up power shot.)
Overhand Right (Big power punch to force reaction.)
Level Change > Single-Leg Takedown (Drive through for dominant position.)
Ground & Pound Domination Drill
Secure Top Position (Side Control or Mount) (Establish control, prevent opponent’s escape.)
Heavy Strikes (Elbows, Hammerfists, Punches) (Relentless power striking from top.)
Posture Up > Big Elbows & Finishing Strikes (Simulates Nunes’ ruthless G&P finishing ability.)
Israel Adesanya
(Striking and Evasion)
Bio:
A striking savant, Adesanya brought elite kickboxing to MMA, dismantling opponents with precision, movement, and confidence. His rise to middleweight champion and star power outside the cage helped push MMA further into mainstream culture, making him one of the sport’s biggest modern stars.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: One of the best strikers in MMA history, blending kickboxing with high fight IQ. Greatest Fight:vs. Kelvin Gastelum (Five-round war proving his durability and heart.) Titles & Achievements: 2x UFC Middleweight Champion. Fight Style: Elite counter-striker with incredible range control and defensive movement.
Last Stylebender Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Timing, range, and footwork.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Lateral Hurdle Hops (Agility and footwork precision).
Dumbbell Thrusters(Full-body power, combining leg drive with upper-body explosiveness.)
Wall Balls(Functional conditioning, building endurance and explosive throwing power.)
Agility Cone Drills – Alternate Lateral and Forward in and outs (Multi-directional movement and evasiveness).
Copenhagen Plank Hold (Side to Side Transitions) (Hip and core stability for dynamic control).
Reverse Nordic Curls (Eccentric leg strength and injury prevention for mobility work).
Dragon Flags(Core strength, full-body control, and advanced core stability for fight durability.)
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Evasive Striking & Counter Flow
Jab > Cross > Slip Right > Lead Hook (Attack, evade, and counter.)
Step Back > Rear Teep Kick (Create distance and reset range.)
Parry Incoming Jab > Counter Cross > Lead Sidekick (Defensive reaction into an immediate counter.)
Parry Incoming Jab > Counter Jab > Rear Uppercut (Close-range striking & control before disengaging).
Slip Left/Right > Lead Roundhouse Kick.
Max Holloway
(Volume Striking and Cardio)
Bio:
The volume-striking king, Holloway’s relentless pace, endless cardio, and technical boxing made him a nightmare for opponents. His “it’s only business” beatdown of Brian Ortega and legendary wars with Volkanovski cemented his legacy as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: The king of volume striking, setting UFC records for the most significant strikes landed. Greatest Fight:vs. Calvin Kattar (“I’m the best boxer in the UFC” masterclass, landing 445 strikes.) Titles & Achievements:UFC Featherweight Champion. Fight Style: Relentless pace, high-volume striking, and elite durability.
Blessed Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Stamina and striking volume.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Air Bike or Row Sprint (High-intensity cardio to mimic fight pace).
Single-Arm Med Ball Chest Pass(Explosive upper-body power, unilateral strength, and coordination for striking efficiency.)
Jump Rope (Fast Pace) (Footwork and conditioning focus).
Burpees (Full-body endurance under fatigue).
Alternating Med Ball Push-Ups(Upper-body stability, explosive pressing strength, and core control.)
Sit-Ups with Punches(Core endurance and fight-specific striking integration.)
Slip Right > Body Blow Counter > Rear Cross (Defensive movement into immediate return fire.)
Inside Leg Kick > Rear Teep Kick (Mixes levels to disrupt opponent’s balance.)
Drill 2: Bagwork for Pure Volume (Simple, non-stop striking for max output.)
2 Jabs > 2 Crosses > 2 Hooks > 2 Uppercuts > 2 Body Blows (Boxing flow for endurance.)
2 Teeps > 2 Inside Leg Kicks (Volume-based kicks to mimic Max’s high pace.)
Repeat at high pace for full round.
Conor McGregor
(Power and Explosiveness)
Bio:
The biggest star MMA has ever seen, McGregor’s charisma, knockout power, and razor-sharp left hand turned him into a global icon. The first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history, he brought mainstream attention to the sport like no one before him, setting records inside and outside the cage.
Career Highlights & Style
Known for: The biggest star in MMA history, a lethal counter-striker with unmatched precision. Greatest Fight:vs. Eddie Alvarez (Flawless performance to become the first simultaneous two-division champ.) Titles & Achievements: UFC Featherweight & Lightweight Champion. Fight Style: Precision-based counter-striker with lethal left hand and excellent range control.
The Notorious Circuit
7 Stations
Focus:Fast-twitch muscle fibres and striking explosiveness.
Format: 7-Station Circuit. 45 seconds work / 15 seconds rest per station.
Barbell Clean & Press (Total-body explosive strength and power transfer).
Depth Jumps (Plyometric explosiveness and fast-twitch activation).
Landmine Rotational Press (Full-body rotational power and core-to-limb force transfer, non-striking alternative).
Tire Push (Lower-body drive and explosive movement under load).
Kettlebell Snatch (Full-body power, coordination, and grip endurance).
Explosive Lateral Bounds (Lateral explosiveness and agility, improving movement transitions).
Hollow Body Rocks(Core endurance, midsection stability, and full-body tension for improved fight durability.)
MMA Drills
Each MMA drill lasts 3-5 minutes and includes at least three strikes before the takedown.
Drill 1: Precision Striking & Range Control
Jab > Cross > Lead Hook > Rear Uppercut.
Lead Teep Kick > Cross > Slip > Counter Hook.
Oblique Kick > Rear Cross > Lead Hook.
Drill 2: Counter Striking & Angled Attacks
Slip > Counter Cross > Lead Hook.
Rear Uppercut > Side Thrust Kick.
Slip > Jab > Cross.
Reverse Spinning Kick.
Whichever workout you undertake.
Remember to always cool down, stretch and drink water!
Workout Complete!!
Go out like a champion and leave it all out there.
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