Working class warriors: 8 UFC fighters who worked in the trades
UFC 305 is coming to Perth, Australia. To celebrate, we’re looking into the world of mixed martial arts and the journey many blue-collar fighters take to reach the UFC Octagon.
For many UFC fighters, the path to becoming a champion is paved with the grit and determination honed in the trade industries. These working-class warriors have not only mastered the art of combat but have also excelled in demanding professions such as construction, plumbing, and carpentry.
Their stories are a testament to the resilience and hard work that define both their careers in the trades and their success in the UFC. Here, we highlight eight remarkable fighters whose trade backgrounds have shaped their fighting spirits, proving that true grit transcends the arena.
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Michael “The Count” Bisping
One of Michael’s greatest achievements was becoming the first English UFC champion. Previous to his time as a MMA superstar he worked various jobs, including as a postman, construction worker, tile layer, and upholsterer.
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Stipe Miocic
Being a former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion doesn’t stop Miocic from still serving part-time as a firefighter and paramedic. His experience in emergency services keeps him mentally disciplined and ready to take on any challenge.
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Demetrious “Might Mouse” Johnson
When talking about former UFC flyweight champions, you can’t go past Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Working as a forklift operator, Johnson’s attention to detail and precision in the workplace carried over to his highly technical fighting style.
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Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski
“The Great’s” journey to the MMA cage began with a practical approach to fitness. Working as a concreter in his father’s business in Australia, Volkanovski found that training in mixed martial arts was an excellent way to stay in shape. Even now, Volkanovski occasionally returns to his roots, sharing videos on social media of himself back on the tools, showcasing his enduring connection to the trades.
Shane Carwin
Carwin, a former UFC interim Heavyweight Champion, also had an accomplished college wrestling career. During this time he managed to receive his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He continued to work as an engineer, early in his career while competing in MMA.
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Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone
Iconic fighters like Cerrone are known for their work ethic. In Donald’s case this can be attributed to his various blue-collar jobs. Cerrone currently runs his BMF ranch in Albuquerque where he more than lives up to his “Cowboy” moniker.
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Conor “Notorious” McGregor
Did you know that the former UFC champ Conor McGregor began his career as a plumbing apprentice in Dublin? Though it’s fair to say, the 14-15 hour days were tough for McGregor to balance with his MMA training and he soon put down his tools to focus on fighting full time.
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Georges “Rush” St-Pierre
One of the greatest fighters to ever hit the Octagon is GSP, who worked as a garbage man in Canada. While he only worked the job for a short time to pay his university bills, he always spoke highly of the role, describing it as one of his “most fun jobs”.
These fighters demonstrate that the values gained in the trades can lead to success in the UFC. Each one has a unique story and circumstances, but they all share a commitment to being the very best at what they do. Something that many of us who are still working in the trades can relate to.
