Abstract
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiological and psychological demanding sport. While the majority of the literature conducted in MMA regards physiological health and risk of injury, researchers are beginning to assess the psychological profiles of MMA athletes. Previous studies have evaluated mental toughness (MT) within MMA; however, no study has examined MT in MMA athletes at the professional division. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference in mental toughness between professional MMA athletes and physically active individuals. Secondary aims are to evaluate potential variations in mental toughness within the professional level between champion and non-champion athletes, and finally, to determine if a relationship exists between anthropometrics of professional MMA athletes and mental toughness. A total of forty participants (n = 40) were recruited, comprising twenty physically active and twenty professional MMA athletes consisting of champions (n = 8) and non-champions (n = 12) Participants were provided with a letter of information and consent; completion of the survey served as implied consent to participate in the research. These participants were administered the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). The results indicate that professional MMA athletes possess significantly higher levels of GMT and confidence compared to physically active individuals; however, no significant difference in GMT or its subscales were found between champion and non-champions nor any relationship between anthropometrics and MT in professional MMA athletes.
Recommended Citation
Calleja, Savannah M.; Ramos, Soleil; Potvin, Victoria; Ricci, Anthony A.; Sanders, Gabriel J.; and Peacock, Corey A.
(2026)
"Differences in Mental Toughness Among Mixed Martial Artists and Physically Active Individuals,"
Journal for Sports Neuroscience: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 12.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/vol2/iss1/12