Issue 097
January 2013
Becoming top dog starts in your head. FO presents seven lessons to a starring role
Joe Bell Chartered sport psychologist and one of few mental performance coaches specializing in combat sport, each issue he provides tips to improve your approach
Unlike in the animal kingdom, in the MMA world there is more to being alpha male than just being the most physically dominant. In the wilds of the urban gym, the rank is a by-product of a fighter’s self-confidence. This type of alpha exhibits courage, intuition, resiliency with an infectious personality. Men want to be them, women want to be with them. Here are some behavioral psych lessons from MMA’s finest on how to be that man.
Lesson I: Simply choose to be confident
This is something alpha males know but most don’t. Junior Dos Santos is a prime example, he thinks highly of himself and believes unquestionably in his capabilities and because of this his team and fans respond positively to him. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. The UFC heavyweight champion’s confidence demonstrates a quiet inner strength, and surety. Whereas arrogance in fighters (take your pick) is just low self-esteem turned outwards and the perception this conveys is insecurity, i.e. the anti-alpha male.
Lesson II: Don’t accept mediocrity
Greg Jackson is the architect behind the most successful mixed martial arts camp on the planet for a reason. He is the munificent taskmaster who is dedicated to his fighters and in return all he asks is fighters to trust his guidance and give him everything they have in training. If they don’t make the sacrifice they don’t make the cut; this is the reason why the camp is so strong. Greg’s alpha male ethos strengthens the team by eradicating any doubts in any fighter’s mind about other team members. This creates a camaraderie that runs as deep as blood.
Lesson III: Listen
A true alpha spends most of the time receiving and not transmitting during conversation. Their thoughts are not tied up in what they want to say in response, but are focused on what you have to say, they do this by listening attentively without judgment or prejudice. If you can remember back to TUF season 15 when Michael Chiesa discloses to Sam Sicilia of his father’s passing. He did this because he trusted Sam implicitly – watch as Sam actively listens with sincere compassion for his friend – a key trait of the alpha male.
Lesson IV: Leave nothing to chance
No matter what comes out of his mouth or the impression he leaves on you, make no mistake, Chael Sonnen is an alpha male who never enters a fight unprepared or is deluded with the belief he is good enough to handle it without doing his homework. Remember, if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
LESSON V: Build those around you
Randy Couture knew one of the best ways to become champion was to impart his ‘natural’ superior abilities to elevate the skill level of his training partners to push him to the edge of his limits. By not being selfish with his accumulated fighting knowledge and experience, Randy’s skills and talents served his goal of becoming champion. Generosity in the form of knowledge and experience is fundamental to the alpha male frontrunner status.
Lesson VI: Be a man of your word
When you give your word, always deliver on it. You only have to slip up once and the alpha status you’ve worked hard to build can take seconds to destroy. If you’re all talk and no action you’ll make a name for yourself, which will spread like wildfire. When the alpha male of the UFC, Dana White, says he’s going to do something, he does. If you agree to fight, then fight.
Lesson VII: Stick to your guns
The courage to stand up for what you believe to be right while others who share the same belief but cower because the odds are stacked against you, shows a perfect attitude of alpha manliness. Back in the day, Tito Ortiz frequently locked horns with his paymasters and for a time he suffered for it, but because he had the strength of character to hold his ground while others fled. Fighters today are getting an overall better deal for their sacrifices due to his stance, and we rightfully see Ortiz grace the Hall of Fame as a true alpha and a legend of the sport.
Remember, you are not competing with others for the top dog spot – the competition is with yourself – to ultimately better yourself. When you learn to lead by example, your teammates will follow you, thus promoting you to alpha.
