A Systematic Review of the Sport Psychology Mixed Martial Arts Literature: Replication and Extension

Abstract

MMA is a global sport with a growing body of psychological literature. Our main objective was to replicate and extend a past review concerning the sport psychology literature with MMA participants. We conducted our electronic search in EBSCO with the following databases: SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Our eligibility criteria were research articles (a) found in academic journals, (b) with MMA participants, and (c) at least one topic found in sport psychology literature. After conducting a PRISMA-guided search, 16 studies met our inclusion criteria. The studies spanned from 2011 to 2021, with 795 MMA participants from the USA (n = 7), Brazil (n = 4), and one study each from Czechia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. From studies reporting mean ages, MMA participants were in their mid-20s (M = 26.55 ± 2.38 years of age). The results section includes risk of bias ratings across five areas (i.e., subject selection, sample’s MMA background, participant anonymity, data collection procedures, and questionnaire or qualitative theme reporting). More risk of bias concerns resulted with the quantitative than qualitative articles. To best represent the studies, we presented separate results tables with many specifics for both the quantitative (i.e., topic, main analysis, time frame, summary of results, and meaningfulness) and qualitative studies (topic, main analysis, time frame, and main themes). The included studies covered a variety of historic and meta-analyzed topics such as confidence, mood, motivations, and social facilitation. Based on our review, we discussed the literature strengths and limitations, and suggested future research directions. Last, we provided practical points for both MMA participants and their trainers.

Hand-to-hand combat in the 21st century—INNOAGON warrior or modern gladiator?—a prospective study

“…However, it is important to remember that the relationship between training with hand-to-hand combat elements and mental health is complex and multifaceted, covering a very broad spectrum of impacts. Many elements still need to be elaborated and understood, including in such a seemingly obvious matter as definitions ( 38 ) or cognitive factors including socio-cultural and environmental aspects ( 39 , 40 ).…”

“…Satisfying media needs and the desire to make the performances more appealing means that high-risk situations are increasingly being introduced. Individual scenes and even scenarios have been linked to the personalities of individual wrestlers, making violence central to both competitive and show outcomes ( 39 , 40 ). This has the effect of putting the athletes involved in these shows at risk of losing their health, even in the form of concussion.…”

The Comparison of the Level of Aggressiveness of Oyama Karate and Mixed Martial Art Fighters

“…In the case of mixed martial arts (MMA), an aggressive and smart way of fighting offers a better chance of success [15]. Although recent psychological studies have included MMA athletes [21,22], competition in both combat forms is based on bouts with no restrictions with regard to the force of punches and kicks. The results of a study comparing full-contact with light-contact karate fighters showed that the former has a higher intensity of aggression [23].…”

Examining the effects of the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) programme on sport-specific dispositional mindfulness, sport anxiety, and experiential acceptance in Martial Arts

“…I was scared" (Catterall, 2019, 1:12). Anxiety and fear are emotions that most competitive athletes in all sports sometimes experience; these kinds of emotions may arguably be more severe in violent combat sports where the risk of getting badly physically injured by an aggressive opponent is ever present (Andrade et al, 2020;Cooper & Lochbaum, 2022;Jensen et al, 2013;Vaccaro et al, 2011). Moreover, in a population of competitive MMA fighters, Jensen et al (2013) found that the participants generally attributed poor performance to failure of managing pre-competition anxiety and high levels of adrenaline, indicating a need for this population of athletes to learn psychological strategies in order to handle common strong affects and emotions, such as fear of getting injured, that occur under such stressful and demanding conditions as combat sport matches (Andrade et al, 2020;Cooper & Lochbaum, 2022).…”