In the world of mixed martial arts, coaches play a pivotal role in shaping fighters into champions. Yet, amidst the hundreds of traditional trainers, there are a handful of individuals whose methods and personas defy convention, leaving a lasting mark on the sport, and drastically changing the career trajectory of their fighters. From extreme motivational tactics to unorthodox training regimens, these coaches have garnered attention for their eccentricities more than their coaching talents.

David Goggins:

Everyone in the fight game knows David Goggins, even though he isn’t actually a fighter (at least not professionally). Known for his remarkable personal journey from Navy SEAL to ultra-endurance athlete, David Goggins may seem an unlikely figure in the world of MMA coaching. However, Goggins was brought into Tony Ferguson’s camp for his last fight to help the fighter “remember who he is” as Daniel Cormier would put it. Goggins’ shared several clips from the camp on social media. Tony Ferguson is notorious for his all-out training style, but Goggins reportedly pushed the veteran fighter further than he’s ever gone before.

Dale Brown:

Dale Brown might not be a name you immediately recognise. What if we said the words ‘Detroit Urban Survival Training.’ Yep, that guy is an official MMA coach. Dale made waves across social media when his painfully phony ‘self-defence’ videos went viral, with athletes, coaches, and personalities from across the combat sports world mocking the D.U.S.T method. However, UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley thought it would be hilarious to bring Dale Brown into his coaching team, for his fight with Abdul Razak Alhassan in 2022. However, Buckley won the fight, meaning Dale Brown officially has a 1-0 record as an MMA coach.

Joshua Fabia:

If you follow the sport of MMA, then Joshua Fabia is likely a name you’ve heard thrown around. While he isn’t really on the scene now, during the 2010s, it almost felt like UFC fans couldn’t have a single conversation without mentioning the ‘unorthodox’ coach. Perhaps one of the most controversial figures in MMA coaching, Joshua Fabia rose to infamy through his association with former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez. Fabia’s coaching style is characterized by a blend of martial arts, spirituality, and self-proclaimed “unique” techniques, which he claims can unlock untapped potential in fighters. However, his methods have been met with widespread criticism from the MMA community, with many questioning their effectiveness and safety. Fabia’s stint as Sanchez’s coach ended in acrimony, further fuelling speculation about his legitimacy as a coach.

Ido Portal:

Here’s another one you may not recognise by name, but images would spring to mind if we said he “plays touch butt in the park” with Conor McGregor. During his meteoric rise to fame, videos emerged online of McGregor undergoing ‘animalistic movement training’, which many attributed to the Irish star’s unique fighting style. Portal’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of diverse movement patterns, ranging from gymnastics to dance, in enhancing fighters’ agility, flexibility, and overall athleticism. While many question his effectiveness as an MMA coach, it’s hard to argue with the results when looking at McGregor’s success within the sport.

Edmond Tarverdyan:

Potentially one of the biggest villains in the world of MMA coaching, Edmond Tarverdyan’s name is infamous among MMA fans. Best known for his association with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, Edmond Tarverdyan’s coaching style has been the subject of much scrutiny in the MMA world. Tarverdyan’s coaching approach often revolves around striking techniques, with a particular emphasis on boxing. While this is nothing unusual, it was Tarverdyan’s insistence that Ronda Rousey (an Olympic judoka) stand and strike with her opponents that angered fans, especially following Holly Holm’s complete domination over Rousey in 2015. Despite the controversy, Tarverdyan continues to train fighters under his Glendale Fighting Club banner, albeit with varying degrees of success.