Photo by Rodolfo Clix: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-wearing-red-head-gear-1575381/
At first glance, UFC fighters and elite horse jockeys seem like worlds apart. On one hand, we have a high-intensity combat sport, and probably one of the most brutal sports out there, and on the other hand we have precision-based tests of skills and endurance, where athletes need to change their lifestyle in order to compete in the big league.
Now, don’t get me wrong, all sports are difficult in their own way, but UFC and horse jockeys are probably one of the top contenders for being one of the hardest-working athletes.
To be honest, if you take a closer look, you’ll find that these two groups of athletes share more similarities than you might expect. First of all, they both demand exceptional physical conditioning, strategic thinking (fast), and an almost inhuman level of endurance.
This inspired us to compare elite horse racing jockeys, and some of the most successful UFC fighters and find more similarities.
Training Similarities – Strength, Speed, and Weight Management
You might be surprised that horse racing jockeys undergo brutal training schedules, but these athletes are beasts! Don’t let the small physique give you a different hint.
UFC fighters on the other hand are in the same boat. They train for months to develop explosive strength, agility, and endurance. They are basically fine-tuning their body to outlast and outsmart opponents.
On the other hand, jockeys may not focus so much on aggression, but this doesn’t mean that the training sessions are much easier. They have rigorous training sessions, where they focus on strength, flexibility, and endurance. Even though horse races last for a couple of minutes, they are maneuvering a 1000-pound animal and this is extremely exhausting.
That’s why in all Kentucky Derby picks by experts, they carefully analyze the horse’s form, but also the jockey’s form.
Now, one of the biggest similarities, as well as challenges in both sports is weight management. Training in both sports is tough just because you are exercising with the goal not to build muscle and gain weight, which is weird.
Plus, they both need to meet specific weight requirements before a fight or a race. UFC fighters cut weight before fights to meet their division’s limit, which often includes intense dehydration and a special diet.
On the other hand, jockeys need to maintain a strict weight all the time, not just between races. That’s why jockeys have strict diets and grueling workout routines, just to keep their weight as light as possible while making sure that there is enough muscle to push the horse to the finish line.
Endurance and Mental Toughness
So, their training sessions and weight management might be similar, but what about their mental strength and endurance?
Well, both UFC fighters and jockeys need insane endurance. In a UFC fight, there are multiple five-minute rounds, which require immense endurance, and cardiovascular conditioning just to go through the match, let alone win one. That’s why fighters often focus on running, and they also dive into high-intensity interval training.
Jockeys, on the other hand, are in the same boat. Horse races like the Kentucky Derby might last only for 2 minutes, but those 2 minutes are straight out of hell for their bodies. They should be experts in balancing energy and keeping a sharp mind.
Strategy and Split-Second Decision Making
Fighting isn’t just about who throws the hardest punches—it’s about timing, countering, and strategy. UFC fighters spend hours studying their opponents, predicting moves, and setting up feints to land the perfect strike. A single miscalculation can lead to a knockout or a submission loss.
Jockeys operate in a similar high-stakes environment where every move counts. They must read the race in real-time, adjusting their horse’s pace, deciding when to push forward, and anticipating their competitors’ next moves.
Like a fighter waiting for the right moment to strike, a jockey must know when to hold back and when to make the final push for the win. Both rely on split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of their event.
The Risk Factor
Next, it is important to mention that both of these sports are quite dangerous for athletes. It is obvious that both UFC fighters and jockeys are putting their lives on the line, which is why we have to appreciate them even more.
UFC fighters can receive a devastating blow at any time that can change their life forever. On the other hand, one fall in a professional horse race with multiple 1000-pound horses around you could be fatal.
Jockeys, despite not being in direct combat, face equally life-threatening risks. A fall from a galloping horse can result in serious spinal injuries, concussions, or even fatalities.
In fact, there have been more fatalities in horse racing (138 in 2018 alone) compared to UFC with around 20 throughout its history.
They also deal with repetitive stress injuries from maintaining their crouched riding position, along with the constant strain on their joints and back.
Just like fighters, they often compete with injuries, relying on pain management and mental grit to keep pushing forward.
The Passion for Competition
At the core of both sports is an unwavering passion for competition. Fighters train for months just for a single night in the octagon, and jockeys push through pain and exhaustion for a chance to ride in major races like the Kentucky Derby.
The thrill of competition, the drive to be the best, and the hunger to win are what keep them going despite the dangers and sacrifices their sports demand.
Have you spotted anything else similar?