Anthropometric profiling and performance metrics: a comprehensive analysis of UFC® top athletes

Abstract

In mixed martial arts, performance is influenced by multiple factors beyond weight, making it crucial for athletes and coaches to understand these complex interactions for their success. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the performance and anthropometric indicators of 127 top athletes from the Ultimate Fighting Championship® across men's weight categories. Anthropometric data, combat duration (DC), technical demands (TD), type of win and age were examined. The analysis included statistical tests to identify differences, correlations, and measure the influence of variables. Significant differences were observed between weight categories in body mass, body mass index (BMI), height, wingspan and leg reach. Featherweight and light heavyweight had the longest and shortest CD, respectively (770.9±123.7s and 525.1±143.0s). For TD, significant differences were found in applied takedowns between welterweight and light heavyweight (p=0.013) and in connected strikes between bantamweight with flyweight (p=0.001) and heavyweight (p=0.045). Significant differences in wins by knockouts/technical knockouts and judges' decisions were observed between some categories. BMI showed a low correlation with knockouts (ρ=0.3) and (ρ=-0.2). Connected strikes and applied takedowns explained 45% of the variance in wins (R2=0.457). In conclusion, larger athletes tend to have shorter fights with wins by knockout, while smaller athletes have longer fights, often resulting in wins by judge's decisions. These findings can assist the development of training programs and combat strategies specific to each weight category.