Having exceptional fighting skills and talent is essential for MMA. But, training in some of the world’s best MMA academies takes your abilities to a whole new level. In these academies, you get top-notch coaches to bring out the best in you. Moreover, you have sparring partners who help you learn from each other. Check Top 10 Best MMA Academy in the World Right Now.
Being in a good MMA academy and working hard can make you successful in MMA, even if you don’t have good skills. However, training hard in smaller academies can also lead to success. But, there’s a reason why many UFC champions come from the best MMA academies worldwide.
Top 10 Best MMA Academy in the World Right Now
These academies offer more than just great coaches and elite fighters. They also have valuable connections in the MMA world, nutritionists, top-notch gear, and everything you need to thrive in the sport. So, choosing the right academy can make a big difference in your MMA journey.
So, let’s explore the driving forces behind these champions’ journeys and the institutions that continue to shape the landscape of MMA today.
10. Team Alpha Male
Founded by former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, this academy is based in Sacramento, California, United States. The academy specializes in training fighters in the lighter weight classes (125 lbs to 155 lbs) and has a strong focus on Wrestling and Submission Grappling.
Some of the notable fighters who train or have trained at the academy include Cody Garbrandt, TJ Dillashaw, Andre Fili, Darren Elkins, and Clay Guida among others.
| Founder | Urijah Faber |
| Opened | 2004 |
| Location | Sacramento, California, USA |
9. Chute Boxe Academy
The Chute Boxe Academy stands tall as one of the top MMA training centers in the world. However, this academy was founded in Brazil, but it also has a branch in Los Angeles, California, United States. The academy is famous for its aggressive and exciting style of fighting, which combines Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.
Furthermore, the academy has produced some of the most iconic fighters in MMA history. For example, Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Mauricio Rua, Fabricio Werdum, and Cris Cyborg.
| Founders | Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro |
| Opened | In early 1990s |
| Location | Curitiba, Brazil |
8. Renzo Gracie Academy
It is a martial arts school in New York City that specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. Renzo Gracie, a member of the famous Gracie family known for their contributions to the development and promotion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, founded it.
The academy has been operating since 1996 and has produced many world-class fighters and grapplers, such as Georges St. Pierre, Matt Serra, Chris Weidman, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon. The academy offers classes for all levels and ages, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and from kids to adults.
| Founder | Renzo Gracie |
| Opened | 1996 |
| Location | New york city |
7. Roufusport MMA Academy
Roufusport MMA Academy stands proudly as one of the premier training facilities in the world of mixed martial arts. It was founded by Duke Roufus, a former professional kickboxer and one of the top striking coaches in the world.
The gym offers classes for MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and Self Defense for all levels and ages. Some of the notable fighters who train or have trained at Roufusport are Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Rose Namajunas, Sergio Pettis, and Ben Askren.
| Founder | Duke Roufus |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Location | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
6. Nova Uniao
Nova União is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and mixed martial arts team located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the top professional MMA training camps in the world, with many champions and contenders among its members.
Some of the famous fighters who train or have trained at Nova União are José Aldo, Renan Barão, B.J. Penn, Junior dos Santos, and Eduardo Dantas. Nova União was founded in 1995 by André Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander, who are both black belts under Carlson Gracie.
| Founders | André Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander |
| Opened | 1995 |
| Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
5. Jackson Wink MMA Academy
Jackson Wink MMA Academy is a world-renowned and premier mixed martial arts training academy located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It was founded by Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, who are both experts in striking and grappling.
Home to elite fighters like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Holly Holm. Additionally, the academy offers classes for all levels and ages, from beginners to professionals, and from kids to adults. Moreover, a spacious and modern facility that covers three floors and has locker rooms, showers, mats, cages, and rings equips the academy.
| Founders | Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
4. City Kickboxing
City Kickboxing is an academy that teaches and trains people in various martial arts disciplines, such as kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts. It is based in Auckland, New Zealand, and was founded by Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney in 2007.
The academy has a team of highly qualified and experienced coaches and instructors, who have backgrounds in different martial arts styles and have competed at national and international levels. However, the academy also has a strong affiliation with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team Atos Jiu-Jitsu, led by Andre Galvao.
| Founder | Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Location | Auckland, New Zealand |
3. Kill Cliff FC
Kill Cliff FC, based in Atlanta, USA, is a premier martial arts academy founded by Todd Ehrlich, a former Navy SEAL. It offers training in various disciplines like kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts. With experienced coaches like Henri Hooft and Greg Jones, the academy has produced top fighters like Kamaru Usman and Michael Chandler.
They cater to all skill levels, fostering a supportive environment for students to excel in their martial arts journey. The award-winning champion-producing club offers members the tools to achieve success in and out of the ring.
| Founder | Todd Ehrlich |
| Opened | 2015 |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
2. American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)
This is another renowned MMA academy and gym in the US, founded in 1985 by Javier Mendez in San Jose, California. AKA’s dedication to excellence has made it a powerhouse in the MMA world. With fighters competing and winning titles in major promotions like the UFC and Bellator.
However, AKA is popular for its strong wrestling and striking base. Additionally, it has trained some of the best MMA fighters in history, such as Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Cain Velasquez, Luke Rockhold, and Josh Thomson. Moreover, AKA also has branches in Thailand and Dubai.
| Founder | Javier Mendez |
| Opened | 1985 |
| Location | San Jose, California |
1. American Top Team (ATT)
This is one of the most successful and respected MMA gyms in the world, founded in 2001 by former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Ricardo Liborio in Coconut Creek, Florida. Also, ATT has over 40 locations across the US and abroad and offers a variety of programs for all levels of MMA fighters.
ATT has produced many UFC champions and contenders, such as Amanda Nunes, Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier, Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, and Junior dos Santos.
| Founder | Ricardo Liborio |
| Opened | 2001 |
| Location | Coconut Creek, Florida |
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