Trey Ogden’s approach to MMA is unique and has garnered him acclaim as the head coach of Marathon MMA, along with 17 professional wins and two victories in the UFC. His mindset towards making weight exemplifies his distinctive perspective on the fight game.
“There’s something beautiful about overcoming the suffering,” says Ogden, who successfully made weight at 156 pounds for his upcoming bout against Loik Radzhabov. He likens the process to a soldier’s march to battle, drawing parallels with Roman and medieval soldiers who endured hardships before even reaching the battlefield.
Ogden’s view of the Octagon as a battlefield is a testament to his commitment and intellectual approach to the sport. He recalls the endurance required during his marathon in Des Moines, where he had to push through immense physical and mental barriers.
Ogden’s admiration for the ancient Greek runner Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver a victory message and died after completing his mission, reflects his respect for extreme endurance and dedication. “What a savage,” Ogden comments, appreciating the Athenian’s effort.
For Ogden, weight cutting and training are forms of voluntary, spiritual suffering that build mental resilience and composure. He embraces these challenges and instills this mindset in his students and fighters.
Ogden recently coached two fighters, Miles Johns and Garrett Armfield, to impressive performances at the UFC APEX. He meticulously breaks down their fights, showcasing his analytical mind. However, Ogden balances his intellectual approach with instinctive fighting, ensuring his reactions are well-trained and his Fight IQ sharp.
In the gym and during fight week, Ogden endures physical and mental suffering to achieve his goals. Quoting David Goggins, he says, “Being run down is the price to pay for being hard.”
Catch UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT, while the main card kicks off on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.