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Gavin Pratt | From Down Under to the Top: Coaching Careers in Combat Sports
Coaching elite mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes demands creativity, adaptability, and a global mindset. Gavin Pratt, Senior Director of Strength and Conditioning at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Performance Institute, shares insights from his international career. Pratt reflects on preparing athletes for the Chinese National Games and managing strength and conditioning at the world’s first MMA academy in Shanghai. Applying a systems-based approach, he tackles MMA’s unique challenges — including unpredictable training schedules, diverse personalities and backgrounds, session intensity, and load management. Driven by passion rather than prestige, Pratt emphasizes he’s never been a "tracksuit hunter" — someone motivated primarily by titles or status. He highlights MMA’s innovation potential, especially when using individualized technology based on athletes' force or velocity deficiencies. Pratt contrasts the United States’ expertise in speed, agility, and change of direction with Australia’s early adoption of sports science. He also provides valuable interview advice to help coaches communicate effectively under pressure. Discover practical strategies to elevate your coaching impact.
Connect with Gavin via email at gpratt@ufc.com and on Instagram: @gav_pratt | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
If this episode sparked your interest in MMA and other combat sports, take the next step by joining the NSCA Combat Sports Special Interest Group (SIG) on LinkedIn. Connect with a global network of professionals shaping the future of performance.
Inspired by Nick Barringer’s recommendation? Register early to save on 2025 NSCA Tactical Annual Training. Catch Barringer’s talk on performance bloodwork and more nuggets of wisdom.
Coaches Professional Development
Effect of Alternative Low-Impact Physical Activity and Exercise on Older Adults
February 1, 2021by Rachael Childers, Catherine Gallagher, Maisie Davis, and Ronald Snarr, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT
The purpose of this article is to discuss the various types of low-impact activities and their associated cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits.
Personal trainers Exercise Science Program design Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease
Defining, Measuring, and Monitoring Resilience for the Tactical Professional: Part 1 – Allostatic Load Theory: Principles for the Tactical Professional at Home and on the Job
February 17, 2022by Colin Tomes, CSCS, TSAC-F, Ben Schram, TSAC-F, and Robin Orr, PhD, TSAC-F,*D
This article defines and reviews the allostatic load theory in tactical personnel.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science Program design
Career Development for Women as Strength and Conditioning Coaches
January 26, 2018by Andrea Hudy, MA, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E
This article discusses career development and progression for women in the field of strength and conditioning. Coach Andrea Hudy provides her personal insight as she touches on goal setting, core values, and professionalism.
Coaches Professional Development
Muscle Mass Preservation in Middle-Aged Women – Strategies for Personal Trainers
July 2, 2025by Amanda Poulin, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, NSCA-CPT, and Bridget Melton, EdD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
This article in PTQ 11.4 shares the latest fitness news to provide personal trainers with strategies for perimenopausal clients. Visit NSCA online to read articles on exercise science and fitness.
Personal trainers Exercise Science Nutrition Program design Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease
Biofeedback for Strength and Conditioning Performance
April 19, 2018by Gabrielle Smith
Biofeedback is a tool that not everyone knows about, yet many coaches and athletes could benefit from using it. This article will describe the psychophysiological principle, introduce biofeedback, and provide descriptions of two biofeedback modalities that may be useful for strength and conditioning professionals to improve performance.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design
Implications of Psychological Trauma for Tactical Athletes and Human Performance Professionals
March 16, 2022by Benjamin Foodman, CSCS, TSAC-F
The purpose of this article is to explore trauma-related mental health issues and help human performance professionals more effectively train tactical athletes.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science Program design Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease
Blood Biomarkers of Overtraining Syndrome
September 4, 2025by Brandon Lee, MS, RD, CSSD
This Personal Training Quarterly article discusses blood biomarker monitoring as a vital tool in overtraining syndrome diagnostics and recovery. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness news and exercise research.
Personal trainers Exercise Science Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Emergency Procedures Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
OK Coach, So I Got My CSCS; Now What?
May 14, 2018by Mike Bugielski, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D, Boyd Epley, MEd, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA, Bryan Mann, PhD, CSCS, RSCC*D, and David Szymanski, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA
OK Coach, So I Got My CSCS; Now What?
Coaches Professional Development
Oxygen Uptake and the Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Exercise
May 22, 2020by NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training, Second Edition
This excerpt from NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, Second Edition briefly reviews the role of oxygen uptake in exercise.
Personal trainers Exercise Science
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