Can Bodybuilders fight?

If you’ve read our previous article, then you’ll be aware that your average bodybuilder would lose in a fight against an MMA fighter. This is because despite the size and strength of the bodybuilder, they’re ultimately not trained fighters either. By the same token, you wouldn’t expect an MMA fighter to perform well at lifting weights compared to a seasoned bodybuilder.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should completely write off bodybuilders and their ability to fight either. Typically, bodybuilders are far stronger and heavier compared to the average person. When it comes to fighting, this doesn’t count for nothing either. In this article, we shall look at whether being a bodybuilder helps you in a fight or whether it’s irrelevant.

Bodybuilders can fight

Imagine cloning yourself, only for the clone to train in the gym daily for five years, gain lots of weight and muscle, then to fight your clone. Obviously, the clone would win due to being equal in all areas, yet still having the key advantage of size and strength.

This is basically what fighting looks like from the perspective of a bodybuilder. And, there’s a big, juicy secret when it comes to martial arts. Size matters. If it didn’t, you wouldn’t have weight classes in MMA and martial arts tournaments. This is to make sure there are no physical mismatches. Obviously, in reality, a bodybuilder doesn’t have to worry about cutting weight or fighting people their own size. Yes, this is unfair but then again, fighting rarely is a fair affair anyway.

When technique doesn’t matter

The point is, even though technique is key when fighting, it will only get you so far when someone is gigantic. Remember, most people are untrained in martial arts. That means no prior experience when it comes to striking or grappling.

Even if you’re a trained martial artist who faces a bodybuilder who is over 30KG heavier than you, it won’t be easy. Even if you win the fight, it may come at a cost. The reason for this is that even if they’re untrained yet weigh over 100KG, a single punch always has the potential to knock you out. Even if you took them to the ground, they could also bench press you off them. In other words, typical fighting rules and mechanics don’t always apply to people when there’s a significant strength and weight difference.

How to fight against a bodybuilder

For most untrained fighters, you should avoid fighting a bodybuilder at all costs. This is due to the previously mentioned reasons. Even if you’re trained, fighting anyone is bad – especially strong, big people.

However, if you had to fight a bodybuilder then always remember that they’re only human and like everyone else they will have weaknesses. So, what they have in strength, they will lack in speed and cardio. Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep a distance and not get in too close. If they’re able to grab you and get a good connection, it could be over.

Instead, you’ll want to keep a good distance and try to pick them off slowly. Use your jab to fend them off and be quick with your feet. Similarly, throw in a few calf kicks to wear them down if necessary. Overall, trying to grapple a bodybuilder probably isn’t a great idea, unless you’re a black belt in Judo or BJJ. Even still, it may be a strategic mistake.

Basically, if you can wear them down and avoid getting hit then eventually they will tire out. This is because unlike martial artists, bodybuilders aren’t designed to fight for long periods. Therefore, you can potentially start dominating the fight if you can go past the one-minute mark. Remember, the bigger the muscles you have, the more your heart has to work to get blood to them. This is why they will begin to slow down.

Despite their size difference, this is when fatigue will set in and their advantages will start to fade. A good identifier of this is when you start to hear their heavy breathing. At this point, you can start being more offensive. At the same time, always be cautious because one punch could still end it instantly.

Conclusion

Whilst bodybuilders aren’t trained fighters, they’re still far better at fighting than the average Joe. This isn’t due to technique either. Instead, it’s due to sheer size and strength. In fairness to a bodybuilder, they’ll usually train and eat very strictly for several years. So, even though they’re not particularly skilled at fighting – they’ve still put in years of dedication to improve their body.

And, seeing as fighting is literally using your body, this is one advantage that being a bodybuilder can bring. In summary, a bodybuilder may lose in combat against a skilled martial artist. However, against most of the population, they’d still be the favorite to emerge victorious.

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