College of Public Health and Human Sciences

The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of self-regulation strategies to enhance performance in a sample of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. A qualitative study design was employed in which a constructivist philosophy (Charmaz, 2000; Smith, 2009; Sparkes 2002) was embraced by the authors of the current study. Data collection and analysis took place over a one-year period in which the first author engaged in participant observation, collected field notes, conducted formal recorded interviews with nine participants, and had multiple contacts with participants. Results of the current study suggest that the use of behavioral processes of change, development of embodied emotions, and the use of psychological strategies played a role in the self-regulation and performance of MMA fighters. As the sport of MMA continues to grow research further examining the role of self-regulation in training and performance is warranted.