The science of fighting - world champions and researchers shape the future of MMA

World champion fighters, coaches and sports scientists are stepping into the ring together for a no-holds-barred look at the future of combat sports training.

From fight camps and conditioning to recovery and performance, the University of Essex event will explore how cutting-edge research is shaping the future of mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing.

The free workshop takes place at The Combat Institute gym on Monday 8 June at Beacon End, in Colchester, and will bring together experts from across combat sports and performance science for an afternoon of discussion, debate and practical insight.

School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences (SRES) researcher Dr Nasir Uddin has partnered with owner and world champion fighter James Webb to research the sport.

The martial artist is the current Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight World Champion, former Middleweight World Champion and a five-time national Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.

Mr Webb said: "We're proud to be working with Nasir and the University of Essex on this project as well as host an event that brings together athletes, coaches, students and researchers.

"The Combat Institute is rooted in the local community, and partnerships like this show how local organisations and the university can work together to create opportunities, share knowledge and support the development of combat sports in Colchester and beyond."

A sentiment echoed by Dr Uddin, who said: "Combat sports are evolving rapidly, but there can still be a disconnect between research and what happens in gyms every day.

"I want to bridge that gap by having honest discussions that are useful not only for academics, but for fighters, coaches and the wider combat sports community.

"I’m really grateful to James and The Combat Institute for supporting this research and hosting the event. James has built an important space for combat sports in Colchester, and partnerships like this are essential for connecting research with real-world practice."

Cut through the myths

The session aims to cut through the myths, trends and social media noise surrounding combat sports training and focus on what the evidence actually says.

Attendees will hear directly from researchers, coaches and fighters as they tackle key questions around conditioning, recovery, athlete development and how science can be applied in real fight environments.

The event is designed for fighters, coaches, students and anyone interested in the rapidly evolving world of combat sports performance.

Organisers hope the workshop will spark fresh conversations and stronger links between academics and practitioners, helping bridge the gap between research papers and real-world training sessions.

The University of Essex has developed a growing reputation for sport science and elite performance research, with strong links to professional sport and athlete development.

'Unique hub of innovation'

Professor Nelson Cortes, head of SRES, said: "At SRES, we are deeply committed to ensuring our world-class research doesn't just stay in the lab, but actively benefits our local community.

"This partnership between Dr Uddin and James Webb is a perfect example of that mission in action.

"By bringing together elite athletes, local coaches, and our world-class sports scientists, we are creating a unique hub of innovation right here in Colchester.

"This event is a fantastic opportunity to translate complex data into practical, game-changing strategies for the gym floor."

The workshop runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and attendance is free, although spaces are limited.