With the meteoric rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) as a mainstream sporting phenomenon, much of the limelight tends to shine on the fighters stepping into the cage. However, behind the scenes lie the often overlooked yet indispensable coaches who sculpt these athletes into champions. Sayif Saud, the mastermind behind Fortis MMA, stands as a poignant example of this reality. As he gears up to celebrate two decades of relentless commitment to the sport in 2025, Saud finds himself at a crossroads, reflecting on his fulfilling but demanding journey.
When Saud entered the coaching landscape with his initial victory in September 2013 at UFC Fight Night 28, he could scarcely have predicted the extraordinary trajectory that awaited him. Since that moment, he has amassed an impressive record of 97 wins under the UFC umbrella, shaping Fortis MMA into a premier training hub for talented fighters such as former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and rising stars like Geoff Neal and Ryan Spann. Each of these individuals not only represents a personal achievement for Saud but also epitomizes the dreams and aspirations he harbors for Fortis MMA.
However, as the accolades pile up, so do the sacrifices. The commitment required from a coach involves an exhaustive routine of training sessions, travel, and attendance at fight week events, leaving little room for personal life and family connections. Saud’s success could be likened to a double-edged sword—while the recognition is rewarding, it often comes with emotional and physical costs that weigh heavily on him.
As Saud approaches this pivotal milestone of 100 UFC wins, he finds himself reevaluating the core aspects of his coaching career. In candid conversations with media, Saud has stated, “I always said that 100 UFC wins and I was going to be done.” These words resonate as he reflects on the impact that 20 years in this frenetic sport has had on his personal life and familial relationships. Now, at the age of 44, the urgency of these considerations is becoming undeniable.
For many, personal and professional sacrifices may go hand in hand. However, Saud’s perspective has matured, allowing him to recognize the invaluable moments spent with his children as they grow older. The realization of how fleeting time can be presented a new urgency in his decision-making process. As he films himself between fights, he openly acknowledges, “I don’t really realize how nice it is to be home and just be around my family.” This retrospective view signifies an evolution in his priorities—a noteworthy shift from the limelight of coaching to cherishing family time.
Achieving the coveted 100 wins is not merely a personal goal for Saud. It represents a measurement of the collective success emanating from Fortis MMA and the fighters molded under his guidance. Matchups scheduled for early 2025 could propel him to that milestone; a 3-0 victory sweep from fighters like Diego Ferreira and Macy Chiasson would trigger a celebration not only for Saud but for his entire gym community.
Moreover, Saud has voiced ambitions for the next generation of fighters to eventually take the helm of the gym. With well-touted prospects poised to ascend through the ranks, he views this as a critical step in nurturing a sustainable legacy. His aspirations point towards a kind of mentorship that honors the cycle of knowledge transfer within the sport—a teacher passing the torch to new champions and leaders.
Saud’s confrontation with the impending end of his coaching career raises crucial questions. As he hushes the emotional din surrounding his achievements, he increasingly weighs these against the price of his absence from family milestones. It’s evident that the duality of being both a father and a coach has begun to inform his decisions significantly. With an acknowledgment that “missing [his kids’] whole childhood” isn’t sustainable, the need for balance becomes paramount.
While external validation and wins could provide fleeting satisfaction, a shift in mindset encourages Saud to find deeper fulfillment beyond accolades. He’s reflecting on how his journey, characterized by successes and rich experiences, has led him to this reflective state—one that prizes those familial moments over the elusive glory of competition.
Sayif Saud’s story underscores the complexities of coaching in the high-stakes world of MMA. His journey is a reminder that champions are not just the ones who step into the cage. Instead, they are also the unheralded mentors whose sacrifices and guidance, often concealed in shadows, deserve equal recognition on the road to success. As Saud marches forward into the next chapter of his life, the values of legacy, family, and fulfillment will guide his decisions, ultimately defining his remarkable journey in mixed martial arts.