Comparison and Analysis of Body Composition of MMA Fighters and Powerlifting Athletes

Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is becoming increasingly popular and is developing dynamically in terms of training methods and number of participants involved, while weightlifting, powerlifting, and other kinds of strength disciplines are well established. In this study, the aim was to compare the body composition, as an anthropometric effect of training in MMA fighters and strength athletes, and then analyze and find reasoning for observed differences. Methods: Thirty-four young healthy male participants (body weight 84.9 ± 10.2 kg, body height 182.0 ± 6.8 cm, BMI 25.8 ± 2.51 kg/m², tier 2/3 in McKay's sports level classification) represented two groups: MMA (n = 17) and powerlifting athletes (STR, n = 17). The measured anthropometric characteristics were skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percentage of body fat (PBF), body fat mass (FM) and visceral fat mass (VFM). Phase angle (º) was measured as an indicator of tissue quality and we performed detailed investigations of soft fat-free tissue mass (SLM) and of fat mass in body parts separately in each lower and upper limb and trunk. Results: The groups did not differ in terms of body weight, height, BMI, SMM, PBF, FM, VFM, SLM in upper limbs and trunk, FM in the body parts, or the phase angle (all p > 0.05). The statistically significant differences were only observed in the SLM of both lower limbs (greater in STR, p < 0.05) but, after statistical correction with the Holm's method, these parameters also did not show statistically significant differences despite high effect sizes. Conclusions: The MMA athletes do not differ significantly from strength training athletes in measured anthropometric parameters despite distinct differences in training methodology. The reasons for these observations need future research, combining anthropometric measurements with training and competing load monitoring.