Serious question guys. I've been pretty active in sports since I was very young and I currently get to the gym doing basic weight training a few times a week. My cardio isn't that great mainly cause I don't like running on the hamster-mill, but I'm sure I can built it up with some hard work.
I'm about 5-11 and 180lbs of fast twitch fiber muscle. I think I have good bio-mechanics in general and I can throw fundamental punches and kicks.
If I really wanted to CM Punk it and go for it (and I am way more athletic then that fool), is it realistic that I can compete as an amateur or pro at some point? What's a realistic time to train and get into the cage? I don't have any belt rating or prior martial arts experience. My only advantages are my athleticism and strength. Since I'm 180lb with no diet, I would probably fight at 170lb.
I'm wondering if anyone has gone on this journey post 40 and if you can share your experience?
Serious Answer. Yes you are.
I'm 33 years old and just retired from Comp Boxing. I started when I was 21 and kept in very good shape with little to no injuries due to training. I did MMA, Muay Thai and the sweet science.
Just this last January, I fought for the Golden gloves Title. (179) I won my first two fights and felt great especially, against younger guys. 3rd and Title fight, my opponent was about 9 years younger than me with the same record and amount of fights. Holy Shit. He beat the living piss out of me. By the end of the 2nd round my legs were done and I basically was in pure survivor mode.
I made it all the way through but the only reason why I survived was fight IQ, and pure grit. I'm a very technical fighter, and very calm. But in all my years of competing, I never felt so out classed and so despaired. My body just stopped working really.
I'm pretty athletic, 5'9 and walk around 190-195 and cut down to 179-185. I do cryo, stretching, etc...but doesn't stop the clock.
At your age, I'd try sparring and doing some sim fights before you really go. Learn the fight game, build that fight IQ. last thing you want is to be 40 years old and get your face blasted off by a younger guy with foam coming out of his mouth and years of training.,