The Ultimate USA Road Trip for Mixed Martial Artists

After creating the Gladius Fight Trip Guide for Boxing Roadtrip in the USA, we felt we owed the mixed martial arts community a similar itinerary. 

Ready to hit the road and explore legendary MMA camps across the country? In this Gladius Fight Trip Guide, we’ll lay out a complete itinerary you can use for your next vacation.

Important note before we start

There are many great MMA gyms across the USA, but covering them all in one road trip would take months and require a lot of driving across multiple regions. 

To make it manageable, our itinerary focuses on one major region of the country with the highest concentration of gyms: the West Coast.

USA MMA West Coast road trip itinerary (14 days)

In this itinerary, we’ll cover a two-week route that includes visits to six MMA gyms. You can always customize the plan based on your own schedule. Some fighters may want to mix training with a bit of tourism, while others might need a tighter, more focused timeline. Whatever your case, use this guide as a flexible blueprint and adjust it to fit your goals.

The gyms featured in this route are:
1. AKA (American Kickboxing Academy)
2. Kings MMA
3. Xtreme Couture
4. MMA Lab
5. Fight Ready
6. Jackson Wink MMA

Days 1 & 2: American Kickboxing Academy - San Jose, CA

• Website: americankickboxingacademy.com
• Notable fighters: Khabib Nurmagumedov, Islam Makhachev, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez & Luke Rockhold. 

Our itinerary starts in San Jose, California, home of the renowned and highly successful AKA. You will spend 2 days here. 

AKA is a wrestling-heavy MMA camp with a reputation for producing some of the most dominant grapplers in UFC history. Under the leadership of Coach Javier Mendez, the gym has become one of the most respected programs in the sport, known for its focus on takedowns, ground control, and relentless pressure.

The gym accepts drop-ins with prior contact and offers classes in Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. You can choose whichever discipline you want to work on most, but we strongly recommend attending at least one No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu class to sharpen your takedown skills with top-tier instruction.

Day 3: Roadtrip to Huntington Beach, CA (6 hours)

The third day of the itinerary is a rest day. Rent a car and drive six hours south to Huntington Beach. You can opt for a faster route via the I-5 South or take the longer, more scenic drive along US Highway 101.

If you’re not on a tight schedule, it might be worth adding a few more rest days to explore some of California’s best national parks along the way, such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon.

Day 4: Kings MMA - Huntington Beach, CA

• Website: kingsmma.com
• Notable fighters: Wanderlei Silva, Fabricio Werdum, Rafael dos Anjos, Beneil Dariush & Mauricio "Shougun" Rua.
  

If your goal is to unlock the secret sauce of savage strikers, Kings MMA will be your favorite stop along the way. Under Master Rafael Cordeiro, this gym has produced some of the most dangerous Muay Thai-based fighters in MMA history.

Kings offers classes in Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. Our recommendation is to train as many as possible, but if you have to choose, make striking your priority. 

After training, grab a well-deserved açaí bowl at Banzai Bowls, located just 20 minutes away. They serve some of the best our crew has ever had.

Day 5: Roadtrip to Las Vegas, NV (4 hours)

The fifth day is another much-needed rest after the intense striking sessions at Kings MMA. Pack your gear once more and hit the road for a 4-hour drive to Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Day 6 & 7: Xtreme Couture MMA, Las Vegas

• Website: xtremecouturemma.com
• Notable fighters: Francis Ngnanou, Aljamain Sterling, Magomed Ankalaev, Miesha Tate & Vitor Belfort.

Founded by UFC legend Randy Couture and currently led by top coaches like Eric Nicksick, this Las Vegas staple has continued to evolve with the sport. Its location in the fight capital of the world makes it a must-stop on our itinerary.

Xtreme Couture blends old-school toughness with modern technique, and is arguably one of the most well-rounded MMA gyms on this list. Whatever discipline you choose to focus on, you'll find top-tier instruction here.

If possible, try to time your stay in Vegas with a UFC event happening in the city. That’s the ultimate fight trip combo: train during the day, watch the best do it at night.

Day 8: Roadtrip to Glendale, AZ (5 hours)

Hit the road once again for a five-hour drive to Glendale.

For this leg of your trip, you can either go directly or take a couple of extra days to explore the desert. Stunning spots like Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon National Park, and Monument Valley are all nearby, though they require a bit of a detour.

Day 9: MMA Lab – Glendale, AZ

• Website: themmalab.com
• Notable fighters: Benson Henderson, Sean O'Malley, Jared Cannonier & The Korean Zombie. 

Led by former UFC lightweight John Crouch, the MMA Lab is a modern gym known for producing creative, well-rounded fighters who blend all aspects of MMA. It has served as the training ground for several notable athletes in recent years and has become one of the most successful camps in the country.

The facilities and staff here are among the best we’ve experienced. No matter which discipline you choose to focus on, you can count on getting high-quality training.

Day 10: Fight Ready – Scottsdale, AZ

• Website: fightready.com
• Notable fighters: Henry Cejudo & Heili Alateng. 

Located just 25 minutes from MMA Lab, Fight Ready stands out as another of North America’s top-tier MMA training centers in Arizona. It’s impressive to see two elite teams based so close to each other.

At Fight Ready, you can train in striking (boxing or kickboxing), jiu jitsu, and also get solid work done in their well-equipped weight room. Choose the area you feel needs the most focus and dive in.

Day 11: Roadtrip to Albuquerque, NM

Time for the final road trip of the entire itinerary. After two days in Arizona, it’s time to hit the road once more and head to Albuquerque  for our last (and possibly best) stop.

Days 12-14: Jackson Wink MMA – Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Website: jacksonwink.com
• Notable fighters: Jon Jones, Holly Holm & Carlos Condit

This gym is one of the most iconic MMA facilities in the world and the perfect ending for your fight trip.

Located at high altitude in Albuquerque, it offers a unique endurance boost for visiting fighters and the opportunity to train in the same place as the UFC GOAT. Coach Greg Jackson and his staff are renowned for developing fight IQ, crafting detailed game plans, and pushing athletes mentally as much as physically.

The facility itself is probably the most impressive of the entire itinerary. It features multiple training areas, a strength and conditioning section, locker rooms, showers, and a sauna. It also provides lodging for visiting professional fighters, by invitation.

As this is your final stop, we recommend making the most of it with three full days of training.

Outside the gym, take some time to explore Albuquerque. Fans of Breaking Bad will instantly recognize several iconic filming locations scattered across the city.

Notes on gym etiquette

To make the most out of your MMA road trip, keep these essential gym etiquette tips in mind:

• Contact all gyms you plan to visit in advance: Call or message the staff of the gym a few days before your visit. This will ensure the place will be open and the drop-in policy still allows you to visit. Showing up unannounced can easily lead to refusals.
  
  
• Respect gear policy: Ask in advance the gear policy for each type of training you want to do. Some of the gyms listed above have rules regarding logos of other training sites or the minimal gear that you need (7oz gloves, wraps, shin guards, spats, etc.).
  
  
• Keep your gear clean and in good condition: Dirty or worn-out gloves, smelly wraps, and other poor conditioned gear may not be accepted. It is better to replace them. 
  
  
• Be punctual: Arriving late is disrespectful. Some coaches may cancel your private session if you don’t respect their time or don't allow you to enter the group class. 
  
  
• Bring proper sparring gear: If you plan to spar, be sure to have hybrid 7oz MMA gloves and headgear with you. While some gyms rent gear, it’s easier to bring your own.
  
  
• Adapt to gym culture: Each gym has its own culture and habits, and that is the beauty of training in so many different places. Observe, respect it and adjust accordingly. 
  
  

• Follow photo and video policies: Some gyms have strict no-filming rules to protect fighter privacy and avoid footage leaks. Always ask before recording or taking pictures, especially when professional fighters are involved. 

• Respect professional fighters' space: This sites are known to have a lot of professionals training every day. Give them room. You’re on a trip, they’re at work. Don’t interrupt their training and be respectful on interactions. 

• Don’t expect to spar everywhere: Some gyms won’t allow unknown visitors to spar MMA or striking. That’s normal. If sparring isn’t an option, focus on other areas of your game instead.
  

• Don't book "free trial classes": Although you technically can, it is bad ethics to book free trials if you know you won't be a regular in this gym. Be open about your travel plans and opt for the day-use fees. Staff will be grateful for your sincerity and that may open more opportunities in the future. 
  

Pre-planning: What do you need before you start?

• Book all your accommodations: Hotels, motels, Airbnbs, or crashing at a friend’s apartment - there are many options to choose from. Try to stay close to the gyms you'll be visiting to save time. 
  
  
• Call all the gyms you plan to visit: Before you close the final itinerary with your adjustments, call each gym you plan to visit to ask about drop-in rates, private session availability, and any policies you need to know. This will help you plan your budget and make any changes on the plan. 
  
  
• Rent a car: Choose a car big enough to fit everyone (in case you have friends with you) and all your gear comfortably. Look for rental services that allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another to match your route. 
  
  
• Inspect your gear: Before hitting the road, check all your equipment. Replace if anything is damaged, worn-out, or missing. Don’t rely on finding gear on the go or renting it.  
  
  
• A training partner (optional): You can do this as a lone wolf, but having a friend along makes the trip more affordable, and more productive. It's a nice chance to bond with teammates from your gym and enjoy the sense of brotherhood. 
  
  

What to take on your road trip

Apart from the basics (clothing, documents, your wallet, and all the usual stuff) you should also bring these 3 essentials for your MMA road trip:

• Full gear: Gloves, hand wraps, mouthpiece, shin guards, spats and rash guards. If you plan to spar, it’s a good idea to bring your own headgear too. While most gyms offer rental gear, having your own makes you less dependent on others and saves you some cash. And if you’re traveling with Gladius gloves, you might even get a skill boost (can’t confirm it, but we won’t deny it either). 
  
  
• Water and food for the road: Long hours on the road can wear you out. Keep plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated and pack a few snacks to keep your energy up between stops.
  
  
• Extra gas for the car: Most highways are well-serviced, but it's smart to carry an extra gallon in the trunk for emergencies. 

Gym honorable mentions

Our itinerary covers some of the most famous MMA gyms in the country, but there are many others outside the West Coast that are worth visiting if you happen to be nearby.

Here are a few honorable mentions: 

• American Top Team (Coconut Creek, FL): Arguably the most stacked MMA facility in the world, ATT is home to champions and veterans from nearly every major organization. Fighters like Dustin Poirier, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, and Jorge Masvidal have all called it home.
  
  
• Kill Cliff FC (Deerfield Beach, FL): Formerly known as Sanford MMA, Kill Cliff FC is a powerhouse in the South Florida MMA scene with a massive roster of UFC and Bellator talent, including Gilbert Burns and Michael Chandler. It is a professionals-only gym, so training there can be difficult if you are not a full-time fighter.
  
  
• Team Quest (Portland, OR): Team Quest is a legendary MMA gym with deep wrestling roots, founded by UFC Hall of Famer Dan Henderson. While it’s not as flashy as other modern super-gyms, the intensity and tradition run deep.
  
  
• Roufousport (Milwaukee, WI): Roufusport is one of the most respected striking-based MMA camps in the country, led by former world kickboxing champion Duke Roufus. The gym made its name through UFC stars like Anthony Pettis and Tyron Woodley.
  
  
• Ray Longo's Mixed Martial Arts (Long Island, NY): This East Coast staple is the home base of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, responsible for icons like Chris Weidman.
  
  
• Elevation Fight Team (Aurora, CO): Located in Colorado’s high altitude, Elevation is a modern MMA powerhouse with fighters like Cory Sandhagen and Neil Magny. 
  

Final thoughts: Hit the road and the mats

Training in the cradle of such great champions is a special moment you’ll probably remember forever. Even better when you can pair it with good memories on the road between gym sessions.

We hope this guide gave you an actionable plan to turn your idea into reality. Whether you hit every stop or just a few, the key is to make the most out of each gym and bring back new things to work on.

And don’t forget: you’ll need gloves for your trip. Explore our Gladius MMA glove collections before you go. One of them might be the perfect companion for your adventure.