LAS VEGAS — The evolution of mixed martial arts was on full display during International Fight Week here back in July.
No, not the historic UFC 200, which set the promotion's Las Vegas gate record, or the accompanying cards around it. The true mark of where the sport is going was seen two days before a fight took place, in a corner of T-Mobile Arena overlooking The Strip.
On the Tuesday night prior to International Fight Week began in earnest, the UFC held an educational summit for coaches. Many things were discussed, including injury reduction, the science of hydration, training statistics and the mental aspect of competition.