The fight game has a timeline, and every UFC fighter knows it. One day, they’re making the walk, feeling the adrenaline, ready for war. The next? They’re outside the cage, barking instructions, hoping their fighters execute the game plan. But some of the most dominant warriors inside the Octagon have had surprising pasts. So, what happens when their time as a competitor runs out? Are we witnessing the birth of the next generation of world class MMA coaches?

We’ve already seen legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov step away from competition and seamlessly transition into coaching, shaping champions like Islam Makhachev. Then there’s Trevor Wittman, who retired from boxing at just 21, but today, he’s one of the most respected minds in MMA, molding champions like Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje. The impact of a great coach is undeniable. Could today’s active fighters be next in line? Let’s dive into five UFC stars who might just be the masterminds behind the next era of champions.

1. Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman isn’t just a former UFC welterweight champion, he was a force of nature. From relentless chain wrestling to suffocating pressure and improved striking, Usman ruled the division with a calculated, high-IQ approach. But even with recent losses, he still holds the #3 rank in the welterweight division, showcasing his enduring presence at the top. But is his fighting career nearing its end? And more importantly, does that mean a coaching career is beginning?

Imagine a team of fighters built in The Nigerian Nightmare’s image, dominant wrestlers who evolve into complete mixed martial artists. His understanding of cage control and fight tactics could be a goldmine for young wrestlers looking to adapt their skills for MMA. Could he take the coaching route like Khabib and mold the next generation?

2. Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski’s ability to dissect opponents is nothing short of genius. He out-thinks, out-maneuvers, and out-strategizes his rivals. Even after losing his belt to Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski remains one of the smartest fighters in the game, at the very top of the division. But could his future involve more whiteboards and corner instructions rather than cage walks?

The Aussie has been training alongside some of the best at City Kickboxing, home to championship-level coaches like Eugene Bareman. Learning from that kind of system, combined with his own natural ability to adjust mid-fight, means ‘The Great’ could thrive as a great coach. His depth of knowledge in feints, distance control, and defensive wrestling makes him a prime candidate to pass on his fight IQ to the next wave of talent.

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3. Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier has seen it all. The wars, the knockouts, the heartbreaks, and the triumphs. His boxing is among the sharpest in MMA, and his ability to fight in the pocket while avoiding damage is what separates him from most brawlers. But with every brutal war he’s been through, the question lingers, how much longer can he do this?

Now, imagine Poirier in a coaching role, teaching young fighters the art of calculated violence. He understands what it takes to survive in the trenches, and that experience is priceless. Fighters would benefit from his ability to break down striking exchanges, work on counterstriking, and teach them how to remain composed under fire. Could ‘The Diamond’ shine in a new role outside of the cage?

4. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo isn’t waiting for retirement to step into the coaching world, he’s already there. The Olympic gold medalist and two-division UFC champion has trained the likes of Jon Jones, Zhang Weili, and Deiveson Figueiredo. The question isn’t if Cejudo will be a great coach, it’s how far he’ll go with it.

Triple C’s ability to game plan for different styles and opponents is on another level. He’s one of the few fighters who mastered a second discipline (striking) after already being elite in another (wrestling). His technical breakdowns are so precise that even the best in the world are seeking his knowledge. Could Cejudo become MMA’s next legendary coach, standing alongside names like Greg Jackson and Javier Mendez? And we won’t have to wait long to see him back in action, he steps up against Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night 252 this weekend. Will his strategic brilliance translate once again inside the Octagon?

5. Max Holloway

Max Holloway has been mentoring fighters for years. Whether he realizes it or not. His pressure-heavy, volume-based striking has inspired a whole generation. But beyond that, he’s the type of guy younger fighters naturally gravitate toward. And with his recent knockout loss making him rethink his weight class, is it time for ‘Blessed’ to bless the next generation with his knowledge?

The #5 lightweight contender’s ability to mix volume, footwork, and elite distance management makes him a perfect candidate for coaching. He’s a natural leader, has a calm and tactical approach to fighting, and already embraces the role of a teacher in many ways. Could he be the next big name to build a super camp of striking specialists?

So, what do you think? Are we looking at the next Khabib or Randy Couture in the making? Coaching isn’t just about knowledge it’s about the ability to mold fighters into something better than they already are. So, who will be the next great mastermind behind the cage?