Golden Boy debunks myth, paints reality of sport's evolution

"The more things change, the more they stay the same. So there will always be this 'new thing' according to fighters because it just worked for that [particular] guy," said Dorado.

 

"You have to understand the work you've been putting in and know that those things that may be new to one person may not be new to the others. It's about the fads that people and the fans in the media see, and all it takes is a commentator to speak on it and be like, 'Oh, I've never seen this.'"


Elrey Dorado emphasized that the true evolution of MMA takes place in the training environment rather than just in the public eye during fights. He also pointed out that while fighters and fans may notice new techniques during matches, all the real advancements occur behind the scenes.


For Dorado, the true evolution of MMA lies not in the flashy moves that captivate audiences momentarily but in the relentless grind of the gym. "The game does evolve, and where you see the real evolution is in the gyms and your training partners, and the people around you," he said.


"We study the game and see what people are doing, but where you develop your game is in a gym," he continued. "You stay in the gym and stay consistent by talking to your coaches and continuously working and developing. They're also studying the game, so you're naturally going to grow and move toward where the sport is going and where the development is. A rising tide raises all ships."