In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), fighters often take center stage, basking in the glory of their victories and enduring the criticism of their losses. However, while their talents are on full display during fights, the pivotal role of coaches frequently remains in the shadows. Sayif Saud of Fortis MMA stands out in this often-unrecognized cadre of mentors, not just because of his achievements, but due to the profound personal sacrifices made throughout his two-decade-long coaching career. As he approaches a significant milestone, Saud faces a reflection on his future, balancing personal aspirations against professional commitments.
Saud’s coaching legacy began in September 2013 with a notable victory in his corner during UFC Fight Night 28. Since then, he has been the guiding force behind 97 UFC wins, establishing Fortis MMA as a prominent gym in the Dallas area. Under his guidance, fighters like former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, Geoff Neal, Macy Chiasson, and Ryan Spann have carved their names into MMA history. The rise of Fortis MMA can be attributed to Saud’s unwavering commitment to training athletes and shaping their careers, yet this journey has not come without a heavy personal toll.
Saud’s commitment resonates beyond just coaching; it entails extensive travel and continuous dedication throughout fight weeks, where weight cuts and preparations become all-consuming. As he approaches his 20th year in the sport, there is an innate melancholy in his voice as he contemplates the sacrifices made and what lies ahead.
Reaching 100 UFC victories marks a significant chapter in Saud’s career, one he initially set for himself as a metric of success. Yet as the milestone draws closer, he is increasingly aware of the disconnect it creates between his professional aspirations and personal life. “I always said that 100 UFC wins, and I was going to be done,” he said, a statement that bears the weight of years filled with both achievement and sacrifice.
Approaching the start of 2025, the pressure of achieving this goal and considering what comes next weighs heavily on him. Events scheduled for early 2025 could land him at that coveted mark, but alongside this professional success is an evident yearning for a return to a more fulfilling personal life. “I look forward to being home and kind of spending time with my kids,” Saud reflected, highlighting the challenge of balancing his demanding career with family life, particularly as his children grow older.
Saud’s narrative reflects the broader struggles faced by many in high-demand professions. The commitment to excellence often comes at the cost of personal fulfillment. Saud candidly cites his children’s development, sports, and achievements as moments he has missed due to his relentless pursuit of success in MMA. He recognizes the sacrifices made by his family—including his wife, who has been instrumental in their households while Saud invests time into training and managing fighters.
“When is enough, enough?” he asks, showcasing a common dilemma among dedicated professionals grappling with career ambitions against the desire for quality family time. His evolution as a coach and a father presents an inspiring yet poignant tale of dedication and long-term ambition colliding with the realities of life outside the gym.
As Saud gazes towards what the future may hold, he envisions a lasting legacy, hoping to pass Fortis MMA into the capable hands of his fighters. His vision for the gym’s future depicts a seamless transition into the next generation, creating a lineage of mentorship from one coach to the next. “I could pop in once in a while,” he muses, already forming a mental roadmap of how to maintain ties with the gym he built while embracing new familial roles.
Yet for now, the certainty of fully stepping away is clouded with uncertainty. As his fighters embark on their respective journeys, Saud is left to reconcile his deep commitment to the sport he loves with the undeniable calling of home, family, and the mundane joys of parenting.
Saud’s journey showcases a broader theme prevalent in many professions marked by sacrifice and enduring ambition. While on the cusp of a remarkable 100th win, he must navigate the emotional complexity of reconciling professional achievements with personal priorities. The story of Sayif Saud reflects the delicate balance of love for one’s craft and the natural yearning for family, set against the backdrop of one of the most strenuous sports in the world. In time, whether he remains at the helm of Fortis MMA or chooses to pass the torch, his impact will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the mat and into the lives of those he trained and cared for.