Jake Hager still considers himself an MMA fighter at heart, but he knows stepping back into the cage requires more than simply wanting another fight.
During a conversation on the Off the Rails podcast with Jasmine St. Claire, Hager was asked what career he might have pursued if professional wrestling had never entered the picture. He immediately pointed to mixed martial arts. Hager said he loves competition, having a clear purpose and working toward improving himself. He admitted that he was never naturally the best athlete, but learned how to accept coaching and outwork other people.
“Honestly, I feel like who I really am is an MMA fighter at heart. I love to compete. I love to have a purpose, work hard toward it and get better. I was never the best athlete, but I learned at a young age how to listen, take coaching and understand the value of hard work.”
Hager wishes he had started MMA earlier, although he understands that entering the sport with an established wrestling name also created valuable opportunities.
“I think I’d be an MMA fighter. I wish I would have gotten into it sooner, but at the same time, going into it with a name is also very valuable.”
When asked whether another full MMA run could happen, Hager said his body is telling him that he can no longer train at the intensity required to compete safely. He believes fighters must approach MMA with complete desperation and commitment. Anything less could end with someone getting seriously hurt inside the cage.
“I think my body is telling me I can’t train like that anymore. To be successful in MMA, I really believe that you have to have your back against the wall. Blood has to be in the water. You have to be swinging for the fences.”
“If you’re not training like that every single day, you’re going to go into that cage and you’re going to get hurt. I definitely can’t train like that anymore, which is why Power Slap is a great avenue for me.”
Hager later expanded on the physical commitment. He said a fighter has to train at full speed every day and allow the sport to consume nearly every part of their life. While Hager believes he remains in excellent physical condition, he isn’t sure his body can handle that schedule anymore.
“I can’t train as hard as I need to train. You’ve really got to go 110 percent, seven days a week. You’ve got to eat, sleep and breathe it every day. That’s a real commitment.”
“I’m in great shape. My body feels good. But that type of commitment, I don’t know if my body can cash that check right now.”
That doesn’t mean Hager is finished competing. He remains committed to Power Slap and believes the sport gives him a way to test himself without going through the endless training camps required for MMA. Hager isn’t questioning whether he has the heart to fight again. He is being honest about whether his body can survive everything that comes before the cage door closes.
Would you like to see Jake Hager take one more MMA fight, or is Power Slap the better move for him at this stage of his career? Leave your feedback in the comments.
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