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If you are a mixed martial arts fan, or you want to try it yourself, you’ve probably heard of Jackson
Wink MMA Academy. This is a gym designed to create champions, tucked away in
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For years, the words “training out of Jackson Wink” have been synonymous with world titles,
highlight-reel knockouts, and some of the smartest fighters that we’ve seen in the sport. Why?
Well, MMA isn’t a brute-force sport, although many people believe that it is. We are talking
about a sport where being a smart fighter is more important than having strength.
So, why does this gym stand out in an industry full of big names and flashy facilities? Well, in
today’s article we will talk more about the processes that mold an MMA champion, the training
regimes, the people that will give you all the hints, and the outcome you can expect.
People In Charge – Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn
Every professional gym has its leaders. We are talking about the guru’s that studied the sport
for years, and now they are in charge of transferring their knowledge and experience to
beginners. The Jackson Wink MMA Academy has Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn.
Greg is a strategist, the guy who can look at an opponent’s tape and break down their habits
and predict their next ten moves. He’s been called one of the best minds in MMA, and fighters
credit him with game plans that have completely flipped fights on their heads.
On the other side, you have Mike Winkeljohn. A former world-class kickboxer and widely
recognized as one of the most sought-after coaches in the world of MMA. Coach Wink is known
for shaping striking into a dangerous weapon. He’s the guy who can take a decent puncher and
turn them into someone you’d rather not share a cage with. He creates monsters.
They both work really well together. One is for creating the right strategy, even when choosing a
career and starting out, and the other one will get you ready to face opponents in the ring.
Jackson brings brains of battle, and Wink brings the tools of destruction, what more can you ask
for?
A Who’s Who of MMA Royalty
To understand why this gym is so legendary, and to find out more about the work they do here
and their results, we have to look at some of the fighters that came from the Jackson Wink MMA
Academy.
There are some big names that managed to get a ton of success in the professional MMA
world. First, we have Jon Jones, who is considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
Then we have Holly Holm, who shocked the world by knocking out Ronda Rousey and
continues to compete at the highest level.
There are also other notable names, such as Carlos Condit, Rashad Evans, Georges St-Pierre,
and Michelle Waterson, among others.
The gym has been home to multiple UFC champions, countless top contenders, and fighters
across nearly every major organization. It’s not just the big stars, though; up-and-coming
fighters from all over the world flock here, hoping to soak up the magic that’s built into the walls.
The great thing is that anyone can enter the Beginner Program. It isn’t like the Breeders’ Cup,
where only champions are selected through the Breeders’ Cup prep races. As long as you take
things seriously and you are dedicated, you can join, and progress through Beginner, Amateur, and Pro MMA Programs.
What Makes Jackson Wink Different?
There are gyms with fancy equipment and gyms with big names. But Jackson Wink’s recipe has
a few secret ingredients:
- Tailored Training – Not every fighter is taught the same way. The coaches figure out
what you’re good at and build a strategy around it instead of trying to make everyone
fight the same style. - All-in-One Facility – This isn’t just a gym. It’s a huge, state-of-the-art center with
everything from 2 full-sized cages, conditioning areas, and even on-site
housing. Fighters don’t just train here; they live and breathe the sport 24/7. - Mental Toughness – Physical training is only half the battle. Coaches put just as much
focus on discipline, mindset, and learning how to stay calm when the cage door shuts.
That combination means fighters aren’t just fit, they’re mentally sharp, adaptable, and ready for
anything.
Culture Over Competition
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: Jackson Wink isn’t only about producing fighters
who can smash their way to a belt. There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork and community.
The motto is simple: help your teammates, and they’ll help you. It’s not uncommon to see a
future UFC star drilling with a rookie who’s just starting out, both learning something from the
other. That sense of unity is rare in a sport that’s often seen as purely individual.
The coaches also encourage fighters to grow as people, not just as athletes. Winkeljohn himself
has talked about how important it is to build character alongside fighting ability.
Beyond the Gym Walls
The best thing about this gym is that Jackson Wink’s influence goes way beyond the octagon.
They’ve been involved in many community programs, adaptive MMA training, and even an
outreach project that shows their philosophy is bigger than titles and paychecks.
For them, it’s about leaving a mark on the sport and on the people who pass their doors.
Nothing else is important.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the secret sauce that the Jackson Wink gym has that allows them to build
champions? Well, it’s a mix of things. First, we have world-class coaching, smart strategies, and
top-level facilities.
But the most important stuff is the culture behind the gym. They are like a family, focusing both
on teamwork and personal growth. Fighters come here with potential and walk out as legends.
So, if you want to take MMA seriously and you want the ultimate facility that will take care of
you, the only option is the Jackson Wink MMA Academy.