The Impact of Emotional Self-Regulation on Performative Success for Professional Fighters

Introduction: Emotional self-regulation has been determined to be an important factor regarding outcomes for athletes. Previous research has examined strategies athletes use to regulate their emotions and their motivations for doing so. However, little research has examined how professional fighters utilize emotional self-regulation strategies and their impact on performance. Fighters have been perceived as aggressive and impulsive; hence it is important to examine how they regulate their emotions. The present study investigates the association of emotional self-regulation in professional fighters versus college-aged male nonfighters. The study also evaluates the relationship between emotional self-regulation and winning percentages in professional fighters. Methods:  The study used a sample of professional male fighters (n = 36) and college-aged nonfighters (n = 29). Participants completed measures examining difficulties with emotional self-regulation amongst other measures. Results: Despite no differences with professional fighters and the comparison group, difficulties with emotion regulation were negatively correlated with winning percentages (DERS-18 total scores p = .003; Awareness p = .036; Goals p = .005, and Nonacceptance p = .005). Findings also suggest significant differences (p ≤ .05) for professional fighters based upon promotion, concussions, and education level. Conclusions: These findings may contribute to understanding how emotional self-regulation factors into professional fighters’ performative success.