Realism

Point blank, training in a cage is the most realistic way to train for fighting in a cage. This statement isn't implying that you can't receive quality instruction without training in a cage. We are just saying that it will enhance your training.

When you have a football field sized area of mat space and square off with your training partner, when one person starts feeling pressured, sometimes that pressured person utilizes the full area of mat space, which isn't realistic because a cage has borders.

When you are up against the ropes, or up against the fence, the feeling is much different and the strategy is different. When you don't have a cage to train in, this puts you at a disadvantage. You cannot practice being up against the fence unless you have a cage!