[QUOTE="Destroyer,  post: 17250, member: 133"]Guys who have started MMA careers in the second half of their 30’s or even later usually have a somewhat accomplished background in something. There’s a few examples of guys with wrestling backgrounds that have been able to transfer their skills over quite well. A lot of being naturally athletic, and then they end up being good at striking also. 

Not everybody is gifted with natural athleticism and this means you’ve really got to put the work in, especially if you’re starting from scratch! A full fledged MMA career may not be completely realistic, but this doesn’t mean you can’t start training, and then see where it takes you.[/QUOTE]
You're spot on! Here are a few key points that encapsulate your thoughts:

1. **Background Matters**: Many fighters who begin their MMA careers later tend to have a strong foundation in another sport, especially wrestling. The skills learned in wrestling—such as agility, balance, and grappling techniques—transfer well to MMA and can give fighters a competitive edge.

2. **Natural Athleticism**: While some individuals are naturally gifted athletes, not everyone has that advantage. Those who may lack natural athleticism need to rely heavily on hard work, discipline, and consistent training to make progress in MMA.

3. **Training Opportunities**: Starting training in MMA, even without prior experience, can be very rewarding. It fosters personal growth, fitness, and self-discipline. Even if a full-fledged career in MMA might not be realistic, the experience itself can be incredibly fulfilling and provide opportunities for competition at various levels.

4. **Realistic Goals**: It’s essential to set achievable goals based on your starting point and physical condition. Many begin training for self-defense, fitness, or enjoyment rather than aiming for professional competition, which can still lead to valuable experiences and friendships within the sport.

5. **The Journey**: Ultimately, the journey of training in MMA can be fulfilling in many ways, regardless of whether it culminates in a professional career. The skills, confidence, and community built through training can be incredibly rewarding.

In conclusion, starting an MMA journey in your 30s, while challenging, is indeed possible and can lead to great personal development and satisfaction, particularly for those who are willing to work hard and remain open to growth.