Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: ExpertFighter Editorial Team
UFC lightweight veteran Natan Levy recently spent a weekend training with soldiers at the US Army National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The Israeli mixed martial artist joined a delegation of combat sports professionals to deliver specialized martial arts instruction, providing soldiers with techniques applicable to both competitive grappling and military combat scenarios.
Training Objectives and Structure
Levy participated in a four-hour instructional seminar focused on bridging elite-level combat sports methodology with military combatives training. The session was designed to prepare soldiers for the base championship competition while reinforcing practical self-defense applications relevant to military operations.
The training covered multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on grappling techniques and full-contact sparring protocols. Soldiers trained alongside professional fighters, exposing them to the intensity and technical precision characteristic of high-level MMA competition.
Collaboration With Combat Sports Legends
The delegation included several notable figures from the martial arts community. Jiu-Jitsu Master Carlos Machado joined Levy in judging the base championship competition following the seminar. The event was organized by Dr. Neil Farber and Shihan Vince Cecere, with support from Command Sergeant Major Lyles and Colonel Chadwick.
Levy’s Assessment of Military Training Standards
Levy expressed respect for the training discipline he observed among Fort Irwin personnel. According to the UFC veteran, the soldiers demonstrated competitive intensity comparable to professional fighters, particularly in grappling exchanges and full-contact scenarios.
The fighter noted the seriousness with which soldiers approach combatives training, emphasizing that their preparation standards mirror the commitment levels seen in professional fight camps. This observation underscores the tactical value military units place on hand-to-hand combat proficiency.
Background on Natan Levy’s Fighting Career
Levy brings substantial credentials to military training environments. His competitive background includes:
- Professional competition in the UFC lightweight division
- Two-time Ultimate Self-Defense Championship winner
- Technical expertise in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Full-time training base in Las Vegas, Nevada
Born in France and raised in Israel, Levy developed his fighting style through exposure to multiple martial arts systems. His technical approach emphasizes positional control and submission threats, making his instruction particularly relevant for military combatives programs that prioritize control and neutralization over knockout power.
Practical Applications for Military Personnel
Combat sports training offers several advantages for soldiers beyond physical conditioning. The seminar format allowed participants to develop skills in the following areas:
- Controlled aggression under physical stress
- Decision-making during fatigued states
- Positional awareness in close-quarter scenarios
- Submission defense and escape protocols
- Competitive mindset development
These attributes translate directly to operational effectiveness in environments where hand-to-hand engagement remains a realistic possibility. The training methodology used by professional fighters provides structured progression models that military instructors can incorporate into existing combatives curricula.
Championship Competition and Evaluation Standards
Following the instructional portion, Levy and Carlos Machado judged the Fort Irwin championship competition. This component allowed soldiers to test newly acquired techniques under competitive pressure, with evaluation conducted by professionals accustomed to assessing high-level grappling exchanges.
The judging process provided soldiers with feedback calibrated to professional standards, offering perspective on how their technical execution compares to elite-level performance benchmarks.
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
The Fort Irwin training event represents a practical model for integrating professional combat sports expertise into military training programs. Levy’s participation demonstrates how active competitors can provide value beyond entertainment, serving as technical resources for organizations that prioritize combatives proficiency.
For fighters considering similar opportunities, military training environments offer unique benefits. These settings provide exposure to disciplined athletes who approach training with professional seriousness, creating productive learning environments for both instructors and participants.
The collaboration between UFC-level fighters and military units also benefits the broader combat sports community by demonstrating the practical applications of techniques often viewed primarily through a competitive lens. When professional fighters engage with military personnel, they gain perspective on how their skill sets translate to scenarios outside regulated competition.
Levy’s intention to return to Fort Irwin suggests the initial training session met objectives for both parties. For military units seeking to elevate their combatives programs, partnerships with active professional fighters offer access to current technical knowledge and training methodologies proven effective at the highest levels of competition.