Inside American Top Team
Few gyms in combat sports carry the same weight as
American Top Team. Founded in 2001 by Dan Lambert, ATT has grown from a Florida-based facility into one of the most decorated MMA academies in the world. Its fighters have captured championships in nearly every major organization, including the
UFC,
PFL,
RIZIN, and
ONE Championship. Walking through its doors means stepping into a place where legends train daily alongside rising prospects.
UFC Legends and Stars
The history of American Top Team in the UFC is legendary. Former lightweight champion
Dustin Poirier, known for his wars with Conor McGregor, was a long-time ATT standout before retiring.
Amanda Nunes, the “Lioness” and one of the greatest female fighters of all time, also trained here while defending her UFC bantamweight and featherweight titles.
Another key name is
Jorge Masvidal, who brought street fighting roots into the Octagon and became one of the UFC’s biggest stars with his flying-knee knockout of Ben Askren. Today, ATT continues to house top contenders like flyweight champion
Alexandre Pantoja, undefeated featherweight
Movsar Evloev, and fast-rising bantamweight
Rinya Nakamura. The UFC roster is filled with ATT-trained athletes who combine technical depth with relentless intensity.
PFL Champions at ATT
American Top Team has also become a dominant force in the Professional Fighters League. Middleweight champion
Johnny Eblen has risen to global prominence through ATT’s coaching system, while welterweight powerhouse
Magomed Magomedkerimov remains one of the most feared fighters in the PFL. Their success demonstrates how ATT’s training methods adapt to the season-long tournament format of the PFL, preparing athletes for grueling schedules and high-stakes championship bouts.
RIZIN and ONE Championship Connections
Beyond the U.S., ATT’s reach extends to Japan and Asia through RIZIN and ONE Championship. Japanese-American standout
Kyoji Horiguchi continues to be one of RIZIN’s most respected fighters, combining speed and versatility honed during his ATT days. In ONE Championship, Brazilian flyweight great
Adriano Moraes famously knocked out Demetrious Johnson and has spent years representing ATT on the global stage. These international connections highlight ATT’s role not just as an American gym, but as a global MMA hub.
The Training Environment
What makes American Top Team unique isn’t just the names on its roster — it’s the culture. The gym offers state-of-the-art facilities, with a massive mat space, conditioning areas, striking cages, and even dormitories for fighters traveling from abroad. This allows young prospects from all corners of the world to live, train, and compete under one roof, learning directly from veterans and championship-level coaches.
From sparring sessions where UFC champions test themselves against PFL finalists, to wrestling drills with Olympic medalists, ATT creates an environment where competition pushes everyone forward. It’s a blend of grit and science, mixing old-school toughness with modern sports science and nutrition.
A Legacy Still Growing
In just over two decades, American Top Team has become synonymous with excellence. The list of champions it has produced continues to grow, and its role in shaping the modern MMA landscape is undeniable. With fighters competing across the UFC, PFL, RIZIN, and ONE Championship, the gym’s influence spans continents and promotions.
For fans, an inside look at ATT is more than a peek into a gym — it’s a glimpse into the heart of mixed martial arts itself. From Dustin Poirier’s legacy, to Amanda Nunes’ dominance, to Alexandre Pantoja’s current reign, the story of ATT is the story of MMA greatness.
