The Fernando Loio Combat Performance Framework (FLCPF)

An Ecological-Integrative Conceptual Model for Combat Performance and Coaching Practice

Fernando Loio, PhD
Affiliation: World Ultimate Full Contact (WUFC)
Integrated Researcher at CIEQV – Research Centre for Quality of Life
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6760-1896
Website: https://fernandoloio.com

Open Access Publication
Public version archived in the Open Science Framework (OSF) on June 3, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9E872

O The Fernando Loio Combat Performance Framework (FLCPF) is an original ecological-integrative conceptual model developed from longitudinal observational research conducted in elite international Ultimate Full Contact competition. Ultimate Full Contact.

The framework integrates evidence derived from studies examining offensive efficiency, counteroffensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, ground fighting control, fight outcomes, contextualized training, adaptive transfer, ecological dynamics, representative learning design, performance analysis, and physiological integration in combat sports.

Rather than interpreting performance solely as a consequence of technical execution or physical conditioning, the FLCPF proposes that combat expertise emerges through the continuous interaction of technical-tactical, perceptual-cognitive, ecological, physiological, and contextual dimensions.

The framework identifies the following core dimensions of combat performance:

• Technical-Tactical Versatility
• Anticipation
• Contextual Adaptability
• Representative Interaction
• Combat Affordances
• Adaptive Transfer
• Physiological Integration

The article presents an original conceptual contribution together with practical implications for coaches, athletes, and researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding of combat performance and the development of more representative, adaptive, and integrated training methodologies.

Although developed from Ultimate Full Contactresearch, the framework may be applied across multiple combat sports, including boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, pankration, MMA, grappling, wrestling, combat sambo, and other full-contact or hybrid combat sports.

Suggested Citation

How to Cite

Loio, F. (2026). The Fernando Loio Combat Performance Framework (FLCPF):
An Ecological-Integrative Conceptual Model for Combat Performance and Coaching Practice.
Open Science Framework.
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9E872
    

Keywords:

Combat sports; performance analysis; adaptive transfer; ecological dynamics; representative learning design; technical-tactical performance; physiological integration; contextual adaptability; coaching practice; Ultimate Full Contact.

Version Information

• Document type: Integrative conceptual article
• Version: 1.0
• OSF archive date: June 3, 2026
• Repository: Open Science Framework
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9E872
• Access: Open Access

Open Access Article | DOI Registered | Public Version Archived in the Open Science Framework (OSF) | © Fernando Loio, 2026