What is the ruling on the game "MMA" (Mixed Martial Arts) if it increases self-confidence and habituates one to endure pain and confrontation, and what is an alternative to it to achieve these benefits if it is impermissible?

The sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or varied martial arts is forbidden due to the harm it causes to the face and body parts, and it may lead to death or disability, which contradicts both Islamic law and reason.

However, if martial arts are free from these prohibitions, and their purpose is to strengthen the body and defend oneself, then they are permissible.

Furthermore, courage is not merely physical strength, but rather strength and steadfastness of the heart. Its origin is patience, which is what Ibn Taymiyyah meant when he said: "Courage is not physical strength... but rather strength and steadfastness of the heart."