Thanks Steve.
Strictly speaking about circumstances beyond my control, two of the key components that help make great shots are the lighting/atmosphere, and the action itself. Of course it takes competence of the photographer to put these factors together and tell a story, but that's another topic altogether.
I've been shooting Combat Sports since August '06, starting with MMA. Funny thing- I wasn't a photographer before I started shooting fights; I had a point and shoot camera, but I was no photographer. I learned photography by the side of a cage in some pretty crappy lighting. There weren't any photographers around to learn from, so I had to by immersion- a lot of trial and error. Anyhow, I've expanded from MMA to boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, seminars, Traditional Martial Arts, Professional Wrestling, and music from time to time.