Also build the muscles up around your neck if you wanna take punishment better, it's like a shock absorber for any strikes you receive. The last thing you want while taking a solid shot, is a skinny neck. Speaking from experience btw, I've taken shots before I built mine up and after, huge difference. And while knowing BJJ is necessary, try not to do too much if you're a casual MMAer, it causes this nasty shit - and thats mild compared to what I see on the professional fighters.