Experienced YouTube Video Editor for MMA Documentary Storytelling Channel (1000 Videos For $40,000)

We are seeking a skilled YouTube video editor with a deep passion for combat sports and a talent for cinematic storytelling. The ideal candidate has experience editing long-form documentary-style content in the MMA niche, specifically covering fighter stories, rivalries, controversies, and behind-the-scenes narratives that go beyond the highlight reel. You will be responsible for cutting fight footage and archival clips, building emotional narrative arcs, integrating voiceover, and delivering polished, high-retention videos that feel closer to a Netflix sports documentary than a standard YouTube recap. This is a LONG-TERM position with performance-based bonuses and rate increases for editors who consistently deliver quality work. Your Weekly or Bi-weekly Responsibility: Produce one 15 to 20-minute documentary-style video per week, fully edited to our production standard. Reference Channels: Study the tone, pacing, and production quality of these channels before applying: Fight Story - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fightstorybyalex?si=A2tjNjaOyRk8v4H7 Flashback MMA - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@flashbackmma?si=FKvK6TSBv9TdK2BD Mixed Martial Academic - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mixedmartialacademic?si=CQJ5qYaP2Q8wRwXe Mark Fighting - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@markfighting?si=JO43SzfCKHGZqHg9 Editing Style Requirements: Hook-first opening: The first 30 to 60 seconds must cut to a new shot every 1.5 to 2 seconds, approximately 15 to 20 shots, paired with clips with its own audio, suspenseful or cinematic music that establishes the documentary tone immediately No single clip should exceed 7 seconds at any point in the video Music design which I provide must serve the story: tension, silence, and release should be intentional and timed to the narration Voiceover sync must be precise, with no gaps or awkward pauses between narration and visuals Color grading should feel cinematic, not overly saturated or brightened Edits or footages shown must match the VO at all times in the videos. Requirements: Fluent English reading and communication skills Professional editing software (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or equivalent) 48-hour or less turnaround time per completed video Experience editing MMA, boxing, or combat sports content is strongly preferred Ability to follow detailed production scripts with bold editorial instructions Long-term mindset, this is not a one-off project Must be comfortable working exclusively through Upwork To Be Considered: Submit at least two samples of previous long-form YouTube edits, ideally in combat sports, documentary, or storytelling formats. Applications without samples will not be reviewed. We look forward to building something serious together.