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MMA, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and BJJ compared
A boxing class isolates punching and footwork. An MMA class can follow a punch into the clinch, a takedown and work on the ground. The change in what the partner may do changes which choices make sense.
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Start with what the other athlete can do
In a boxing drill, both people can concentrate on hands, range and angles. Kickboxing adds kicking range. Different kickboxing codes handle knees, low kicks and clinch time differently. Ask which rules the coach is using before assuming that everything from one gym will transfer.
Change the objective on the ground
Freestyle wrestlers can win by a pin and earn points for wrestling actions. A wrestling class is a useful place to work on stance, grips and takedown defense. BJJ develops control, escapes and submissions within a grappling ruleset. Sport BJJ classes typically omit strikes and may use a gi.
For MMA, take one familiar position back to the coach. From bottom guard, ask how your ability to manage posture changes when the top partner can strike. Start with a touch cue or a positional task under instruction, without adding impact.
Pick a class for one reason
If your feet cross whenever you jab, a technical boxing class gives that fault plenty of attention. If you cannot identify side control when you land, a beginner grappling lesson can slow it down. Return to an integrated class to see where the new skill fits.