Mehdi's magic moment

DUBAI: Mehdi Ramezani is a picture of concentration as he undergoes a strenuous training session at The Champion Club, Dubai.

He’s sweating profusely but he does allow tiredness to creep into his body.

He knows his big day is just round the corner and how important it’s for him to emerge as the champion.

Ramezani will be competing in one of the biggest fights of his life when he takes on Taha Alami Marrouni of Morocco in the A1 World Grand Prix fighting on the evening of the second edition of the Global Fighting Championship (GFC2) which will be held at the World Trade Centre in Dubai on Friday.

“I have been waiting for this event. This is a one-time opportunity and might not happen to me again. I’m working really hard for this and will be keen to win,” Ramezani told XPRESS.

The winner of the fight will take on the winner of the fight between Fahad Abtaan of Kuwait and Ibrahim El Zeibak of Lebanon before entering the final.

The champion will get a prize money of Dh100,000, but it’s the opportunity to take part in the World Championships to be held in Australia later this year is what Ramezani is excited about.

“It will be exciting to win here and travel to Australia. I’m looking forward to it. You will be competing with the best in the world.

“But for now my focus is this week. It’s going to be a tough one. I have watched his videos but I believe I’m better than him and I’m confident of winning this,” he said about his opponent.

“I had a series of training sessions in Bangkok and then in Iran. I trained under a Muay Thai specialist and then three weeks I worked out in Iran,” said Ramezani, who is settled in the UAE for six years and is a financial advisor.

“I’m spending lot of time in the club as the big day is approaching. I have been having specialized training each day both morning and evening,” he added.

Ramezani said it was through a friend he got introduced to this sport and fell in love with it.

“I began boxing when I was eight and then was part of the Iran boxing and kickboxing teams.

“But after I shifted to Dubai six years ago, I started my professional training in MMA. Many do it for money and fame but for me it’s a personal satisfaction. I love doing this,” said the 34-year-old.

He said only people who are really passionate about his sport can stick around for a longer duration. “If you are not enjoying this you really can’t be a champion.

“Lot of them come and stay for few years and then suddenly disappear.

“Only people who have the passion and love the sport stay on for a long time. If you see all these champions they have a strong will and have the passion, that’s why they are on top,” he said, adding the sport has also taught him a lot of values in life.

“It definitely keeps you disciplined. Even at work. It teaches you that despite failing you can stand up again. It has helped me in different situations of my life.”

Among the other fights in the A1 WGP tournament, Mohammad Mansoori Davar from Iran will fight with Christofer Ataides of Brazil.

Also Gokhan Turyilmaz from Australia will take on Gudrat Mamedov of Turmenistan. The winners from these two matches will meet each other before entering the final.