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After a successful career in kickboxing, Youssef Boughanem is now venturing into the world of MMA. In an interview, he revealed that he has been following MMA for years, and his interest was further piqued by his younger brother. Boughanem expressed his desire to experience the thrill of a free fight and embark on a new adventure. He sees MMA as a dark corridor with a light at the end, and he is ready to face whatever outcome awaits him.
When asked about the differences in preparation for MMA compared to kickboxing, Boughanem explained that there are various aspects to focus on. In MMA, one needs to learn defensive techniques against the cage, takedowns, and ground defenses. Contrary to popular belief, Boughanem believes that MMA requires more intelligence and technique rather than just pure strength. He has been working extensively on these aspects with Master Nicolas Martinez, a 3rd-degree black belt, and also with wrestler Maxime François and his brother Yassine.
Boughanem is eagerly awaiting his entry into the cage this Saturday night at the Saint-Symphorien complex in Metz for the first edition of Fight and Furious in Octogon. He is excited to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with MMA. Unlike kickboxing, there is no time limit in MMA fights. The referee only intervenes if there is a danger to either fighter. Boughanem is ready to face this new challenge head-on.
Moving from the ring to the cage is a completely different environment, and Boughanem acknowledges that fact. He finds it thrilling and believes that anything exciting is worth experiencing. The risks involved are part of the benefits, and he embraces them with great pleasure, regardless of the outcome. Boughanem’s goal is to win, speak from the heart, and push himself to the limit.
While Boughanem is excited about his MMA debut, he doesn’t envision a long-term career in this sport. He plans to have no more than five or six fights before shifting his focus to his children. His priority is to raise and educate his kids, and he wants to spend quality time with them.
In conclusion, Youssef Boughanem’s decision to transition from kickboxing to MMA stems from his curiosity and desire for a new challenge. He sees MMA as an exciting and thrilling experience, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and technique over brute strength. Boughanem is eagerly awaiting his debut in the cage and is prepared to give it his all. While he doesn’t plan for a long-term career in MMA, he is determined to make the most of his time in the sport before prioritizing his role as a father..
