BAHRAIN’S Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa (KHK) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Fahad Abdulrazaq expressed his pride in winning the first ever medal for Bahrain at the world championship.
The event, which took place in Las Vegas, was organised by the Internatonal Mixed Martial Arts Federation in cooperation with Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC200.
Fahad, 19, won Bahrain’s first ever medal, a bronze, in the 57kg category.
“I feel honored and proud to be the first Bahraini fighter to win anything in this competition, but I am still disappointed at not winning gold,” Fahad said.
He had only started MMA two years ago with the Red Wolves.
“I only started MMA recently after a friend of mine kept encouraging me to take the step,” he said.
“When it came to MMA, my passion and determination were key factors. I wanted to reach somewhere in the world of MMA and I knew I could do so with the right help.”
Fahad joined the KHK MMA team last year as an amateur and believes the experience of the coaches at the team played a big role in his success.
“I have three coaches, all of them at the top level. I learnt so much from them and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been where I am today without them,” Fahad said.
He said he had found it tough to reach where he is today, especially with the reputation the game has of being violent.
“In the beginning my parents were not very supportive. Later my dad backed me but mom was worried about how risky the sport was,” Fahad said.
“It isn’t a dangerous sport as people say. The referee gets involved as soon as he sees danger. If you do get injured, which happens in every sport, you are quickly treated,” Fahad, who hasn’t been injured during any of his fights so far, said.
Fahad thanked Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman and KHK MMA founder Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for giving him the opportunity to fight for his team and country.
“When I heard about the tournament for Shaikh Khalid’s team, I decided to go and give it my best shot. I played two matches but lost both. I was surprised Shaikh Khalid chose me,” he said.
“He saw something in me that made him choose me. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he added.
He also thanked Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who, along with Shaikh Khalid, provided the ideal atmosphere for fighters to achieve their best.