Karim Ghajji, kickboxing world champion, back in the ring

No need to introduce him. The child from Meaux, Karim Ghajji, lookouts of kickboxingcollects titles. To his credit, around ten titles of world champions in kickboxingkarate and MMA. The Franco-Moroccan had even received the grand champion belt in 2023, a title that ISKA, the international combat sports federation of which he is a member, had specially created for him.

His next fight will take place on September 7, 2024, in the Welterweight category (under 78 kg) of the WAKO World Championship in El Jadida, Morocco. Karim Ghajji proves that at 43, it is still possible to fight anthology fights.

Breakdance, karate, muay-thai, MMA, and kickboxing. You dabble in everything…

What I like is discovering new disciplines. Every time, I tell myself that I want to try, and every time I enjoy it. I often question myself, that’s what pushes me to get out of my comfort zone by trying new things. And thanks to that, I evolve.

What attracts you to these disciplines?

Although all these disciplines are combat sports, I am someone who avoids altercations on a daily basis. What attracts me to these sports is the ability to surpass oneself. People often say that from a certain age you have to stop. I don’t think that at all and practicing combat sports at a high level is a way of showing that at 43, you can still surpass yourself. And maybe by seeing my journey, people who are hesitant will start. You shouldn’t listen to those who say it’s not possible.

The fight will take place in Morocco. How does it feel to fight on the land of your ancestors?

This is the first time I have had the chance to fight in Morocco, and also within the framework of the WAKO federation, the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations. It is an honor. I wanted to do it for several years but the opportunity did not present itself. I did not think I would have an opportunity at that age.

How were you approached for this fight?

I already knew the organizer who quickly trusted me. He had offered me to participate in one of these fights, a press conference had even been planned. But Covid arrived and stopped everything.

The date of the fight is approaching, how are you?

I’m going to fight Alex Fernandez Grau, an opponent who is 22 years younger than me. It’s a big challenge. I’ve never met him but with my team, we’ve analyzed his fights. He’s a valiant person who has faced renowned opponents.

Do you have a routine or rituals before big events?

For this fight, I trained every day and sometimes twice a day for eight weeks. I am accompanied by a coach, my brother and other training partners. In addition to training and rigor, I have been practicing intermittent fasting for several years. This allows me to manage my weight loss and detoxify the body.

And after this fight, what are your plans for the new school year?

I have had an MMA club in Meaux for about ten years. [Fantastik Armada, NDLR]. We are preparing for the start of the school year to welcome members. Coming soon, the major event will be the Battle of Meaux, for which I am already preparing with the team.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to My News.