Eighth in the world in -84kg in the KSW organization, Laïd Zerhouni (29 years old) faces the Belgian Alain Van Der Merckt, Friday December 20, at Paris La Défense Arena. The fighter from La Bonne Ecole in Montpellier must erase his previous defeat by beating an opponent he considers within his reach.
In your last fight, you were beaten by the Pole Radoslaw Paczuski. How did you experience this moment?
I gave my opponent the opportunity to fight me, I did anything. I wanted to wage a war that should not have been waged, I did not listen to my coaches and I did not respect the strategy put in place. It was hard to live with for two or three weeks, I was disappointed with my performance.
In MMA, a defeat can have big consequences on a career…
When you win, you are considered the best and when you lose, it’s the opposite. I let it happen. The KSW (Polish organization where Zerhouni is under contract, Editor’s note) trusts me, that’s the most important thing. She knows that I lost by giving my best.
What do you know about the Belgian Alain Van Der Merckt who you will face on Friday December 20?
He’s a guy who is good on the ground but I’ve already crossed paths with better fighters than him. I am very confident.
You fight at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre. What does it mean to be in France?
It’s a great pleasure to fight at home. We’re not used to it. The KSW is coming back to Paris, it’s nice, the French public will be there for this big show. He can help give me strength. But when we’re in the cage, it’s just me and my opponent.
How did you prepare yourself physically?
I did my physical preparation with Clément Marcou and Frédéric Morlon. In the boxing gym, we worked on specific themes that I can find in combat. I improved the details. Everything went well, I’m ready.
Why is nutrition important?
It is essential for recovery. For example, the diet I’m currently on is tiring. If I pay attention to what I eat all the time, my body will recover faster, sleep will be better and workouts will be better too.
What does this diet period consist of?
The diet is, obviously, used to lose weight before weighing. I need to lose 12 or 13 kilos in total. At the end, I do a cutting to lose the last kilos of water and be able to gain them back the next day. Psychologically and physically it hurts but I am a professional fighter.
You are in the heart of your career. How do you experience it?
Everything I do, I do it thoroughly and I enjoy it. Doing high-level sport, fighting every three or four months, it’s a real pleasure. It’s my job, there are ups and downs like everywhere but I’m not complaining. We must take advantage of it now so as not to have regrets at 40.
Why is this fight particularly important in your journey?
All my fights are important because they make us evolve. There, it’s at home against a Belgian, I have to represent France as it should. There is a lot at stake for my development, people are waiting for me around the corner.
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