Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with French national champion and later Bellator’s inaugural kickboxing champion Karim Ghajji. Consistently regarded as one of the best kickboxers in the world, Mr. Ghajji sat down and gave Slickster an exclusive interview shedding some light on his motivations and how he sees the future of the sport. And so, without further adieu, here he is, Karim Ghajji!
What first got you interested in kickboxing?
I first got interested watching fighters chain together their shots. There was so much technique, sort of like boxing.
Do you remember who you fought in your first ever match? Did you win?
I remember it very well. It was in a semi-professional league, and I won by not thinking too much, just returning shots.
How would you describe your fighting style?
I could describe my style of boxing as explosive and destructive.
Are there other fighters out there who have had a particular influence on you?
All the fighters I watch on TV influence me in some way and bring me something positive
How does it feel to be the first ever Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight champion? Is there a lot of pressure on you since getting the belt?
It is a big pride and an honor to be the first kickboxer to obtain the title of Bellator champion. It is true that it puts us under pressure, but that only pushes us to train twice as hard to stay at the top
The kickboxing league right now doesnât get as much attention as the main Bellator division. Do you think that in the future people will give more coverage to kickboxing as a sport?
I hope it does, but it is to up to us fighting to seduce the public and to present spectacular combat. That is the only way to draw in the fans.
Have you ever considered transitioning out of kickboxing to compete in the broader MMA field?
Well I have been thinking about it for a long time and I look forward to showing what I am capable of in MMA.
Can we expect to see you in the ring again anytime soon, and if so, when?
Yes, I will be fighting on April 14, 2017 in Budapest to recover the title I lost in September. I will rectify this mistake.
Are there any other fighters out there right now you would like to go up against this year?
I always like to meet the best and give the public the desire to ask for more
Besides what we talked about here, is there anything else that you think your fans, or fans of Bellator kickboxing, should know?
Follow the Spike TV channel because on April 14th I will put on a fight that you will remember all your life, and I will take back what I have lost!
Thanks for your time, Karim, and I for one will certainly be tuning in to watch that fight. In the meantime, fight fans should check out our Instagram page @SlicksterMagazine for more cool stuff, and be sure to check out Karim’s highlight reel below!
