Mounir Lazzez Expresses Thoughts on Becoming 1st Arab Fighter to Join UFC

Arab youth have always dreamed of having the chance to compete on the grand stages of the sport, hopefully one Arab fighter was able to defy the odds and join the UFC (Ultimate Fight Championship) the world’s leading MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) promotion.

Mounir Lazzez, nicknamed the sniper has had an accomplished martial arts career which lasted over 10 years and now he is the first Arab to join the prestigious organization and will have his UFC debut on the 16th of July at Fight Island Abu Dhabi.

The Tunisian fighter will take on veteran Abdul Razak Alhassan and will hope fully make his presence felt on Arab soil.

You are the first Arab to fight to feature in the UFC. What other organizations have you participated in?

I started my amateur career in kickboxing, Muay Thai and Kung Fu. I had 45 amateur fights between each.

Then I moved to Desert Force at the time, then I went to Phoenix, then Brave and finally Probellum.

When did you start you MMA fight and when did you decide that you want to fight professionally?

I started in 2010, I had my first amateur fight in 2011 and my professional debut was in 2012.

How did the current coronavirus pandemic affect your training?

I stayed active during the coronvirus pandemic, I have my own gym in which I work out in.

What has been the reaction back home after the news went viral that you were joining the UFC? How did your interest in the sport make an impact in Tunisia?

The Tunisian people are proud and happy to see a fellow countryman make the big stage in the fighting business. But to be honest I’ve been so involved in camp I haven’t really paid attention to anything outside. I’m 100% focused on the job at hand.

What do you feel about the focus of the UFC in the region? How will this influence fighters in the region?

I feel this is huge for the region and up and coming fighters. It gives them a goal and target. It’s an exciting time for MMA in the region.

You will fight in one the most challenging UFC’s pision (welterweight). How do you feel about that ?

I embrace that challenge, I want it, give me the chance and I will show you what the fighters of Al Maghreb Al Arabi can do on the big stage. Casual regional fans might look and say “oh he’s in Masvidal, Diaz, Woodley, Covington, Maia, Usman and Burns’ pision? That unfortunate.” But I can’t look at it that way. I can’t look at the top fighters and feel they are too far off. I have to do what they did, which is to climb the ranks and reach a point where I can contend for their positions and hopefully eventually contend for a title. There is a lot of talent ahead of me which I need to be worried about before I can consider the challenges in the Top 10 of this pision. I have also fought at Lightweight, maybe I can consider that as well.

Is it an advantage to make your first fight in UAE ?

I believe it is a convenience that made this all possible. Who knows if I would have gotten the call if this event was anywhere else in the World. Thank God the stars aligned while I have been achieving my regional MMA success and I am now able to show the World what MMA fighters from the region are capable of.

What do you think is your biggest strength when you step in to the cage?

My biggest strength is my work ethic. I don’t train for fights, I train all year round. I’m always in shape and ready. You cannot cheat the body and I’m always prepared.

 

What is the best thing about your fight team? And how did your coaches influenced your growth over the years?

The best thing is we don’t have any egos in the team. Everyone is striving to help one another be the best they can be. We come from different gyms or areas but unite under one fight team.

That’s rare and special. I have coaches with many years experience behind them, from all parts of the world and game so every one brings something to the table that I learn from. I have guys in my team I’ve been around over 10 years plus so that’s important, feeling that trust and loyalty.

Do you see your signing opening the door for many fighters in the region?

I hope it does, this goes to show the UAE has a base for talent and my signing is a pioneering moment for all the upcoming fighters in the region. I want to show the world and the UFC that the Arab Mixed Martial Artist that has been sidelined for so long is deserving to be in the big stage and that the market is still virgin when it comes to having regional fans supporting UFC athletes, they need one of their own to reach and to get behind, I hope I can be the key to all of this and leave a permanent footprint in the expansion of the Sport in the region. You need that mentality to make it to the big leagues.

For those who haven’t seen you fight before, how would you describe your fighting style?

I come from a striking background but being in the UAE and around ADCC champions I’ve matured into a well rounded MMA fighter. I enjoy fighting, I would rather go out for the KO than play it safe and try to win a boring decision. It was my flashy knockouts that got me here, and that is what will get people behind me to achieve the belt! For me this is entertainment as much as sport and I want to put on a show.

Finally, do you have a prediction for the fight?

Inshallah I’ll win. Everything in this life is from God. I know my ability and determination. On my best day It will be hard for anyone to beat me. I don’t want to come across arrogant but I truly believe in my ability and feel this is my fate. My opponent has 11 fights with one loss and all wins via stoppage, I have 10 fights with 1 loss (awaiting it gets overturned) and only one decision win with the remainder being stoppages. This is going to be a battle that can end at any moment., don’t blink! It will be fireworks from start to finish and I can’t wait!