#TFGinterview: Elias Boudegzdame: I will hold the championship with a Smile
Elias Boudegzdame never ceases to smile even if it is weigh-ins or it is time to touch the glove. The constant smile on his face earned him the nick name "Smile". One of the new waves in global MMA, Elias is just 23 year old and competes against some of the veteran featherweights in the industry.
He is one of the iconic Algerian MMA fighters to walk into the cage of any MMA global promotion. His career is remarkable with 13 wins and 4 losses but currently is going strong with a 4 fight win streak.
Extremely strong in his striking game, he often forces his opponents to go for the ground game where he submits them with ease. The diversity in his arsenal of submission techniques make him lethal on the ground. 11 of his 13 victories came by way of submissions.
He is one of the most loved fighters in his city of Montpellier, France. Montpellier which is the fastest growing city in France for the past 25 years is home to La Bonne Ecole's club and have witnessed the growth of Elias Boudegzdame. Montpellier is eagerly waiting as the local hero is set to compete against the dreaded Mexican Featherweight contender, Masio Fullen. Masio returned to the ring strong by decimating India's Abdul Muneer by way of referee stoppage. The two are set for a showdown at Brave 4: Unstoppable to be held at Abu Dhabi on 31 March, 2017.
TFG managed to catch up with Elias Boudegzdame courtesy of KHK MMA's Hari Bhagirath. Below are the highlights from the interview.
Q: What is your fight strategy and how do you successfully execute it in the cage?
A: When I step into the ring, it is a chess game. My strategy is nothing but to derail the strategy of my opponent. To be precise, as long as my opponent think that he is the dominant one, he will dominate the fight. My focus is to out perform in his best game thereby making him feel weak and exhausted. In short, MY STRATEGY IS HIS STRATEGY.
Q: Backstage is where pressure is, those moments before your music hits. What are the thoughts running in your mind at those moments?
A: This is my favorite question to answer in every interview. To be precise, I will give you an example. At heart we are all children who aspire to achieve bigger and better. We are fascinated by the satisfaction of what we can do and the results we can achieve. That is the basis of all our dreams. Yes, in the process we are both tensed and excited at the same time. Just like a child who has bought a ticket and eagerly waiting to enter a theme park for the very first time, I will be there embracing the moment ready to rush into the cage. Brave 2 was the best ride I ever had in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, a ride worth taking forever. Now I am waiting for Brave 4: Unstoppable.
Q: Comment on the support of your coach in preparation for the fight?
A: A coach has the responsibility to ensure success and safety for his fighter. The feeling is intense when the coach is your brother himself. I am fortunate to have my brother as my coach. Sharing the same blood adds more depth and meaning to our dreams and goals. When I enter the cage, I embody my brother. Every punch I take hurts his goal. Even at the toughest moments in the cage the feeling that I am not alone is the spark of inspiration that keeps me going. When I take a punch he takes the same punch with me, when I lose he lose too, I cannot let him lose. He is my brother. I cannot explain more.
Q: What are your thoughts about Masio Fullen?
A: My focus is not about the opponent but upon victory. Obstacles are a part of life, but the wise keeps their focus on the goal, which is for me the championship. He came strong with a punishing TKO stoppage victory over Abdul Muneer. My boxing skills are stronger to force him to clinch or run and on the ground is where his nightmares will begin.
I am waiting for my opponent with a smile.
Q: How important will be this victory in Brave Combat Federation 4 for your professional career?
A: Everything. I want to thank god for my good health. Every victory is a reason to stay humble and happy. Becoming eligible for a championship match is a dream come true. It is the result of millions of struggles we went through. I do not project myself to the future but I live each moment working on one day at a time. I will be focused to win and then to defend the championship and be a worthy champion capable of inspiring and touching as many lives as possible. In the end I am glad that this match will give a big smile across my face. Smile will prevail.
Q: Do you have any messages for the Indian fans?
A: Indian fans had always been caring and respectful. I love their passion for the fastest growing sport and the speed at which Indian athletes emerge is unbelievable. In a short span of time 9 Indians won contracts to Brave Combat Federation which was shocking. I want to thank all my friends and fans in India for the support and hope to meet most of who are in Abu Dhabi after my championship victory.
