Abdul Azim Badakhshi, the ‘Afghan Tiger’, will be in action in the 13th edition of the Matrix Fight Night (MFN). Before that, RevSportz caught up with him in an exclusive chat.
Snehasis: Hi Badakshi. How are you?
Badakhshi: I am glad to be here and giving my warm welcomes to you and everyone who will be watching or reading this.
Snehasis: If you could briefly tell me what made you choose MMA?
Badakhshi: I started my career in wushu. I trained for five years under my mentor, Ustad Nangyalai. Around that time, MMA was very recent and newly introduced to the Avrana Masters. I observed the sport and saw potential in myself. After consulting other mentors, I found that this is something I have a knack for. Since then, it’s been an eventful journey for me.
Snehasis: The next question is, you have been a poster boy of Matrix Fight Night. Tell me about the growth of MFN over the last few years. How do you look at its rise in popularity in India?
Badakhshi: Very good question. Before MFN, there was no fighter in India. There was no one that people could count on. After MFN was established in India, Indian fighters started taking part in events that were well organised. We can fight in international tournaments. MFN played a special role in the growth of MMA among the youth of India.
Before MFN, there wasn’t a reliable establishment for MMA in India. So a foundational and strong establishment was needed. If we look at the recent history of MMA, before MFN, there were no organised fight nights or camps. But we can see that only within the short span that MFN has been operating, it has gained momentum and popularity. We have fighters who are competing at the international level. Several fighters from MFN have moved on to UFC and other international events.
Snehasis: Since you mentioned UFC, this is my next question. When will we see the Afghan Tiger in UFC? Because he had a dream of playing in UFC, but for some reason I think he didn’t get the chance last time. So when will we see him in that octagon?
Badakhshi: Well, life is a chance. For me, God didn’t want it, because it was in my interest. Of course, I want to fight against someone from a big organisation, who has a good reputation. I promise, God willing, I want to take on a fighter from a big organisation, especially UFC. Right now, I’m in a good organization, happy with my supporters. I want to go to Afghanistan. I want to fight in Afghanistan. I want to bring happiness to the people of India.
Snehasis: The cricket World Cup is going on in India and Afghanistan have done brilliantly so far. I want to know how proud you are at your country’s performance.
Badakhshi: I feel very happy and proud. I want to point out that in the last year, in Afghanistan and Herat, about 4,000 people lost their lives or were injured. Afghanistan needs happiness, and anyone who plays cricket, or any other sport, they do their best to bring happiness to the people who are suffering. That’s why they do their best to fight. I feel proud that my compatriots are showing such significant performance at such a high level in cricket.
Snehasis: How are the people in your country reacting to MMA? Are they showing interest?
Badakhshi: In Afghanistan, we have a lot of champions. And the MMA has grown a lot. It’s growing because Afghans are fighters of war, and they like MMA. It’s growing in Afghanistan and we have a lot of good fighters.
Snehasis: You have an interesting connection with the famous Shroff family of the Bollywood. I want to know how many Bollywood movies have you seen and did you watch the recently released movie of Tiger Shroff?
Badakhshi: I really love Indian movies. The one of Tiger Shroff was really a great one. I can’t describe how much I like it. I was there for the premiere. I liked it. I am one of his personal supporters.
Snehasis: Tiger is everyone’s favourite. The next question is, you will be in action for the MNF13 edition. But as we know, some incidents took place during MNF 8. How did you deal with those incidents?
Badakhshi: I was away from competitions for more than a year. And all the incidents that took place were due to God’s will. I was prepared for it. I was aware of physical and mental health. I was ready for everything. I just know that tomorrow night or the day after, I will be in action. I am ready for the competition.
Snehasis: My last question. Tell me about some MMA fighters who you have chosen as idols. And any current fighter who you see as a potential superstar?
Badakhshi: I kind of look at myself as my role model. I am looking for a superior version of myself and chasing it. Obviously, like every other person, I too have a role model. Since childhood, I have the dream of becoming like super fighters like Mike Tyson. For your second question, I can’t tell a specific name. However, the majority of fighters currently are doing great and going to do big things in MMA.
Snehasis: Thank you Badakhshi and it has been a great pleasure talking to you. Good luck for you every next fight.
Badakhshi: Thank you so much.