Mounir Lazzez is set to make history as the next biggest star from the Arab world to compete at the UFC. Lazzez will join the ranks of the growing brigade of warriors from the continent of Africa represented in the UFC. The Tunisian-born welterweight is based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is managed by MTK Global. Lazzez trains out of Team Nogueira in Dubai and will face Abdul Razak Alhassan on July 15 at the UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige.
The former Desert Force welterweight champion will be fighting in one of the most challenging divisions in the UFC – the welterweight division. Welterweight is indeed the hardest weight, as this is the average human weight. The prodigy who has signed under MTK Global is confident to make an impact.
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’ division? That sucks.” 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.
Mounir Lazzez
The welterweight from Tunisia has an impressive record of 9 wins against a single loss (9-1-0). 8 out of his 9 victories came by way of stoppages or knockouts and never was he stopped in his entire professional career.
The career path took by Lazzez is praiseworthy since he had competed in every major Mixed Martial Arts organization in the region. The list is long and includes Dubai Fight Championship, Desert Force, Phoenix Fighting Championship, BRAVE Combat Federation, UAE Warriors, and Probellum MMA. Lazzez praised his fight team and training partners who supported him throughout his career.
I believe it is a coincidence that made this all possible. Who knows, if I would have got the call if this event was taking place 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 this region are capable of. All I came across had helped me in different ways, all adding something positive to my game. I am blessed to have a loyal team around me. I want to thank my sponsors, MTK Global, NVN Motor works, Aaron & Mervin, and the Protein house.
Mounir Lazzez
Lazzez comes from a striking background. Being in the UAE and around ADCC champions helped him to develop a well-rounded fighting style. The MTK Global fighter is often credited for exciting bouts showcasing all-out war than playing it safe. It was those flashy knockouts that popularized the rising star in the region.
The Tunisian icon is not intimidated by his opponent, Abdul Razak Alhassan who is a black belt in Judo and has competed for 22 years in the discipline. Alhassan is on a three-fight win streak. However, he hasn’t competed since his 43-second knockout over Niko Price in September 2018. Alhassan has not competed after accusations of sexual assault, but in March 2020, Alhassan was found not guilty of all the charges.
“Every grappler brings something different but again this is MMA. You can be a black belt in BJJ, but one elbow to the face and suddenly you’re a blue belt. I also train extensively in grappling so I’m prepared for all. To be honest my opponent is more a striker than a grappler. His success comes on his feet so I don’t see him much as a grappling threat. I’m expecting a stand-up war.”
Mounir Lazzez
A win is crucial for both the fighters. UFC’s new five-year deal with Abu Dhabi has raised the expectations for numerous fighters in the region who are keen to take it to the next level. The welterweight from Tunisia hopes that a victory for him will expand opportunities for the sport and fighters in his nation and across the region.
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, I am waiting to get it overturned and only one decision win with the remaining 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!
Mounir Lazzez
About the author
Hari Bhagirath is the former Chief Creative Officer at BRAVE Combat Federation. Currently, he heads Strategic Relations and Financial Communication for a major Fortune 100 organization. He is also the co-founder of Totem Capital, a private wealth management initiative.
Zahi Ephrem is the founder of Arabs MMA. He is a pioneer in combat sports journalism in the Middle East covering every major Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the Middle East and Asia. He has also worked as an advisor during the launch phase of Mixed Martial Arts organizations in the Middle East.
