Since his success in the cage, Benjamin Molnar has set himself a mission: “to show the world that Hungarians are real fighters, who accept all challenges”. But while he proudly represents his country on the international stage, the 34-year-old family man is also fighting to change the image of mixed martial arts back home in Hungary. “I started MMA at a time when it was a very unpopular sport in my country. Today, I’d like the public to take as much interest in it as in ball sports, and for many Hungarian fighters to emerge in the future.” Driven by this patriotic vision, Benjamin Molnar works hard to set an example, and continue to perform on the professional scene. “I’m a full-time athlete, so it makes my life easier,” he explains. “It’s more practical, and it’s much appreciated!”

“I hope the Paris public will appreciate it!”

Now a top-level sportsman, Benjamin Molnar owes his career path to the discovery – by chance – of mixed martial arts. “My parents signed me up for wrestling when I was a kid. When I was 18, I wanted to earn a bit of money and make the most of my training hours. That’s how I discovered MMA, and how I started my professional career.” From small fees to bigger bonuses, Benjamin Molnar climbed the ladder by relying on his speciality: grip. A trained wrestler and European grappling champion, the Hungarian has transferred his skills perfectly to the cage, to the point of finishing most of his fights by submission. “I can also fight standing up, but my style is really based on wrestling and finishing on the ground. I hope the Paris crowd will enjoy it!”