For him, it was “MMA or nothing”. A martial arts fighter from an early age, Mohammed Rouziq, 21, left school at an early age to try and become a professional fighter. It’s a choice he doesn’t regret today, as his career is on the up, and he’ll soon be fighting in the HEXAGONE MMA cage. “If I went back, I’d make the same decision without hesitation! Not everyone is made for studying. When I started MMA, I’d come home from training limping, but I had a smile on my face. That’s when I realized that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. For Mohammed Rouziq, this singular journey, with no turning back, is also a source of motivation. “I don’t really have a plan B, so I’m not allowed to fail. What’s more, I want to show the people around me that I can succeed without school.”

“My father was a black belt in karate”.

In addition to his determination, the Frenchman can also rely on a wealth of martial arts experience in his pursuit of the highest level. Educated by a karate fan, he first followed in his father’s footsteps for around ten years, before discovering a taste for MMA. “As my father was a black belt in karate, I always saw him training at home. He was the one who got me into combat sports. A French championship winner in kumite and kata, Mohammed Rouziq now uses his experience on the tatamis to perform in the cage. Explosive and precise, he has won his last two bouts by technical knockout, one of them in a matter of seconds! Although there’s still a long way to go, the promise is there…