It’s hard to believe, but six years ago, Martin Horsky weighed 160 kg and had never even put on a pair of gloves. An amateur strongman, he organized his life around his sport, in a perpetual search of brute force. “I used to lift 340kg, bench press 220kg and squat 250kg,” says the 40-year-old Czech proudly. But in 2016, something clicked. Worn out by his imposing physique and the constraints that go with it, he suddenly decided to change the pace of his life in order to lose weight. “I actually started boxing to lose weight! And as I had friends who practiced MMA, I followed them.” His experience in strength sports has proved to be useful, as Martin Horsky has developed impressive punching power, responsible for several K-O victories in the professional ranks.

“I don’t turn anyone down”

From now on, the Czech devotes all his time to mixed martial arts. “I take great pleasure in the cage. Since I discovered it late and I’m a bit old, I fight a lot, to make up for lost time. I’ve even accepted an opponent the day before a gala, with 5 kilos to lose! I don’t turn anyone down. It’s a state of mind that may have been lacking in his young career, but which he doesn’t deny, driven by passion and a taste for opposition. “I want to do and test everything, which is why I also do bare knuckle fighting and kick-boxing! I want to make the most of my career, and take on as many challenges as possible.” The next one is particularly ambitious, as Martin Horsky will face star GregMMA on January 26, 2024, at the Zenith in Paris. “I’ve been offered the best opportunity of my life, now I’ve got to take it.”