Rhassan Muhareb talks recent I-1 tournament win and future plans

Rhassan Muhareb is one Palestine’s top Muay Thai Fighters. He recently won the WMC I-1 Muay Thai GP by knocking out all three of his opponents. Rhassan was kind enough to talk to Muay Thai Authority about his tournament win as well as life as fighter, a father and putting in 40 hour work weeks to go along with his training to fight at a high level.

MTA: You recently won the WMC I-1 Muaythai GP, how big was it for you winning the tournament?

Rhassan: It was big for me to win I-1. I trained so hard to get ready for the tournament. My wife just had our first baby, and I work 40 hours! So my time for getting ready was planned in every minute I had, so I could train. I had my little girl in the gym with me every morning to train before work. I could see all the hard work paid off now, I am so happy for winning I-1, and I was injured 6 weeks before the fight my coach told me not to fight because of my knee ligament. But I would not cancel the fight; I went to Hong Kong by myself for 22 hours and knocked ever body out so I’m proud and happy.

MTA: You knocked out all of your opponents in the tournament. Was the plan going in to finish every fight or did this kind of just happen?

Rhassan: Yes I knocked them all out. My plan was be smart, hit strong and one fight at a time. My plan was to finish the fights without injuring my knee more so I could be ready for the next fight.

MTA: Granted you finished all of your opponents, which of the tournament fights was the hardest?

Rhassan: I think that the hardest fight was against Kurt (Finlayson). He was strong.

MTA: Do you currently have any fights lined up and if so against who?

Rhassan: Yes I have a fight in Sweden 26/5 and I am gonna fight a big tournament at Ibiza (Spain) 21-7 2012.

MTA: You work, you're a father and you fight at a high level. How difficult is it to balance everything?

Rhassan: I plan the most of my time, and every minute I have to train, if I am at work and have a 30 min break then I go for a fast run and get back to work. I dont waste my time, in the morning hours before work I take my little girl with me to the gym and train. A big thanks to my lovely wife that is so understanding and gives me some time to train when she knows I have big fights. But it will be much better not to work 40 hours at week and just train, my level will go up so much up.

MTA: What are your future goals in the sport?

Rhassan: My goals are to get as far as possible as long I have the age to fight, and my wife allows it. I want to fight the best of the best, maybe not winning, but show the world I can fight anyone! Without getting punched and I can defend myself in the ring.

MTA: Is there anyone in particular you would like to fight, and why?

Rhassan: I want to fight the best fighters in 70 kilo. Because I know that I belong with the best fighters in the world. My biggest which is to fight Buakaw because he it the best fighter at that weight and I would be proud to fight a fighter that is such a big talent as he is. All respect for that fighter and all fighters in the world.

MTA: Any words for all your supporters?

Rhassan: Big thanks to all my supporters that always support me in good and bad times. And I am happy for that I can entertain all you lovers out there. Without the supporters there wouldn’t be any fighters!