«Mon projet est de créer une fédération de MMA et de former des champions» – Le Jeune Indépendant

Sofiane Aïssaoui nicknamed “The Lion” is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter recognized on the international scene. His journey in France, marked by a meteoric rise and a serious injury, led him to question humility and perseverance. Today, this Franco-Algerian aims to develop MMA in Algeria, by creating a federation and training future champions. In this interview given to Young Independent, Sofiane Aïssaoui speaks openly about his journey, his motivations and his plans for the future of MMA in Algeria. He also talks about the challenges he faced and his commitment to giving back to his country.

The Young Independent : Tell us about your sporting journey, in particular your transition from judo to MMA?

Sofiane Aïssaoui : I started judo at the age of 4 and I persevered in this discipline until I was 22, reaching the international level. I fought all over France and abroad. After that, I felt the desire to take on a new challenge by turning to MMA. In just a few months, I joined the French team and participated in the world and European championships. My performances then opened the doors to becoming a professional fighter.

Why the choice of MMA? What attracted you to this discipline?

First of all, the possibility of traveling the world and ensuring a comfortable financial future by achieving champion status. This discipline, by its multidisciplinary nature, offered the opportunity to demonstrate skills in various sporting fields, which constituted a motivating challenge. I had to face challenges on a technical level, because I was starting out in MMA without any background. I had to tap into the resources available on the internet to learn the basic techniques. This made the start of my career particularly difficult, but allowed me to develop perseverance and resourcefulness which were valuable to me later.

What lessons have you learned from your experience in MMA?

Humility and modesty. At the start of my career, I was one of the rare people to quickly join the French team and participate in the world championships, quickly becoming champion. So, I got a big head. Then, a serious injury made me understand the importance of remaining modest and humble.

What is your view on the current state of MMA in Algeria?

MMA in Algeria is still in its infancy. If the enthusiasm and the desire to practice this sport exist, the infrastructure is sorely lacking. The few existing clubs offer MMA classes, but do not meet international standards. My ambition is to create an MMA federation in Algeria, which would supervise the discipline, structure it and give it the means to flourish. My goal is to develop MMA in Algeria and to create future champions. I hope this will happen as quickly as possible. As soon as I meet the right people, I strive to move forward quickly. The sooner this is done, the better. This federation will make it possible to organize events and an Algerian championship. Then, the best fighters will participate in the African and then world championships.

In your opinion, what are the main obstacles to the development of MMA in Algeria and what solutions do you recommend to overcome them?

The lack of adequate training rooms constitutes a major obstacle. The installation of modern and equipped infrastructures in large cities, such as Oran, Algiers and Annaba, would make it possible to welcome practitioners in optimal conditions and to promote the progression of the discipline.

Women’s enthusiasm for combat sports, particularly judo and karate, in Algeria is booming. What do you think of this trend?

I find this important. We live in a society that seems more and more dangerous, perhaps not yet in Algeria, because I don’t live there, but in other countries. It’s important for women to learn combat sports. This allows them to emancipate themselves and defend themselves in the event of attack. Nowadays, women should have as much impact in sport and represent their country in the same way as men.

In your “Arènes des Sacres” event, you highlighted women’s MMA fights…

In France, there are few women’s fights, and in the world too, they are rare. I always make sure to include at least one women’s fight, whether professional or amateur, at my events. I am committed to the development of sports for women. This cause is particularly close to my heart; in fact, my daughter and my little sister also practice MMA. The new edition of the coronation arenas will be different from the others. It will take place in a Zénith of 4000 people, unlike previous editions which were held in a room of 1500 people. There will be more professional and international fights on the program. I will be participating in this event myself, where I will try to win the 84 kilo belt. In addition, amateur tournaments were organized, which is rare in France. We are the only ones to offer this type of amateur competition, where participants are paid to encourage them to invest more.

What advice would you give to young people who want to launch into these disciplines in Algeria?

I would advise them to be very rigorous and to be very disciplined. Combat sports are more difficult than other disciplines because you take hits and get hurt. This requires great mental strength. They’re not just about being aggressive and hitting people, nor about just having muscles. You also need to have a brain, for the mental preparation and strategy needed to beat an opponent.

Are there any Algerian athletes who have left their mark on you?

I haven’t seen many because I haven’t explored all of Algeria. But I am thinking of a young man from Bordj Bou Arreridj, practicing kickboxing and interested in MMA, who is very talented. I believe that if we identify more young Algerians, they could become great champions. There is a lot of potential. Me, practicing judo, the one who always inspired me in Algeria was Amar Benyekhlef.

Before starting my two or three weeks of training in Algeria, I was in France, benefiting from all the comfort and infrastructure necessary to train properly. But, I felt the need to step out of my comfort zone. I came without a coach, without a physical trainer, without knowing where it would take me. I wanted to face the difficulty from start to finish, like in a fight. In addition, knowing that I am in my country of origin added a special flavor to this experience. I felt much more ready, much more comfortable here than at the start of my preparation in France.

What are your sporting projects outside Algeria? Do you have any fights or competitions planned soon?

I have proposals from major global organizations like PFL and KSW. We are waiting to see what we will choose. Maybe if I get a knockout in my fight next week, the UFC will call me. I do not know yet. In France, I accomplished everything I wanted. I have my own room, my own event, I am a professional fighter, I was a member and coach of the French team. I don’t see what more I could do, other than maybe signing with a big organization. France gave me a lot and I also contributed a lot. Now, I would like to return everything I took in France by bringing it to Algeria. There are many Algerians who want to leave. I can say that France is not better than Algeria. The Algerians have nothing to envy of the French. In France, whatever happens, you will never be considered French. We must not believe that France is an Eldorado. I hope to win my fight next week. I would like to invite all Algerians who read this article to follow me on social networks from now on to support me. Hopefully, we can establish a federation soon and train new champions, who I hope will be even better and stronger than me.