He was crowned champion of the hit show ‘Al Batal’, the region’s first all- Arab mixed martial arts reality show, after conquering 13 of the region’s amateur welterweight MMA fighters, including Georges ‘Bulldozer’ Eid in the finale.
Syrian Thabet Agha was named Al Batal, hero in Arabic, this month in the show’s inaugural season, which saw fighters compete against one another in teams, with head-to-head battles knocking out one fighter every episode.
Agha’s reward, besides the legion of fans he picked up along the way, was a Dh75,000 cheque and a multi-fight contract with ADFC, the Middle East’s leading MMA promotion organisation.
Sport360° caught up with Agha to know more about his experience on ‘Al Batal’ and the MMA scene in the UAE.
Congratulations on winning the Al Batal title, what is your overall impression of your time on the show?
It was a very unique experience, something I’ve never done before. But at the same time it was a very difficult experience. The challenges we faced were things we’ve never faced before. But I also enjoyed those challenges and learnt so many new things. Overall, it was great and a one-of-a-kind experience.
How did you get to be on the show?
I auditioned for the show in Jordan. iSee, the production company, held trials in various countries in the Middle East and they selected fighters from each country. They tested our skills and quizzed us on our experience in fighting.
And how did you prepare for it, once you made it on the show?
Once I found out I was selected for the show, I went through a two-month training camp with some of my team-mates from my club. I practised six hours a day, every day, over three sessions – morning, noon and in the evening. We focused more on preparing mentally, rather than physically. How to use our minds during a fight. It was a good preparation.
What was the toughest thing for you during the show?
The toughest things were the challenges in each episode. Being ready for each one of them was difficult.
You faced one of your team-mates, Georges Eid, in the final, was it difficult facing a friend?
It was difficult for sure. This is someone who had been living with me for two months, we built a strong relationship together. So facing him in a cage was tough. But it’s something that had to be done and once we’re in the cage, all personal things are set aside, we do our job, and try our best.
What did this win mean to you?
It meant everything. It’s a payoff for all the hard work I’ve put in over the years. It was a big surprise because I’ve never gone through anything like this before. It was a big reward. I’d say taking part in this show is the best thing that ever happened to me.
What advice would you give fighters who are interested in competing in Season 2?
I’d tell them that it requires a huge amount of hard work. Nothing comes easy and anyone willing to get on the show must be prepared to give it his all. He won’t be going on holiday or taking a break, he’s going to work hard and must really excel to succeed on this show.
Where are you based and what do you do besides MMA?
I live in Jordan but I’m Syrian. I study Accounting at the Jordanian University.
How did you switch your focus from the show to studying, I believe you had exams recently?
I had to take my exams immediately after the finishing show. The first two tests were a bit tough, but then I managed to focus and do well.
Has your life changed drastically after the show?
Of course things change after a show like this. You have a lot more fans and your popularity rises. You deal with a lot more people in your life. Personally, I haven’t changed at all. I’m still focusing on my studies, on my training.
How did you get into MMA to begin with?
By pure coincidence. There was a Russian coach close to where I live. I was visiting the club and he told me I should check it out. Within two months I had fought my first fight. I did well, so I decided to pursue it.
How do you describe the MMA scene in the Middle East?
I believe MMA is one of the fastest-developing sports right now in the Middle East. Within a very short period, we have accomplished a lot in MMA, way more than in other sports. Hopefully we’ll continue to perform well to show the rest of the world we are up to par.
What do you think needs to be done to further develop MMA in the Middle East?
Shows like Al Batal certainly help increase the popularity of MMA. There also needs to be financial and moral support to the existing fighters. Bringing in world-class foreign coaches also is essential.
What’s next for you now in your career?
I will be working on turning professional and competing on the international stage. I will have my first pro fight with ADFC.
Do you have any MMA fighters who inspire you?
Yes, I have many fighters that I look up to. My favourites are Jose Aldo and Jon Jones.
Has your training regimen changed much in Ramadan?
It hasn’t changed that much, just the timings.
What is your ultimate dream in MMA?
My dream is to reach a level that no one else in the Middle East has managed to reach.
* Stay tuned for season 2 of Al Batal, airing next spring on FX.
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