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How Tarik Khbabez Bounced Back From Adversity To Become A ONE Super Series Star

Tarik Khbabez will make his 50th appearance as a kickboxing professional when he takes on Ibrahim El Bouni at ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS in Yangon, Myanmar, but in some respects, he is lucky to reach that milestone.

Reaching the half-century of bouts on 26 October is a notable achievement for Khbabez, whose career has seen him overcome illness and injuries that would have floored a lesser athlete.

Back in 2012 and 2013, Khbabez underwent major surgeries to his back and his knee that saw him sidelined for six and nine months, respectively.

During his time out of action, he became even more determined to return better than ever, but he faced another setback when, after being given the all-clear to return to training, he discovered that his knee still was not 100 percent – a situation that set him back a further three months.

It was a depressing time for Khbabez, but his determination to come back kept him positive, as he explains.

“I always stayed positive even though it was hard. I knew that one day I would be okay. The people close to me gave me all the love and the energy,” he says.

“I also watched my old fights. They gave me the power to believe and try harder in my recovery process.”

Finally, after many months of rehabilitation and frustration, Khbabez was finally ready to return to training with his body back in full working order. It was an emotional moment.

“I was home,” he smiles.

“This is what I do. This is me. Everything felt great.”

The period spent on the sidelines gave Khbabez even more determination to make an impact upon his return, and he did just that.

He captured the SUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix in 2014, then followed up that success by winning two SUPERKOMBAT Heavyweight World Titles. Everything seemed to be back on track, but another major scare was heading his way.

“In 2016, I went to Russia for a fight. It didn’t end up well,” the ONE Super Series light heavyweight explains.

“I needed to go to the doctor, and somehow I ended up with a bacterial infection. I got really sick.

“As soon as the flight landed, I went to the emergency room. I arrived there and the next thing I know, they said, ‘We will operate on you right away.’ I ended up in a coma for three days.”

Despite his ability to bounce back from major surgeries in the past, Khbabez began to doubt whether even he could recover from his latest setback.

“It has been surgery after surgery,” he continues.

“I’ve come so far. I never thought I would be able to compete on a show like ONE Championship again.”

Yet here he is. The Moroccan made yet another remarkable recovery and was back in the gym just five months after exiting a coma, and the perspective he gained from being so close to death has given him a fresh approach to his career.

“Everyone faces battles in life,” Khbabez says.

“They make you stronger and make you become the person who you are today.

“I learned that your body and health is everything, so take care of your body and listen very carefully to it. That’s my lesson.”

Now, he is ready to make a statement in his ONE Super Series light heavyweight kickboxing bout with El Bouni.

 

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