Tarik Khbabez, the Moroccan "Tank" who conquered Glory

"After a fight, you’re always completely exhausted, but when you win, it’s nice. And this time, I have absolutely nothing. I can walk normally," Tarik Khbabez confided in a long interview with AD. Nicknamed "the Tank" because of his ability to withstand the blows of his opponents in the ring, the Moroccan fighter said he has a winning mentality, whatever the situations. "Sometimes you take big hits that make you stagger a bit. But in a few seconds, you’re back on your feet. I just think: I’m not going to give up first anyway," he explained.

The kickboxer did not fail to thank the public for their support, which gives him the strength to continue, but which can also be a source of stress when it comes from the Moroccan community. "It creates tension, but it also motivates me. You feel appreciated and at the same time, you don’t want to disappoint them," Khbabez continued, recalling the words of his mother before his fight: "If you don’t win now, you’d better stop."

Tarik Khbabez owes his rise and this world champion title to his coach, Maikel Polanen, who saw his talent, believed in him and helped him progress in this discipline. The brand new Glory lightweight world champion has already set a new goal. Khbabez now aims for the heavyweight title and dreams of beating Rico Verhoeven. "I want to be a double champion... I’ve known Rico for a very long time. I did sparring with him fifteen years ago and I’ve often fought heavyweight in the past," he said.