Ali Motamed, a 33-year-old fighter from Iran, discovered his passion for martial arts later in life than most. At the age of 22, Ali had never considered a career in fighting until a chance encounter changed everything. It was in Malaysia, in 2013, when he watched a friend’s Muay Thai fight that ignited a spark within him. The intensity, the discipline, the raw energy of the sport captivated him instantly.
The very next day, Ali began his training. From the outset, his mindset wasn’t just about giving it a try. He was all in. He set a goal to become a professional fighter, and with that determination, he overhauled his lifestyle. He quit drinking and smoking and committed to training twice a day.
Within a year, an opportunity arose for Ali to join a fight camp in Thailand. Despite not being particularly skilled yet, his passion and seriousness about his new path drove him to take a leap of faith. He sold everything he had in Malaysia and moved to Thailand, fully embracing the uncertainty and challenges ahead.
For the first six months, Ali faced immense hardships. With no income and no support system, he had to be extremely frugal. He lived in a tent within a gym to save money and fought as often as he could to gain experience and make a name for himself. In just ten days, he fought in three Muay Thai matches, pushing his limits to learn faster and earn some money.
Ali’s perseverance paid off when he started to win fights and gain recognition. This led to an incredible opportunity to train at Tiger Muay Thai, one of the best gyms in the world, on a full sponsorship. It was a dream come true, a testament to his hard work and unwavering dedication. Training with some of the best fighters globally, Ali honed his skills and continued to fight relentlessly.
His hard work culminated in winning a $100,000 contract with ONE Championship, one of the biggest martial arts organizations in the world. For several years, Ali fought under their banner, showcasing his talent and dedication on an international stage.
Two years ago, Ali moved to Dubai to continue his training and begin coaching at 971 mixed martial arts gym , sharing his knowledge and experience with others. Recently, he signed with Karate Combat, the biggest striking event organization, and is set to fight again in August.
Ali Motamed’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. His story is one of passion, sacrifice, and relentless determination, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, anything is possible.
