Muay Thai fighter Ajmal Yakoob
- Ajmal Yakoob’s journey to the WBC MuayThai Sri Lanka Championship
In the world of combat sports, where champions rise from humble beginnings, the story of Ajmal Yakoob is one that resonates with the dreams and aspirations of many aspiring fighters. His journey from the streets of Slave Island to the pinnacle of the martial arts world is a testament to unwavering determination and unshakable passion.
With the support of his wife, Zeyana Haniffa, Ajmal is not only paving his path to greatness but also changing the landscape of combat sports in Sri Lanka. Their joint efforts in bringing WBC Muay Thai to the country are transforming the dreams of aspiring fighters into reality. He will be competing in the WBC MuayThai Sri Lanka Championship in November this year.
The Daily Morning Brunch had the privilege to sit down with Ajmal Yakoob to discuss his remarkable journey in bringing the World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai to Sri Lanka, as well as the pivotal role his wife, Zeyana Haniffa, plays in this venture.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
Could you share with us your incredible journey, from the streets of Slave Island to becoming a professional fighter and coach?
My journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. I grew up in Slave Island with no fancy privileges, but I had a burning passion for martial arts. I started with kung fu at the age of 14 and began competing in local fights. Eventually, I found myself in Dubai, working as a mechanic at Mercedes Benz, and training at TK MMA Fit, owned by my Coach Tam Khan, a fighter and pioneer of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the United Arab Emirates. It wasn’t easy; I worked a nine-to-five job and then travelled two hours to the gym, training until 1 a.m. My passion and support network kept me going.
You’ve had the unique experience of training under Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC) coaches for four years. How did this experience shape your career?
Training under UFC coaches was a game-changer. It elevated my skills and gave me a broader perspective on the sport. The international exposure and learning from some of the best in the business made me more determined than ever.
You also trained at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand, a renowned training camp for fighters. Could you tell us more about that experience?
Training at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand was a dream come true. It’s the training home of many UFC and One Championship fighters. The experience was sponsored by a member of the Guruge Family under the brand Kore International. It allowed me to up my game and prepare for international challenges.
You became the National Muay Thai Champion in 2018 upon returning to Sri Lanka. What motivated you to take this leap and establish the first-ever MMA gym in Sri Lanka, Ajmal Yakoob MMA and Muay Thai?
Winning the National Muay Thai Champion title fuelled my desire to contribute to the sport in Sri Lanka. I wanted to create a platform for local talent and provide them with the resources and guidance I didn’t have during my early days. So, I partnered with the Zimantra Leisure Centre to establish Ajmal Yakoob MMA and Muay Thai.
We understand that your wife, Zeyana Haniffa, plays a significant role in your journey and the WBC Muay Thai Sri Lanka venture. Could you tell us more about her involvement and vision for the sport?
eyana is not only my wife but also the business development consultant for WBC Muay Thai Sri Lanka. Her strong brand identity in the martial arts industry has been instrumental in our journey. She is the first-ever female in Colombo to hold this position, and her vision is to develop the fight culture of WBC in Sri Lanka and promote its values in the industry and among the public. Her involvement is a testament to the inclusivity of the sport.
Could you elaborate on how WBC Muay Thai Sri Lanka differs from other local fight leagues in the country?
BC Sri Lanka Muay Thai is a game-changer. It’s the first and only professional internationally sanctioned league in Sri Lanka, bringing professional fight standards to the country. It offers a clear path for local athletes to debut on the international stage with legally regulated professional athletic rankings. This puts Sri Lanka on the global map of countries with professional fight standards.
How does WBC Muay Thai Sri Lanka open doors for athletes and businesses alike?
It’s a win-win situation for both athletes and businesses. As a winner of the Sri Lankan Champion belt, I now have the opportunity to participate in other international WBC fights held in different countries. For businesses and brands, it offers a no-risk sponsorship and partnership opportunity, aligning their names with a prestigious and professionally organised league.
In the midst of local fight leagues that lack sanctioning and investment in athletes, what does WBC Muay Thai Sri Lanka bring to the table?
BC Muay Thai Sri Lanka is a breath of fresh air. It has a professional protocol for athletes to qualify for the 18 November fight night, ensuring that only the best compete. The assessment process started in 2023 with amateur fights, giving local athletes new opportunities and exposure.