Teenager Amir Marouani wants to emulate MMA superstar Conor McGregor. The 17-year-old, a sixth-former at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School, has certainly made an early impression.
In just 20 months since taking up Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he’s swept all before him and already has his blue belt. He’s done so well he’s been signed up to fight on a sell-out promotion at Fairfield Halls in Croydon on Saturday night.
He’s up against fellow 17-year-old Ethan Weston, with the bout to be screened live on UFC Fight Pass. “Amir’s ultimate goal is to be one of the best in MMA,” said dad Ramzi. “He wants to be the best at grappling, get to the top in that, and then transition to MMA. “He already does boxing, kickboxing, judo, wrestling, so he’s a busy lad. “His ultimate aim is to win the UFC championship and make his name in the MMA world. “He wants to be the Conor McGregor of England. “He’s doing pretty well so far.
Hopefully the sky’s the limit.” Marouani trains under coach Alex Salisbury at the Novo club in Hastings, travelling down after school.