Said Maalem recalls why he started his MMA journey

26 March 2024

In a tale of unexpected triumphs, Mohammed Said Maalem's journey from MMA enthusiast to a seasoned competitor has defied all odds. Now, the Algerian powerhouse gears up for his return to the BRAVE Combat Federation, headlining BRAVE CF 81 against Erko Jun in Slovenia, with hopes of securing one last shot at the Light Heavyweight title.

For Said, his upcoming main event bout marks a significant milestone, representing his third headline appearance in the rapidly expanding global organization. However, his path to MMA stardom was far from predetermined, initially embarking on his journey out of sheer love for the sport.

"To be honest, I never expected to be a fighter in MMA, let alone become a champion, even briefly. I never even thought one day I would be headlining such a big event like BRAVE CF. I started my journey in MMA just for the love of the sport," Said reminisces.

What began as a casual pursuit soon evolved into a full-fledged passion, as Said discovered his calling within the realm of MMA. "I simply trained and enjoyed myself. I was fascinated with all the different techniques, with no desire or thought to become professional. What mattered the most for me, at the time, was to be practicing the sport that I loved. But then, I fought one time, and fought again, and kept fighting. I feel like fighting is a drug, and I’m addicted to it. There’s no way out. I need to indulge myself," he reflects.

Said's meteoric rise to prominence caught the attention of the global MMA community when he made his BRAVE CF debut at BRAVE CF 33, stunning Todd Stoute, a revered figure in the Light Heavyweight division. Despite entering as the underdog, Said clinched a career-defining victory, propelling him into the spotlight.

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Subsequent triumphs over Zvonimir Kralj solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with, paving the way for his iconic rivalry with Mohammed Fakhreddine, a saga that remains unresolved in his career.

With a professional record standing at 12-5, Said's accomplishments stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, as he braces for the challenge posed by Erko Jun at BRAVE CF 81, Said remains poised to add another chapter to his remarkable story, driven by the desire to etch his name in MMA history.