With a career marked by power and resilience, Tarik Khbabez has established himself as one of the most formidable Moroccan fighters on the international kickboxing scene. Driven by unwavering determination, he has overcome challenges and climbed the ranks of the most prestigious organizations. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, ambitions, and commitment to inspiring the new generation of Moroccan fighters.
Can you tell us about your journey in professional kickboxing and what led you to choose this path?
Since childhood, I have always been drawn to martial arts. My sister practiced karate, and at the time, she was stronger than me. That motivated me to train harder to surpass her. I was born in Rabat and grew up in Salé. Later, my family moved to the Netherlands, which was a real challenge for us, especially adapting to school. That’s where I started kickboxing. Back then, I was also playing football as a goalkeeper, but I had to make a choice. I ultimately chose kickboxing because I found it more competitive—if you are the strongest, you can dominate everyone.
Your nickname "The Tank" evokes power and resilience. How did you get it, and how does it reflect your fighting style?
I was given the nickname "The Tank" while fighting in ONE Championship. During one of my fights, a commentator, who was a former K-1 fighter, noticed my aggressive and relentless style. He compared the way I moved forward in the ring to a tank: I never back down. This nickname perfectly reflects my approach to fighting—moving forward, setting the pace, and never giving up ground.
You moved from the heavyweight division to light heavyweight. What challenges did you face, and how did you adapt your fighting style?
Managing weight and diet is much easier in the heavyweight division—you can eat freely, especially as a Moroccan, with our rich cuisine! But this category is less balanced because there are no weight limits. You end up facing fighters who weigh 130 or 140 kg and are over two meters tall. One mistake can be fatal. That’s why I decided to move down to light heavyweight to aim for the world title. Being a world champion gives me more control over my career and allows me to challenge other champions. In fact, I already asked for a fight against Rico Verhoeven, but Glory refused.
You have fought in several prestigious organizations: ONE Championship, Superkombat, and now Glory Kickboxing. How would you describe the atmosphere and fan culture in each?
Thanks to God, I’ve had the opportunity to fight in several prestigious organizations. I started with Superkombat, where I made a name for myself. Then, I joined ONE Championship, which was a completely different experience—the organization was highly professional, and the staff was incredibly supportive. When my contract with ONE ended, I had the choice to renew or try something new with Glory. I chose Glory because it is more renowned on the global kickboxing scene and allows me to be closer to home.
Who have been the most influential figures in your career, and how have they shaped your journey?
The two figures who have inspired me the most are Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Their journeys deeply impacted me, especially the struggles they faced early in their careers. Seeing them succeed despite the obstacles made me think: “If they did it, why can’t I?” They are human, just like me, and their determination motivated me to persevere and believe in my own abilities.
After successfully defending your Glory light heavyweight world title, how does it feel to be the best in your division?
Thanks to God, it’s an indescribable feeling. Seeing your dreams come true is the greatest reward. All the hard work, intense training, and sacrifices suddenly make sense. Being a world champion is not just an achievement—it’s also a responsibility: to keep improving and to inspire future generations.
What are your short- and long-term goals? Do you plan to explore other combat sports like boxing or MMA?
Since childhood, I have always been passionate about boxing, and I would love to take on that challenge. Recently, the president of the UFC announced the creation of a new boxing organization. Why not give it a shot? Additionally, I have another big goal: to represent Morocco at the 2028 Olympic Games. I was about to compete in the 2024 Olympics, but some constraints prevented me. This time, I will do everything to represent my country and raise our flag on the world stage.
Combat sports are booming in Morocco. How do you see your role in this evolution, and what impact would you like to have on the new generation of fighters?
Morocco is full of talent in combat sports. Just step into a training gym, and you’ll see the exceptional level of young fighters. What they lack is support and visibility. Fortunately, social media now gives them a platform to get noticed and access major organizations. My message to young Moroccans is simple: train hard, believe in yourself, and one day, you will achieve your dreams.
Tarik Khbabez: The Tank That Keeps Moving Forward
Born on April 20, 1992, in Rabat, Tarik Khbabez is a Moroccan kickboxer whose career embodies strength and perseverance. From a young age, he was passionate about combat sports and quickly built a reputation as a powerful and enduring fighter. Nicknamed "The Tank" for his aggressive style and impressive ability to absorb strikes, Khbabez has made a name for himself in the rings of Glory and ONE Championship, two of the biggest kickboxing organizations in the world.
With an impressive record, he has faced some of the best heavyweights in the sport, proving his iron will and explosive power in every fight. But beyond competition, Khbabez remains deeply connected to his Moroccan roots and aspires to see Morocco shine even more in the world of kickboxing. His journey, marked by determination and ambition, makes him a role model for the younger generation of fighters who dream of making a name for themselves on the international stage.
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