Ahmed Faress is one of the biggest names in Egyptian MMA at the moment. Currently holding a professional record of 14-2 to his name, Faress has been a mainstay in the Middle-Eastern MMA scene for quite some time now.
Known for his stints in Desert Force and AUFC, Faress last fought in Brave Combat Federation’s Brave CF 5 where he defeated current UFC fighter Bharat Khandare. Various injuries have kept him out of action ever since.
Despite being out of action for nearly a year, Faress is still ranked second in Tapology’s Bantamweight rankings for the Middle East – Only behind Gurdarshan ‘Gary’ Mangat who piled up three straight wins in the Super Fight League last month.
Though Faress was scheduled to make his return at Phoenix Fighting Championship’s Pheonix 6, another injury forced him out of the card and just after the incident; we managed to catch up with Faress for an exclusive interview.
During the interview, the Egyptian talked about his departure from Brave Combat Federation, his future plans and matchmaking, which is something he tried his hands at while being injured. You can read his responses below.
On his departure from Brave Combat Federation:
In April 2017 I defeated UFC fighter Bharat Khandare, Alhamdulillah, and that made me even more motivated to progress in Brave Combat Federation. After that big win I wanted bigger names, bigger fights, and to eventually challenge for the belt. Unfortunately, Brave didn’t or weren’t able to give me what I wanted and what I felt I deserved. I didn’t get those fights. From July 2017, I tried to negotiate with them for a suitable opportunity, but nothing happened. After a while, I started to consider my options, and the chance eventually came to open negotiations with Phoenix FC. Brave CF were great about it, they didn’t stand in my way, and so the path was paved to join the Phoenix roster. This is a great promotion, and it’s an honour to feel valued in such a major organisation!
How the deal with Phoenix FC came:
I have some friends in Phoenix, and it seems I’m liked by the organisation. Of course, it helps that I am known as one of the best fighters in the Middle East, and was the top-ranked bantamweight free agent, which is what Phoenix were looking for. They have some of the very best fighters across the region, and I’m delighted to compete with and against them.
About the injury that kept him out of Phoenix 6:
I was really saddened by this injury. I was prepared and motivated to make my Phoenix debut against Chabane Chaibeddra, but Alhamdulillah, I will back soon, Inshallah. My injury, a dislocated elbow, is a normal one and I think I will be back soon. I’m very hungry, more now than ever, and I’m ready to become the Champion in Phoenix Inshallah. Featherweight or Bantamweight, I want the belts.
Venturing as a matchmaker:
Haha, yes, its true, Alhamdulillah! I am famous in my country and the MMA community in Egypt respects what I’ve accomplished in the sport. I have so many good contacts and relationships with fighters and gyms here, so AUFC, the biggest and best promotion in Egypt, contacted with me and I was happy to accept the opportunity to make fights for them. Their next show, AUFC 17, is coming up on April 13 and we may even add some international talent to the show!
Future plans and fights that he wants:
Well, the first thing is to ask Phoenix FC for a fight. I want to compete as soon as possible, and get my first Phoenix FC title before the end of 2018. I am ready to face anyone and I want to make a huge statement as soon as possible. Any good fighter, or even better, any Champion will be suitable for my comeback. While I was looking forward to facing Chabane Chaibeddra, it doesn’t have to be him. As far as Chabane is concerned, he has been very respectful throughout the build up to Phoenix: Abu Dhabi, and I wish him good luck for the future.
SHARE
