Shoaib Yousaf is the first-ever British-Pakistani to compete at the highest level of OKTAGON MMA. Supported by an enthusiastic fan base, Yousaf was the standout performer at OKTAGON's inaugural UK event in Manchester last November. Eager to replicate his success, he aims to captivate the audience once again in Newcastle on January 27th.
Yousaf is keen to demonstrate to young British Pakistanis the possibilities and strive to be the first British Pakistani to compete at the pinnacle of MMA. In an interview with Asian Voice, he talks about his career and motivation.
What was your inspiration that led you to choose MMA as a professional career?
I initially joined MMA as a hobby, introduced to it by my father as a form of self-defence. At the time, I didn't envision it as a potential career. However, as I continued to engage in it, my enjoyment grew and around the age of 14 or 15, I realised I could turn this passion into a profession and pursue it as a career. It started as a simple hobby, and now it has evolved into a full-fledged career. My parents simply wanted me to succeed and supported me in whatever made me happy and contributed to my success in the community, ultimately helping me stay out of trouble.
What did your previous win mean to you and how is it shaping up your preparation for the upcoming fight?
Honestly, it's quite motivating. I always focus on the next challenge without dwelling too much on the past. My mindset is geared towards surpassing the previous slide in my journey. While I train consistently throughout the year, the approach becomes stricter and more disciplined when gearing up for an upcoming fight. Currently, I'm in the promotion phase for Highlands, so I've been training in Thailand for the last six weeks. The preparations have been excellent, and I've had the privilege of training in one of the best gyms in the world. Everything is falling into place as planned.
How do you approach the mental preparation part of the process?
I believe my strength lies in my mental resilience. During a match, my concentration is on myself, not my opponent. Religion plays a significant role for me, providing mental support. I don't attribute my success to luck; instead, I find strength in my faith. While it's crucial to be mentally prepared and focused during competitions, I try to concentrate on my performance rather than getting too absorbed in what my opponent is doing. This mental approach helps me stay composed and ready for the challenges ahead.
Are there any specific people who inspire you and have inspired your journey?
As an athlete and a big fan of legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, I used to admire Josie Aldo as well. Observing these fighters at a young age inspired me, but I always aimed to carve out my path and contribute to my unique story. While appreciating the achievements of others, I focus on making my mark in the sport without solely looking up to someone else. It's about being inspired while maintaining individuality in my journey.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in the sport?
Certainly, my focus is on the short term, primarily the next fight, and securing a victory inside the Octagon is a significant short-term goal. Looking ahead, my long-term aspiration is to make a mark in the UFC, and achieving success in that arena would be a tremendous accomplishment.
Tickets for Shoaib’s next fight are available at: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F005F75B887423E
