Conversation with The Grenade
Faizan Khan also known as “The Grenade” is a fighter from Team Fight Fortress who is famous for his striking skills both in standing and ground game. He is soon going to fight Susovan Ghosh of India in Ultimate Beatdown on November 28, 2015 at Malaysia. In order to gain insight about his upcoming fight, we had the following conversation with him:
From which area of Pakistan do you actually belong and where were you brought up?
I belong from Kashmir and I was brought up in Islamabad.
Which is the first style of martial arts you trained in?
MMA was the first style I was introduced to and I did not train in any specific martial arts style separately.
How you got involved in MMA and why you choose MMA over other styles of martial arts?
One of my friends used to train at Fight Fortress Islamabad, he told me about it. I was attracted to the physical fitness aspect of training in martial arts. I had no plan of being a fighter one day.
As a fighter, what are the challenges you have to face?
The biggest challenge is managing time for training along with my studies. Lack of finances for supplements and training has also been a challenge in my fighting career.
What sets you apart from all the other fighters?
My ability to mix my boxing, wrestling and kicking is the edge I have over other fighters.
Do you have to follow a strict diet as an athlete and what are your feelings on supplements?
I follow a strict diet when the fight camp starts and supplements are a must for fighters to accommodate with their training.
What is your daily training routine?
I keep on changing my routine every now and then but usually my routine consists of warm ups followed by stretching and then high intensity cardio. I also do technique drills, pad work, sparring and abs & conditioning exercises.
Who have been some of your biggest inspirations in MMA over the years and why?
George st. Pierre has always been the fighter I had looked up to. His game is phenomenal, and the way he represents himself as a martial artist by always staying humble and respectful is what I have always admired.
You have a fight coming up soon. How are you preparing for it?
I’m working on my cardio and strength and using selective combinations and techniques that I will incorporate in the fight.
Can you tell us about your opponent (his strength, weaknesses) and what is your plan to defeat him?
The opponent is once again a grappler, a jiu-jitsu blue belt. He prefers to grapple more and tries to go for more and more take downs. I will not let him get comfortable in any position and will try to keep the fight standing and land more strikes.
If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
I wish I fight Connor Mc Gregor, just standing in the age with an athlete like him will be so overwhelming.
What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your fighting career?
I want people to remember me for my sportsmanship. I want to win hearts through my fighting, and not spread any hate.
What does PAK MMA feel to you? What future of MMA do you see in Pakistan?
PAK MMA as an organization is working to bring up the hidden talent into the spotlight. However, there have not been any recent developments in the MMA scene in Pakistan. The future is bright and I see champions coming out of Pakistan, if only we keep helping and supporting each other.
What message would you like to give to other aspiring fighters?
Working hard is important but we need to work smart. Take care of your diet and supplements, train regularly and divide your technique over the days in a week. Train each aspect separately, and then learn to mix it. It’s all about discipline. Remember, Martial Arts is not just sports, it’s a life style.
Team of PAK MMA wishes him all the best for his upcoming fight and hope he brings a win home. For more updates, like his facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheGrenadeKhan