“They call me the bulldozer, I like to charge ahead”, Montpellier's Laïd Zerhouni faces his destiny in Poland

Laïd Zerhouni hopes to silence the Polish public on Saturday in Lubin. KSW

Montpellier native Laïd Zerhouni (28 years old) is in Lubin, Poland this Saturday to face the Polish Radoslaw Paczuski in the main event of KSW 98 in order to take another step towards the – 84kg belt.

Laïd, what path have you taken to become one of the best MMA fighters in France ?

As a child, I started with judo before taking up boxing at the age of 15 to follow my brothers. From the age of 18, I focused on MMA, which I never gave up. I fought all over the world, all over France too.

Is this the moment in your career when the spotlight is most on you ?

Social networks highlight the character that I embody and the fighter that I am. Before, this sport was not as publicized. Now, everyone loves MMA. My career is evolving thanks to my results against good opponents and that's nice.

Is it important in your sport to embody a character ?

Yes, but I am natural. I am my own character. I am a little crazy and very funny. They call me the bulldozer, I like to charge. In the cage, I go all out, it is my spectacular side, I have always been like that. I try to enjoy myself and to enjoy the public.

This Saturday against Radoslaw Paczuski, is it the most important fight of your career ?

I think so, yes… I am facing a star in Poland, he is number 7 in the KSW ranking (Polish MMA organization) and I am 8th. It's a good stepping stone to get the belt. The main goal is to get that famous fight for the belt. Saturday, it will be a great show against a good fighter.

How did you prepare for this moment ?

I trained all summer, without going on vacation. I went to Casablanca in Morocco for a training camp at the beginning of August. Before that, I trained in Montpellier with my staff from the Montpellier club La Bonne École. I am ready to go to war.

What is your state of mind during this final stretch before the fight ?

I remain the same except that I can be a little bitter because of the diet. With the lack of sugar and food, I can get tense quickly but I manage to manage it. D-Day is a different day, I'm more focused, I don't make jokes anymore… And then the evening will be long since I go last.

You don't plan on losing this duel ?

(Laughs) No, he'll have to break my arm or my head to beat me.

Are you a fan of trash-talking, the art of teasing your opponent or announcing your victory in advance ?

I don't overdo it, I stay natural. For now, with this opponent, there aren't any, but if he starts looking for me, I'll answer… Afterwards, you have to take responsibility for your words, you have to take responsibility for saying that I'm going to win in the first round…

What's next for you ?

KSW will return to Paris in December after organizing an evening at the Adidas Arena in Paris in April. It will be good timing to fight again at that time.

You are the best Montpellier MMA fighter. Do you regret not being supported by the local authorities in your hometown ?

Speaking of which, I say hello to the Mayor of Montpellier (laughs). I can't explain this lack of support, maybe we didn't meet, we certainly didn't have the opportunity to discuss it together… But it's not up to me to seek support…