Iraj’s Thailand Training Camp Q&A

What took you out to Thailand for your training camp?
My wife sent me away for my 30th birthday — best present ever.

What was your first impression when you arrived and started training?
Apart from the heat and humidity, I’ll be honest — not much surprised me. I’ve spent years training with high-level amateurs and pros in the UK, so it wasn’t anything I hadn’t experienced before.

What did a typical day of training look like?
90 minutes of grappling in the morning, then back to the apartment to eat and nap. Then 60–90 minutes of MMA training in the evening.

What was the toughest part of the experience?
Being out there without my wife and son.

What was the biggest lesson you learned?
You have to keep going, even on the days you don’t want to — when your body is hurting from top to toe.

What skills or techniques have you brought back?
A better understanding of wrestling and BJJ for MMA. The sport has evolved, so you have to adapt and modify traditional disciplines to make things work.

How has this experience changed you as a fighter?
It’s given me more gratitude and patience in life. As a fighter, it showed me I can train and handle myself with the elite.

How did you first get into MMA?
I’ve been a fan since I was a kid, alongside boxing, but never had the opportunity to pursue it. I dabbled in martial arts like Chinese kickboxing and taekwondo growing up.
At 21, my wife encouraged me to join a BJJ gym in Brighton — they offered MMA sessions, and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about being an MMA fighter?
The training, travelling, and experiencing new places with my coaches and teammates — and the high of fight night, celebrating wins with loved ones.

What advice would you give to someone starting MMA or fitness?
For MMA, I don’t think it’s something you can treat as a hobby — there’s too much risk. You have to commit.

How would you describe your coaching style?
Not one-size-fits-all — everything is tailored to the individual.

What can someone expect from a PT session with you?
Attention to detail, encouragement, celebrating small wins, and a good laugh.

What’s next for you?
My professional debut