LAS VEGAS – The clouds hovering above Ramiz Brahimaj have dissipated.
For the first time since February 2022, Brahimaj (10-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) reached fight week, just days away from his UFC 241 Fight Night confrontation with Themba Gorimbo (12-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC).
Twenty-seven months away from competition was difficult to deal with, never mind the physical effects of the spinal injury he suffered for much of that period. Despite suggestions from some doctors To undergo surgery, Brahimaj chose to undergo intensive physical therapy.
Worth it.
“Pinch me. I’m dreaming,” laughed a beaming Brahimaj as he spoke to reporters Wednesday at the pre-fight press conference. “…This place is my home and I’m happy. I’m excited. It’s surreal. It’s going to be amazing.”
With a new appreciation for his career, and perhaps life as a whole, Brahimaj says it was the difficult times that gave him so much clarity and serenity.
“I’m not trying to be like the wise owl here or anything like that,” Brahimaj said. “But life and all its circumstances, however difficult or even good they may be, I am proof of that; Many times, in my darkest hours and during the greatest turmoil or whatever you want to say, I have discovered who other people are, but most importantly, who I am. I think you have to be your own biggest hero. You have to be your biggest supporter. You have to protect yourself more than anyone else, because at the end of the day, you are the only person in your shoes. You are the only person who sleeps at night with your thoughts, with your feelings and with everything.
“I am not superhuman. I’m a normal person at heart. To understand? I’m a very normal person. If I could give anyone any words of encouragement, it would be if I could do it, 100% anyone else could. If you have doubts about how you look, how you feel, what other people think of you – forgive my French – but fuck all that. Forget. Who cares about these things? Be confident. Be comfortable with who you are. Trust the process and follow the direction, because many beautiful things happen with it. I have noticed many beautiful things happening in my life. After the dark clouds and rain always comes the sun. It is good. I’m happy.”
Although much of his process was done internally, Brahimaj’s recovery was not accomplished alone. He credits his family, team and Fortis MMA coach Sayif Saud for helping him return to the UFC cage.
“I could sit here. I could shed a tear. I could get very emotional and angry and have everything wash over me,” Brahimaj said. “But that’s not how I chose to look at things. … I adapt to overcome. And that. This is who I am as a human being. I think that’s why it brought me to this place I’m in now.
“I simply find peace in calm and enjoy every day of this training camp. Now I’m enjoying every day of this fighting week. Before this fight, I’m going to enjoy every minute, every moment entering that octagon, being inside that octagon, taking care of business, until I finish work on Saturday night. And that.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 241 Fight Night.
