Imran Chelhani 1-0-0 is a Moroccan amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Featherweight division, representing London Shootfighters. He made his amateur debut for Fightstar Championship on July 15th on the FSC22 card in London.
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Imran, and also to congratulate you on your victorious inclusion to the stacked Fightstar Championship 22 card.
Unfortunately, I was unable to grab a chat with you that night but I’m glad to be able to grab some time today.
Fightstar Championship is a phenomenal organisation, home to many exceptional amateurs and well-rounded professionals. Being the home to your first walk to the cage must have been a buzzing experience?
“Yeah, it was an amazing feeling to take my first walk to the cage. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the energy, I loved every second of it and really had fun walking out and soaked in every moment.”
London Shootfighters was out in full Force, a victorious outing you’ll all not soon forget, I gotta say, you guys are a pleasure to witness out there. How did it feel to have so many of your teammates out there with you?
“I’m very happy with the team’s performance, glad we were all victorious. It was amazing having my team behind me to show love and support.”
You put on an absolute clinical display in the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. it took less than a minute for you to assert your dominance and took a victorious 1st step on your amateur journey.
Now the dust has settled and you’ve had time to reflect on your bout with Forge MMA’s Liam Mamo in London, what did you take from your first competitive outing?
“I Learned that this is my life, this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life. This was a test of my character as it was my debut. I didn’t know how I would react to the crowd fighting In front of people but felt like I was at home.”
As previously stated, you were but one of many London Shootfighters on the explosive card. Other than your inclusion on the night, was there a particular fight of one of your teammates or any of the other participant’s bouts you enjoyed witnessing?
“To be honest, I didn’t really get to see my teammates’ fights but I heard good things from all.”
Many amateurs such as yourself, stretch their careers across many different organisations in their quest for Cage time, some stick to the same organisation in the hope to claim gold in their respective weight classes.
Will the fans of Fightstar be blessed with your presence in the not-so-distant future or have you got your sights set further afield?
“Most definitely, they will see me again very soon.”
I wish you all the best for your fight career Imran, and I look forward to possibly catching you out there again.
Last but not least do you have a message for our readers and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“I would like to give a huge shout-out to my coaches, Alexis and Paul. And all my teammates that helped me with camp. Marawan, Max, Karson and Felix. And all the guys at shoot, huge shout-out, couldn’t ask for a better team.”
Images by Mike Ruane Photography
Subscribe
