Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari is set to make his much-anticipated return to ONE Championship in a strawweight Muay Thai clash against Aliff Sor Dechapan. This exciting matchup will take place at ONE Fight Night 32: Rodrigues vs. Cohen on Prime Video, airing live in U.S. primetime on June 6. The event will be hosted at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, a venue renowned for its rich martial arts heritage.
Building on the success of his promotional debut last month, El Jamari is eager to demonstrate his fighting prowess. He aims not only to establish himself as a contender for the ONE Championship title but also to seek redemption for his older brother, Zakaria El Jamari, who suffered a knockout loss to Aliff in their previous encounter last year. El Jamari recently shared insights into his journey with ONE Championship, highlighting the strong family ties that have propelled him toward success.
Growing up in Morocco, El Jamari fondly recalls his close-knit family dynamics, saying, “I grew up in a typical Arab family. Like any traditional Arab family, we are all close, and as brothers, we always cared for and supported each other. My father, who passed away, was the breadwinner, while my mother is a housewife.” This supportive environment fostered a deep connection among the El Jamari siblings, with martial arts playing a pivotal role in their lives.
El Mehdi’s journey into martial arts began at an early age, guided by his two older brothers. Mohammad, the eldest, inspired both El Mehdi and Zakaria to enter the world of combat sports. He had initially trained in martial arts but had to stop due to an injury. El Mehdi explained how Mohammad significantly influenced their paths: “Mohammad had a huge impact on Zakaria and me. His influence is even bigger on Zakaria, as he took him first to martial arts classes. Then Zakaria influenced me and took me with him to the gym.”
El Jamari's formal training commenced when he was just eight years old, a passion ignited through informal training sessions with Zakaria. “I started Muay Thai training when I was eight years old," he shared, “and I instantly felt passionate about it. Zakaria first trained me at home.” His love for the sport grew, leading to a breakthrough moment during his first official training session. An intended day of observation turned into a remarkable start to his competitive career. He recalled, “When the coach went to the shower, Zakaria put the gloves on me, and I started sparring with the other eight-year-olds. When the coach came back and saw how strongly I was hitting back, he demanded that I come to training every day.”
El Jamari’s dedication to Muay Thai extended beyond mere sport; it became a lifeline that helped him navigate the challenges of adolescence. Growing up in a neighborhood plagued by crime and drug use, martial arts provided structure and direction. “Martial arts saved me from so many things,” El Jamari stated. He avoided the negative influences around him and channeled his energy into training, which laid the groundwork for his future success.
With more than 100 amateur fights under his belt, El Jamari quickly rose through the ranks, capturing various titles, including being a seven-time Moroccan Muay Thai Champion and a two-time African Champion. His transition to the professional arena came after he decided to focus on his fighting career full-time, pausing his academic pursuits in economics after one year of college.
His remarkable talent and hard work paved the way for his entry into ONE Championship in April. El Jamari's stunning debut showcased his skills, as he delivered a first-round knockout against Thai fan-favorite Thongpoon PK Saenchai at Lumpinee Stadium. Reflecting on this significant milestone, he stated, “The biggest moment of my career was my debut in ONE Championship… I always wanted to fight inside the Lumpinee Stadium.”
El Jamari's upcoming bout against Aliff Sor Dechapan not only holds personal stakes for him but also symbolizes a chance to elevate his career further. As he steps back into the iconic venue where he made his debut, the pressure of family pride and the excitement of competing in front of a passionate audience will be significant motivators. This fight is another chapter in “The Sniper”’s journey to become a world-class boxer and further establish his legacy in the sport of Muay Thai.
