“You are the only one who faces it” - Elias Mahmoudi gets poetic, reflects on the brutal and lonely reality of the fight game

Many have talked about the teamwork and camaraderie every fighter has heading into fights, but Elias Mahmoudi knows the harsh reality of what it's like once a fighter is all alone between the ropes.

Mahmoudi is coming off a last-second knockout finish of Denis Puric in their high-stakes flyweight Muay Thai matchup at ONE Fight Night 26 this past weekend at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Taking to Instagram, Mahmoudi reflected on the difficult realities of what it means to be a fighter at the highest level of combat sports.

Elias Mahmoudi wrote:

"They talk to you about love, support, loyalty… But the reality? The real truth is that in the end, you are alone in the face of adversity. Friends leave, family can disappoint. When everything falls apart, you are the only one who faces it, who gets back up. It’s hard, it’s cruel, but it’s the most authentic lesson in life: no one is there for you except yourself."

Mahmoudi is one of the best strikers on the planet, and his body shot knockout of Puric gave him a substantial case to contend for the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title.

The 5-foot-10 striker jumped two places in the rankings and is now the third-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender behind former world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9, the ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion.

ONE Fight Night 26 is available on free replay to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Elias Mahmoudi calls out Rodtang for massive showdown

Elias Mahmoudi is gunning for the biggest possible fight the next time he steps between the ropes.

After claiming his third straight win at the expense of Denis Puric, Mahmoudi called out former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon for a possible collision in 2025.

Mahmoudi said in his in-ring interview with ONE Championship commentator Mitch Chilson:

"I want Rodtang. He's number one now, he's a big star, a big fighter in the world. He had a very close fight with Puric, I beat Puric with a knockout in the last round. So I think I can [put on] a very good show with Rodtang, what do you think? Let's go!"