Cocky Journalist Gets Humbled by GLORY Kickboxing Heavyweight Cihad Kepenek

Last night in Phuket, Thailand, I stepped into the ring with GLORY Kickboxing heavyweight Cihad Kepenek — one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world — and things got real, fast. We sparred two intense rounds, and I’m sharing one of them right here. It was technical, powerful, and humbling. Cihad Kepenek, known for his explosive power and elite striking, has shared the ring with names like Nordin Mahieddine and Sofian Laïdouni, and now I got a firsthand taste of what world-class kickboxing really feels like. In this video, you’ll see me working the heavy bag before the sparring footage and then reflecting afterward — breaking down the session, the lessons, and why I do this. For me, being a journalist isn’t just about asking questions — it’s about living the sport. I don’t want to be the typical “guy with a microphone.” I want to be a man who trains daily in Muay Thai, who knows what it means to get hit, to push, to stay sharp both mentally and physically. I want to break the stereotype of the weak journalist — to prove that you can be both analytical and strong, disciplined and dangerous, a journalist and a fighter. In this video, I also ask you — the viewers — who you’d like to see me spar next: • Ismael Lazaar, Moroccan heavyweight who once fought Rico Verhoeven in GLORY, or • Samet Agdeve, the Turkish powerhouse preparing to face Roman Kryklia at ONE Championship. Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell me who you want to see next. Every sparring session, every round, every bruise is part of this journey — to become not just a journalist, but a real man, capable of fighting and standing strong. 🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive content from Thailand — sparring sessions, fight analysis, fighter interviews, and real-life stories from the world of combat sports. #turkey #fighter #champion #kickboxer #sparring #knockout #journalist #humble