Dr. Souhil Tahiri has spent his life defying the odds.
Despite struggling academically as a child, he later earned a PhD in mathematics.
And though he never planned to become a professional fighter, the French-Algerian is now preparing for the lightweight semi-finals of the PFL MENA tournament on September 20.
In an interview with Tim Wheaton of LowKickMMA, Dr. Tahiri explained how his journey into MMA was rather unexpected:
I just wanted to quit smoking and get in better shape. I’d never done combat sports or any sports before that.
My main goal was to quit smoking and maybe get some abs or something basic like that.
A lot of people were telling him that combat sports aren’t for him at all.
But that only fueled his drive:
Everybody kept telling me that it was too late to do combat sports or boxing, that I needed to focus on studying.
Dr. Tahiri believes that whether in the classroom or the cage, one should always strive to be their best:
Don’t set limits on yourself.
If you have goals, believe in them and work for them.
Maybe you’ll get results, maybe not, but you’ll always benefit in some way.
Tahiri’s persistence paid off. He continued training despite setbacks, and today he stands as a PFL MENA semi-finalist, with his PhD in hand:
I failed many exams and lost many fights, but I kept showing up no matter what.
Alhamdulillah, now I’m in the PFL, I have my PhD, and I have a job.
So, yeah, things are going well.
Watch him roll with Craig Jones as well:
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
