In an exclusive interview with Atlantiku, Ramiz Brahimaj, an Albanian-American mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), shares his journey, struggles, and aspirations. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, with roots in Kosovo, Ramiz embodies the resilience and determination of his heritage, making him a formidable force in the octagon and an inspiring figure outside of it.
“My background, being Albanian and growing up in the Bronx, has had a profound influence on both my approach to mixed martial arts (MMA) and my outlook on life” Ramiz tells Atlantiku. The fighter speaks of the resilience inherited from Kosova, a land marked by strength in adversity, shaping his never-say-die attitude. “The struggles my family and ancestors faced have given me a drive to never give up, both inside and outside of the octagon.”
Ramiz’s upbringing in the Bronx, a melting pot of cultures and diversities, taught him open-mindedness and respect—qualities he takes into the cage. “I approach each fight with respect for my opponent’s skills and background, while also bringing my own unique style and strengths to the cage,” he shares, emphasizing the pride in his Albanian identity and his desire to represent his heritage with honor.
Reflecting on his MMA career, Ramiz considers his ability to overcome setbacks as his most significant achievement. “Overcoming injuries, tough losses, and personal obstacles have been defining moments that have made me stronger and more determined,” he says, acknowledging the personal growth and the strengthening of bonds with family and friends these challenges have fostered.
MMA’s demand for both physical and mental strength is met with Ramiz’s rigorous training regimen and his focus on mental preparation. “I’m in the gym six days a week, working on a mix of disciplines—boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu,” he explains, underlining the importance of visualization and mental conditioning. “Before a fight, I spend time visualizing myself in the octagon, going through different scenarios and seeing myself come out victorious.”
Looking forward to 2024, Ramiz sets his sights on climbing the welterweight rankings and facing top contenders. “I want to show everyone what I’m capable of and prove that I belong among the top fighters in the division,” he asserts, ready to take on anyone the UFC puts in front of him with the goal of breaking into the top rankings by the end of the year.
Beyond his achievements in the octagon, Ramiz aspires to leave a legacy of inspiration and empowerment, particularly for young Albanian-American athletes. “I hope young athletes carry this pride with them as they pursue their dreams, knowing that they are part of a community that supports and believes in them,” he passionately states. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience, encouraging the next generation to be role models and ambassadors for their community.
Ramiz Brahimaj’s story is one of unwavering determination, cultural pride, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply with the Albanian-American community, inspiring not just aspiring athletes but all who face challenges in pursuit of their dreams.
We at Atlantiku are proud to bring you this exclusive interview, sharing Ramiz’s journey and insights with our readers. For more stories that inspire and connect the Albanian-American community, follow us on Instagram @atlantiku.media. Join us in celebrating our heritage and the remarkable individuals who continue to make us proud.
For those who wish to delve further into the thoughts and experiences of Ramiz Brahimaj, we present the complete interview:
1. As an Albanian from Kosovo who was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, could you share how your unique background has influenced your approach to mixed martial arts and your outlook on life?
“My background, being Albanian and growing up in the Bronx, has had a profound influence on both my approach to mixed martial arts (MMA) and my outlook on life. Kosovo, a place with a history of resilience and strength, has instilled in me a deep sense of determination. The struggles my family and ancestors faced have given me a drive to never give up, both inside and outside of the octagon. This translates directly into my training and fighting mentality—I always strive to push myself to the limits and never back down from a challenge.
Growing up in the Bronx, surrounded by diversity and different cultures, has taught me to be open-minded and respectful of others. This has been invaluable in my MMA career, where I’ve faced opponents from all walks of life. I approach each fight with respect for my opponent’s skills and background, while also bringing my own unique style and strengths to the cage.
Moreover, being Albanian means carrying a strong sense of pride and identity. This pride fuels me to represent my heritage with honor every time I step into the octagon. I want to be a role model for young Albanians and show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
In terms of my outlook on life, my background has taught me the importance of family, community, and never forgetting where you come from. These values are the foundation of everything I do, whether it’s training for a fight or spending time with loved ones.”
2. Reflecting on your MMA career, what do you consider your most significant achievements so far, and how have these moments impacted your professional and personal growth?
“Throughout my career, I’ve had some memorable and exciting fights that I’m proud of. Whether it was a hard-fought battle that went the distance or a quick and decisive finish, each fight has been a learning experience and a chance to showcase my skills. Like any fighter, I’ve faced setbacks and challenges along the way. Overcoming injuries, tough losses, and personal obstacles have been defining moments that have made me stronger and more determined. On a personal level, these achievements have also been huge. They’ve shown me that hard work pays off, that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. They’ve also brought me closer to my family and friends, who have been there supporting me every step of the way.
So yeah, these moments, they’ve shaped me as a fighter and as a person. They’ve made me stronger, more determined, and more grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds, to keep chasing those big moments and making my mark in the world of MMA. I’m grateful for these moments, both the highs and the lows. They’ve made me a better fighter, a stronger person, and I’m excited to continue this journey, embracing every blessing and learning from every lesson along the way.”
3. MMA is a sport that demands both physical and mental strength. Can you describe your training regimen and how you prepare mentally for your fights?
“Absolutely, MMA is all about that balance of physical and mental strength. Here’s a glimpse into my training regimen and how I prepare mentally for my fights. Physically, my training is intense. I’m in the gym six days a week, working on a mix of disciplines—boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, you name it. Each day is focused on a different aspect of my game, whether it’s striking drills, grappling sessions, or conditioning work.
I also make sure to incorporate strength and conditioning into my routine. This includes weightlifting, cardio, and functional training to build overall athleticism and endurance. Recovery is just as important, so I prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and bodywork like massages and stretching. Mentally, I’m a big believer in visualization and mental conditioning. Before a fight, I spend time visualizing myself in the octagon, going through different scenarios and seeing myself come out victorious. This helps me build confidence and mentally prepare for whatever comes my way on fight night. Leading up to the fight, I surround myself with a strong support system—my coaches, training partners, and family. Their encouragement and belief in me fuel my motivation and help me stay mentally sharp.
When fight night arrives, I have a routine that helps me get in the zone. I listen to music that pumps me up, visualize success one last time, and remind myself of all the hard work I’ve put in. Once I step into that octagon, it’s all about staying present, focused, and adapting to the moment. MMA is unpredictable, so I stay mentally agile, ready to adjust my game plan if needed. Overall, my training regimen and mental preparation go hand in hand. It’s about pushing my body to its limits in the gym and then sharpening my mind to be resilient, focused, and confident when the cage door closes. That’s how I strive to be the best fighter I can be.”
4. Looking ahead, what are your primary goals and aspirations within the UFC for the year 2024? Are there any specific milestones or opponents you are aiming to confront?
“One of my primary goals is to climb up the welterweight rankings. I want to show everyone what I’m capable of and prove that I belong among the top fighters in the division. That means taking on tough opponents and racking up some impressive wins.
I’m also aiming to have an active year, stepping into the octagon multiple times if possible. Staying active not only keeps me sharp but also gives me the opportunity to showcase my skills and continue building momentum. As for specific milestones, I’d love to break into the top rankings by the end of the year. That’s a big goal of mine, and I know I have the talent and determination to make it happen. In terms of opponents, I’m ready to take on anyone the UFC puts in front of me. I want to face the best of the best, test myself against top contenders, and prove that I can hang with anyone in the division.
But at the end of the day, I’m focused on improving as a fighter and putting on exciting performances for the fans. So, in 2024, you can expect to see me chasing those rankings, taking on tough opponents, and making my mark in the welterweight division. I’m ready for whatever challenges come my way, and I’m determined to make this year a memorable one in my UFC career.”
5. As a successful Albanian-American athlete, you serve as a role model for many. What message or legacy do you hope to impart to young athletes, especially those from the Albanian-American community, who aspire to enter professional sports?
“To the young athletes, especially those from the Albanian-American community, who dream of pursuing a career in professional sports, I have a message of determination, pride, and resilience. First and foremost, I want to emphasize the importance of hard work and dedication. Success in sports, just like in any other endeavor, requires relentless effort and a willingness to push yourself beyond your limits. There will be obstacles along the way, but with unwavering determination, you can overcome them.
I also want to instill a sense of pride in our Albanian heritage. Our culture is rich with a history of strength, resilience, and passion. I hope young athletes carry this pride with them as they pursue their dreams, knowing that they are part of a community that supports and believes in them.
Resilience is another key lesson I hope to impart. In sports, as in life, there will be ups and downs. There will be wins and losses, moments of triumph and moments of defeat. It’s important to learn from every experience, to bounce back stronger from setbacks, and to never lose sight of your goals.
Lastly, I want to encourage young athletes to be role models and ambassadors for their community. As Albanian-Americans, we have the opportunity to inspire others with our achievements, to break barriers, and to pave the way for future generations.
My legacy, I hope, will be one of inspiration and empowerment. I want young athletes to look at my journey and see that with hard work, determination, and a strong sense of identity, anything is possible. Whether they aspire to be MMA fighters, basketball players, soccer stars, or anything else, I want them to know that their dreams are within reach.”
Above all, I hope to leave a legacy of pride in our Albanian heritage, a reminder that our roots give us strength, and a message that with passion and perseverance, we can achieve greatness.
