I was on a path of self-destruction - Sevket Cerkez -

Sevket Cerkez is a professional Muay Thai fighter and former UK No.1, RFC World Champion, 5x RFC European Champion, and MTGP British Champion. Known as The Turkish Assassin, Sevket has built a reputation as a fierce competitor inside the ring.

But his journey hasn’t been easy. Sevket’s childhood was full of tragedy and hardship, and at one point, he was on a path of self-destruction. Muay Thai didn’t just shape his career—it may have saved his life.

I asked him what led him to fighting, the toughest battles he’s faced, and the sacrifices he’s made along the way. We break down his controversial fight in ONE Championship with Abdula Dayakaev, the mental and physical toll of being a fighter, and what keeps him pushing forward.

Beyond fighting, we talk about fatherhood, family, his approach to training, and whether he’d ever want his daughter to follow in his footsteps.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Coming up
02:15 - Intro
02:37 - The Turkish Assassin nickname
03:45 - Childhood and bumpy road to Muai Thai
14:05 - Why do you fight
15:44 - Car accident, knee injury
24:39 - Professional career and hardest fights
26:55 - Will to win and sacrifice
31:36 - Going through wins and losses
35:47 - Motivation to fight
37:29 - Coaching
39:00 - Muai Thai community in the UK vs Asia
42:00 - Can you spot a fighter
43:58 - Positive effect of martial arts
45:51 - Being a father
48:17 - Getting into ONE Championship
53:46 - Financial side of Muai Thai
55:43 - Fight with Abdula Dayakaev
1:05:37 - What's next?
1:06:57 - Entertainment and channeling violence
1:09:30 - Advice to your young self
1:10:45 - Advice to young fighters
1:11:51 - Honor
1:14:01 - Prediction for Beterbiev vs Bivol rematch
1:16:25 - Contact info / The End

This video contains footage from a ONE Championship fight, used under the principles of fair use for the purpose of commentary, analysis, and discussion. All rights to the original footage belong to ONE Championship. This content is intended to provide insight into the fight from the perspective of Sevket Cerkez, who participated in the match. If you would like to watch the full fight, please visit the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ruUKP43Pluk

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast