[랭크5=고현 기자] Mixed martial arts is most commonly considered the toughest sport on the face of the planet. Yet Muay Thai champion Farida Okiko sees competing in the cage as a natural progression.

The 33-year-old striker from Germany won the 2018 Tiger Muay Thai tryouts and earned herself a year scholarship which has allowed her to elevate herself to another level over the past twelve months. She has spent her time wisely by taking advantage of all the facilities, coaching staff and training partners a world-class gym provides.

After an extensive Muay Thai and K-1 career with multiple titles throughout various promotions and stadiums, she has turned her attention to conquering the MMA world. Okiko will now put it all on the line when she makes her professional debut in Guangnan, China on April 26th.

In this interview, John Hyon Ko of Kumite TV spoke with Okiko about her transition to MMA, the benefits of winning the Tiger Muay Thai tryouts, coming out of retirement after a serious injury and more.

Notable excerpts from the interview:

John Hyon Ko: "Where were you living before you moved over [Phuket]?"

Farida Okiko: "Well, basically, on and off I been in Thailand for nine years. Most recently, I had actually quit fighting. About three years ago I had a really serious knee injury. I was barely able to walk so I decided to stop fighting. I had a few more fights actually, 2-3 more without any training cause it was too hard to train cause it hurt too much. I was going to cancel the fights but I just did it but it made the injury even worse. So I ended up stopping."

John Hyon Ko: "Do you see MMA as a natural progression for you?"

Farida Okiko: "I do, yeah. Well, for one, it became hard to find fights in Muay Thai. As your level gets higher, obviously the pool of fighters gets smaller. And around here, people know me and don't want to fight me. Let's say they don't want to risk losing. It's been hard to get fights around here and in China as well. So that is why I went on to fight in K-1 and now MMA."

John Hyon Ko: "With all the accomplishments you have in Muay Thai, are you jumping into MMA like, hey I am going to accomplish the same amount that I did in Muay Thai in MMA? Is that the mindset you have?"

Farida Okiko: "More, I actually believe, oddly enough from the very start. Before I even came to Thailand. Somehow I would be better in MMA than in Muay Thai."

For the audio version of the interview CLICK HERE or go to iTunes.

고현 기자 jhkmma@gmail.com