- By Heather Cooperman
Mustafa Malik vs. MJ Holland
Left Hook Productions is on the cusp of running the 10th event in our two year history. We have had more than 200 competitors get in the ring, some will be happy to say “I got there and fought” and others hope to fullfill dreams of being a professional fighter. In an effort to grow awareness of the amateur ranks, with the help of Martial Arts Times, look for new bio’s and information about “The One’s to Watch”.
In Warriors Collide 7 MJ (Matt) Holland and Mustafa Malik went head to head. Mustafa ruined MJ’s debut, but they are two guys who you will see and hear about again in LHP events. Here is what you should know about: MJ Holland.
MJ trains under Kru Alan at both Fizogen in Wellington and Palm Beach Boxing. He’s spent the last year learning the art of Muay Thai and is a white belt in Jiu Jitsu. Though he lost by decision to Mustafa, he recently competed in Daytona and took home the W, making him currently 1-1. At just 20 years old, (he’ll be 21 on June 7 just in time for WC8) MJ is studying Civil Engineering at Florida Atlantic University. I know from having spent time with MJ that he is looking forward to having a long career with the opportunity to chase after a few belts!!
Do not be fooled by the youthful appearance or his wickedly friendly smile. Mustafa Malik, or should I say Officer Malik, will be the last one standing in any confrontation. At the just 23 years old, Malik is already securing his future in combat sports in the academy!
Holding on a record of 3-0, (2TKO’s) Mustafa is working himself towards an ISKA 159 pound title shot. Freddie Marfort and Mark Sinopoli have spent their time teaching, encouraging and pushing Mustafa’s Muay Thai training.
Being a police officer, Malik says; “fighter training is a huge benefit. Learning to read body language, being aware of my own body and learning to keep yourself calm under great pressure or crisis, much of that comes with training for a fight.”
I know if I am calling 911, I’ll put my request in for Officer Malik to show up on response!
Much like most of the kids who come through Left Hook events, Malik wants a shot at amateur MMA too. Actually he has quite an extensive list of goals, the biggest one is attempting to make the S.W.A.T. Team. Although the tryouts are held later this year, his friends and coworkers are confident that Mustafa will make the team. Should he accomplish this goal, he will be the youngest and smallest guy to make S.W.A.T.!! Did the state just get a little safer??
Since I have seen over 200 guys and gals getting ready at my events, I often watch to see if they have any superstitious or prefight rituals to get rid of those butterflies. Mustafa shared with me that just before he goes out to the ring, his “coach pops a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup in his mouth.” Going 3-0, I have the feeling this will be a continued ritual for him!
Next time you see the line up for a Back Alley Brawl or a Warriors Collide on www.lefthookpro.com blog page and you see Mustafa Malikon on the card, he says
“Come out to the fights. I know how to finish fights; how exciting the fights are, you will be hooked! Anyone watching and thinking they could get in the ring should do it, you’ll catch the bug.”
If you want to see Mustafa Malik’s fights check out this link:
http://24seven.smugmug.com/24SEVEN%20TV or search on you tube.
