Zlatan Ibrahimovic- it’s a synonym of ‘longevity’ in the soccer fraternity. Zlatan has been one of the best players over the last ten years. He has come out on top for more than six different clubs in four unique nations. The Swedish International has above 400 goals added to his repertoire. Football fans all over the world will know about him, and they are knowledgeable about his accomplishments.
However, apart from soccer, Zlatan has a keen interest in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He is no more peculiar to fancy, martial arts-style goals and kicks that appear to be extracted directly from Shaolin Soccer. His noteworthy overhead kick for Sweden against England in 2012 is an example. His ‘Kung Fu Volley’ for PSG against Monaco in 2014 is a testament to his MMA skills.
When Zlatan knows more about MMA than your so called MMA experts
by inufc
According to Tony Strudwick, Manchester United’s Head of Performance who has seen Zlatan play and fight up close and personal has said that “Zlatan is very strong on mixed martial arts – you certainly wouldn’t want to take him on.”
As it happened, Tony introduced Taekwondo to the group at pretty much a similar time as Zlatan joined the group. He was clearly stunned to see Zlatan’s proficiency with the footballer was very nearly a preferable contender over he was! To such an extent that he needed to get Andrew Deer, a previous European Title Taekwondo bronze medalist to teach the group kicks, hops, and twists.
🗣 “I respect Zlatan and his positive-winning-mentality mindset, but let’s get this straight: there is only one Conor McGregor! Zlatan Ibrahimović is trying to be the Conor McGregor of football – good luck to him.”
– Conor McGregor. pic.twitter.com/e9L0yRXzWP
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 19, 2019
Zlatan has been spotted with many MMA athletes in the recent past. He met with Khamzat Chimaev, and both athletes even trained together. Zlatan was also invited by Conor Mcgregor to train with him. The Irishman applauded Zlatan’s ‘positive-winning-mentality mindset’.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a blackbelt in Taekwondo; a master of the Martial Arts
Soccer fans all over the world are well-acquainted with Zlatan’s acrobatic kicks and finishes. Nonetheless, what many individuals may not know is that Zlatan is, as a matter of fact, a black belt in Taekwondo. As it is turning out to be more notable, individuals are guessing that it could be down to his martial arts training that he is so centered and capable around the pitch.
Remaining at six foot five inches, the towering Swede is surely a great actual example. A background in martial arts is in many cases raised as one reason for the striker’s novel physicality, as well as his perseverance through wellness.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic at 17 years old receiving his taekwando black belt.
He’s said that martial arts has helped him in football and with some of his craziest goals. pic.twitter.com/JKzd0efg95
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) November 23, 2020
Zlatan was granted an honourary taekwondo black belt in 2010 during his most memorable spell at AC Milan. The belt was introduced to Ibrahimovic by Mauro Sarmiento, a martial artist who won a silver medal for Italy at the 2008 Olympics, in acknowledgment of the Swede’s advancement of the discipline.
While an honourary black belt is a gift, most would agree that Ibrahimovic’s capacity is veritable. According to the Daily Telegraph, he originally procured a dark belt at 17 years old. Indeed, the former AC Milan man has referred to the fact that he has a black belt on a number of occasions over the years. It is something that has figured prominently throughout his career.