What is like to be inside the mind of one of the most celebrated MMA coaches in history? We recently decided to go straight to the source for the answer: world-renowned Firas Zahabi. Firas is the head coach at the legendary Tristar Gym in Montreal, Quebec. Tristar is home to many internationally known, superstar prizefighters, including George St. Pierre, Rory MacDonald, Kenny Florian, Miguel Torres, and many others.
What makes coach Zahabi so unique is his innovative and forward-thinking approach to mixed martial arts. He separates emotions from in-depth analytics, and transforms the two into an integrated, strategic game plan that provides his trainees with the edge to be some of the world’s greatest MMA fighters.
Where did this approach originate? Zahabi is a modern renaissance man. In addition to his extensive career in MMA, he has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and has always considered practicing law. This background greatly influences his forward-thinking, innovative style of coaching.
We had the pleasure of sitting down and having a little fun with coach Zahabi in a quick Q&A. Let’s go one-on-one with Firas Zahabi:
What is your favorite food? And what's your favorite dish?
I love Hamburgers and French fries. I’m also a big fan of Mediterranean food!
Which city is your favorite to visit?
I’ve been going to Las Vegas for so many years that is now become like a second home to me.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love going to the movies and biking with the family.
Any tips for up and coming talent?
Keep training fun and positive. You’ll get there!
How often do you work out?
Five to seven days a week. I mix easier days with harder days and make sure to take a rest when I need it.
What are your fitness tips?
Make training a habit! Slow and steady wins the race.
How do you recover after a workout or strenuous activity?
Eat well and sleep well and of course I keep my muscles loose and healthy with the TimTam! Ok let's have a little fun...
Last song/album you were obsessed with, and had on repeat?
I love Pearl Jam and my favourite album would probably be No Code.
If there was a theme song for you life what would it be?
Lol, thats a tough one…Indifference by Pearl Jam.
What's the strangest thing a fan has done?
I had a fan write me a long letter and give me their passport as a gift.
Wow! That is a strange gift! lol.Do you have a celebrity crush? If so who's your celebrity crush?
My wife Melissa Zahabi.
If you weren't in MMA what would you be doing?
I think I would have become an entrepreneur.
Ok last question... Have you ever Googled yourself? And why?
Lol, yes I was just curious to see what comes up.
