My all time favorite fighter - well known as not just one of the best ever, but perhaps the most exciting stand up fighter to ever live - Mike Zambidis, announced on his website that he will retire after 2 more fights.
For those unfamiliar with the all time K-1 great, I decided to create a thread showcasing some gifs, videos, and information on a man every combat sports fan would LOVE! I have never met a person who has seen Mike and walked away disappointed.
First, I am gonna post his retirement letter. My Greek is good but not perfect so I will try to translate what he says with as much passion as he wrote it. Because it's one of the most real, heartfelt goodbyes I have ever seen. It's hard to translate the emotion into another language when you are not 100% fluent but I will try my best. His words here sum up how he was in the ring to me. Someone who always came forward and never gave up, not even once.
After this, you can check out some of the all time great moments of his career, which I'll post below. Highlights, gifs, fight videos and stories. This is a guy who Jack Slack and others ADORE - if you're familiar with him, you already know why.. and if not, you're about to find out!
Here's what Mike had to say:
::[ Ανακοίνωση Μιχάλη Ζαμπίδη | Iron Mike Zambidis ]::
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"I want to thank those have supported me, being by my side for all of these years with your love and encouragement.
After 24 years of fighting, it's time to retire after my final two fights. They will be held on May 9th in Cyprus, and my final fight will be in Athens in June.
I've had 177 fights, with 154 wins & 87 KOs. The experience, wisdom and risks taken in my championship kickboxing career are plenty - many of them priceless. I dared to learn and force myself to succeed in something most cannot do. I learn to use fear to motivate myself to victory. I learned that when I lose, it's only to come back stronger, more experienced and to fight for my dreams with a vengeance.
For me, my best defense is offense. I learned that I can fight with the best in the ring, regardless of size, strength or skill, that I can knock them out with the right training and strategy.
I've learned that with faith, belief, perseverance, discipline and love, that I can make any of my dreams come true. When one is truly motivated, there is no sacrifice in what we do - only joy in training and preparing for the fight.
The journey was very hard, but through repetition and training, fighting became instinct. I'm proud to say I was able to step in with the greatest fighters in the world. I'm proud of my 15 world titles. From my first fight I have always come out with the Greek flag on my chest, and the cross. I wanted to represent our culture, country, history and people with pride. I wanted to show the world what we stand for always.
I hope you can come and support me in my final 2 fights.
Respect
Mike Zambidis"
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Mike was the smallest fighter in K1 history, and yet was known for knocking out opponents cold who outweighed him by 40 lbs or more on a regular basis.. while being only 5'4". The only weaknesses of his career were reach and low kicks, due to his constant size disadvantage, as seen in his gutsy efforts against Buakaw (losing by decision).
Below, I'll post some of his career highlights, scattered with awesome gifs and videos that any fight fan must see. Not only is he one of the most powerful punchers of all time, he was incredibly creative - known for his wild combinations and flying knee knockouts. He's won 15 world kickboxing titles and is known to be one half (and the winner) of the universally recognized single greatest fight in K-1 MAX history - against Chahid El Hadj in 2010. More on that later!