Michael Aljarouj

When and why did you start training? I started training for fighting when I was 3 years old, so fighting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s not just a sport to me — it’s who I am. I grew up fighting, learning, competing, and pushing myself to become better. That’s why stepping into the UFC feels natural to me. I’ve been preparing for this my entire life.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting for the UFC means everything to me. It’s the result of years of sacrifice, discipline, and hard work. But I’m not here just to say I made it to the UFC — I’m here to prove that I belong at the highest level. I’ve worked too hard to stop here. I’m coming to make a statement, build my name, and become a champion.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Without any doubt Demetrious Johnson cause he’s the art in MMA 

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? I have 2 heroes. First, is my dad because he did and he’s doing everything he can so I can make it to the top. And 2 my trainer who without him even dreaming about making it into the MMA was impossible 

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I’ve been champion in all the major national promotions, everytime there is a promotion who is in the lead I’ll just go there and get the belt and defend the belt 

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career? My fifth’s pro fight I got knocked out cause I thought I was invincible as fighter and it took me a lot of work to be the fighter I am today 

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I want to use my platform to show people who are going through difficult times that they can overcome anything. I haven’t had an easy life. I experienced war in Syria, faced death at a very young age, and went through experiences that could have broken me, including being kidnapped and being stopped by ISIS, who gave me an ultimatum: either fight for them or be killed with my family. I want people who are struggling to see my journey and understand that their past does not have to define their future. No matter how difficult life gets, you can keep fighting, keep believing, and build something better for yourself. If my story can give even one person hope and the strength to keep going, then my platform has a real purpose. If you truly believe in something and give everything you have to achieve it, nothing can stop you. No matter how many obstacles you face, you can make it happen

Beyond money or a championship, what motivates you? Beyond championships and money, what motivates me is legacy. I want to be immortal through what I accomplish. One day, when my body is no longer here, I want my name to still be here forever. I want people to talk about MMA and immediately mention my name among the greatest. When you talk about basketball, you talk about Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. When you talk about football, you talk about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That’s the level of legacy I’m chasing. I don’t just want to have a career. I want to leave a mark on the sport that nobody can erase.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college for one year, where I studied computer science. One of my goals was to eventually earn a PhD in cybersecurity. Unfortunately, in France, it’s not easy to pursue a demanding academic career while also trying to become a professional fighter and chase big ambitions in MMA. At some point, I had to choose, and I chose MMA. But don’t worry — after my fighting career, I’ll go back to school. We’ll have a second Dr. in the family after my cousin, who recently became a medical doctor.

What was your job before you started fighting? I actually still work right now. I’m a security agent, and even during fight week, I’m still working. Fortunately, my workplace is right next to the hotel, so that makes things a lot easier for me. I’ve been balancing my job and my fighting career for a long time, and I’m proud of the fact that I’m still working while pursuing my dream in the UFC.

Favorite grappling technique: Foot Lock

Favorite Striking technique: Jab

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: Outside of fighting, I have a beautiful and lovely girlfriend, and we have two beautiful boys, Léandre, who is 2 years old, and Helios, who is 4 months old. We also have a dog named Guizmo, who is basically another member of the family. 

I love video games, especially Call of Duty: Warzone. I know it sounds a little weird that I escaped a war and one of my favorite video games is about war, but hey, what do you want me to say? haha It’s just a game

I also love basketball. My buddies and I play together pretty often whenever we get the chance.

I also love reading. I actually read quite a lot, and I have my coach to thank for that. When I left school, he told me, “You should never stop learning. Learn about everything, so if you’re sitting at a table and people are talking about things outside of sports, you won’t be the idiot in the room. You’re more than just an athlete.” That advice really stuck with me. I believe being a fighter doesn’t mean you should only know how to fight. I want to keep learning, stay curious, and be able to have meaningful conversations about things beyond sports.