Moroccan fighter Snaar Mandar is considered one of the top female fighters in Africa. Mandar, 26, is ranked 109th pound-4-pound women fighter in the Middle East. The fighter has only been in one professionally fought fight and is set to face Ajiboye Theresa at the Monarch Championship. The fight is scheduled to take place at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria, on November 22.
We at Afrocombat.com caught up with Mandar at her fight camp to discuss her preparations for her upcoming fight and her next step after the battle.
How has your training camp been leading up to this fight? Have you focused on any specific technique?
My training camp has been going well, focusing heavily on physical and technical preparation. I’ve worked on my conditioning to stay fast and explosive while also improving my skills in striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. I’ve focused a lot on transitions between stand-up and ground games, distance management, and being unpredictable. After every session, I review my mistakes to improve the small details since those are often what make the biggest difference in a fight.
Without giving too much away, do you have a particular strategy or approach for your upcoming fight?
Without giving too much away, I have a strategy that combines constant pressure and adapting to what my opponent brings. I plan to be aggressive while staying smart with my attack and defence choices. My goal is to control the fight, no matter where it goes.
How do you mentally prepare for a fight? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?
To mentally prepare, I focus on visualisation and breathing. I take time to picture the fight, go through different scenarios, and stay calm under pressure. I also have rituals before each fight, like listening to motivational music and focusing on my strategy.
What do you see as your opponent’s (Ajiboye Theresa) strengths and weaknesses?
I believe my opponent’s main strength is her kickboxing. She’s very technical and quick with her kicks. However, I think her weakness lies in her wrestling.
How confident do you feel about this matchup, and what fuels that confidence?
I feel pretty confident going into this fight. My training camp has been intense, and I’ve worked hard to be ready. My confidence comes from my preparation and my ability to adapt to any situation. I’m prepared to give it my all and exploit any weaknesses in my opponent.
How do you plan to celebrate after the fight if you win?
If I win, I plan to celebrate with my loved ones and those who supported me throughout this camp. Maybe we’ll have a nice meal and some relaxation, but most of all, I’ll enjoy the victory before getting back to work for what’s next.
