“Milad Abedini: A Rising Star Fighter’s Journey from the Ring to Hollywood” — Exclusive Interview with Marco Derhy
As part of our “Inspiring Successful Stories” series, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Milad Abedini — a warrior in every sense of the word. From stepping into the ring at just nine years old to becoming a world-class martial artist, Milad’s journey is one of resilience, discipline, and relentless ambition. Having fought and trained globally, he has mastered multiple combat disciplines, competed at the highest levels, and now brings his expertise to Hollywood as a fight coordinator. In this interview, Milad shares his incredible journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his vision for the future. Come along with us as we step into the mind of a true fighter.
Milad, your journey began when you were just nine years old and stepped into the martial arts world. Competing against a sixteen-year-old opponent in your first kickboxing match must have been intense. Can you take us back to that moment? What was going through your mind?
Absolutely. I was just a kid, stepping into the ring against someone seven years older than me, and I could feel the weight of that moment. But I wasn’t afraid — I was excited. I had already fallen in love with the art of fighting, and I knew this was just the beginning. My only thought was: “I have to prove I belong here.” That fight was tough, but it taught me resilience. It wasn’t just about technique but mindset, discipline, and heart.
You spent years competing across Iran, fighting almost every week and winning national championships. What was your biggest lesson from those early years in your fighting career?
The biggest lesson I learned was that consistency beats everything. Although I wasn’t the biggest, strongest, or fastest, I trained relentlessly. Fighting every week gave me an edge that most fighters don’t get—I had to adapt constantly, recover quickly, and sharpen my skills nonstop. Fighting also taught me that fighting isn’t just physical; mental toughness and strategy separate the good from the great.
Representing Iran on the world stage, you’ve competed in Germany, Thailand, Dubai, and many other countries. Which international fight stands out to you the most, and why?
One fight that stands out is my competition in Thailand, the home of Muay Thai. Fighting in Thailand is different—the energy, the skill, and the atmosphere. I was facing a local Thai champion and knew I was stepping into his world. It was a battle of wills, and I walked away with a hard-fought victory. That fight validated my journey—not just as a fighter but as someone who could compete with the best on their own turf.
You’ve trained in multiple disciplines — Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. What about these different styles attracted you, and how has cross-training shaped your fighting approach?
Each discipline has something unique. Kickboxing gave me speed and footwork. Muay Thai taught me to break people down with relentless knees, elbows, and clinch work. MMA forced me to become adaptable and well-rounded. I never wanted to be just “good” in one area — I wanted to be a complete fighter. Cross-training helped me build an unpredictable style that could adjust to any opponent.
Martial arts is often more than just competition — it’s a mindset. You mentioned that fighting shaped you beyond the ring. How has your fighter’s mentality influenced other aspects of your life?
Fighting teaches you that pain is temporary, but discipline is forever. Whether in business, personal life, or training others, I carry the same mindset: Stay focused, push through adversity, and never back down. Every challenge I face, I treat it like a fight — I prepare, I execute, and I don’t let setbacks stop me. That mentality has allowed me to transition into new opportunities, from coaching to acting, without fear.
Opening your gym is a significant step, not just as a fighter but as a mentor. What inspired you to create this space, and what do you hope to pass on to the next generation of fighters?
I’ve always wanted to give back to the next generation. When I was growing up, I had to fight, travel, and train without the best resources. Now, I want to create a space where fighters get elite coaching, real opportunities, and a family to support them. My goal is to build warriors—not just physically but mentally. I want them to leave my gym knowing they can dominate inside and outside the ring.
Partnering with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Rigan Machado at The Academy in Beverly Hills is an incredible achievement. What has it been like working alongside such a respected figure in the martial arts world?
Working with Master Rigan Machado is an honor. He’s a living legend in Jiu-Jitsu, and his knowledge of the game is unparalleled. What I admire most about him is his dedication to teaching and evolving the sport. At The Academy, I get to combine my striking expertise with his grappling mastery, and that blend of disciplines creates something truly special.
The Academy is known for training Hollywood’s biggest stars for action roles. How does training actors for fight scenes differ from preparing professional fighters for real competition?
It’s an entirely different game. Fighters train for efficiency and impact—every strike is meant to hurt and finish an opponent. On the other hand, actors are all about selling the movement on camera—how to throw a punch that looks deadly but is entirely safe. My job is to make them look like real fighters while keeping their movements fluid and cinematic.
You’re now stepping into Hollywood, bringing real combat experience to action films. What excites you most about this transition, and what unique elements do you think you bring to the industry?
I am excited to bring real martial arts to Hollywood. I want to create authentic, fast-paced, and raw fight choreography. Too often, action movies focus on flashy, unrealistic fights. I want to change that by bringing real combat principles to the screen. My experience as a world champion allows me to create fight scenes that feel real and hit hard.
Can you tell us about your journey back from exile to Hollywood?
In 2012, I was in America, studying acting, training as a fighter, and building my future. But everything changed in a moment. A simple weekend trip to Mexico with other students turned into a nightmare — I was stopped at the border, and even though I wasn’t illegal, an officer decided to send me back. Just like that, I was ripped away from the life I was building. Instead of returning to America, I was deported straight to Iran. From that moment, my life took a wild turn. I had to survive. I found myself in Russia, away from the world of fighting and films. I started a business exporting food using my connections, but Russia came with its own dangers. The mafia kidnaped me — held me against my will, not knowing if I’d make it out. The police finally released me, but it was clear: I had to get out. From Russia, I went to Istanbul, Turkey, to do business with government ministers, then to London, where I lived for three years. I was successful and building something, but my heart was never in business. My heart was always in Hollywood and fighting. I moved to Dubai, where I had everything — success, money, and opportunity. But it still wasn’t enough. No matter how much I built, there was always one thing missing: my dream. So I took my chance. I tried again. I fought my way back. And after multiple attempts, I finally returned to America. It wasn’t easy, but I was meant to be here. Every challenge, every risk, every moment of survival was pushing me back to where I belonged. Now, I’m here — to fight, act, and make my mark. The journey wasn’t just about getting back to America. It was about proving that I belong here. And I do.
Is there a specific actor or director you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Definitely Christopher Nolan — his attention to detail is insane, and his fight scenes are always high-stakes. I’d also love to work with Keanu Reeves on something like John Wick or a new martial arts thriller. However, Al Pacino is my all-time favorite actor. I hope I can meet him someday in this lifetime.
Looking back at your journey — from a young boy in Iran to an international fighter and now a Hollywood fight coordinator — what advice would you give to aspiring martial artists chasing their dreams?
Never wait for opportunities — create them. Work harder than everyone else, stay disciplined, and be relentless. No one believed I’d go from fighting in Iran to training Hollywood stars, but I made it happen through grit and passion.
Lastly, how can our readers follow your journey and stay updated on your latest projects?
You can follow me on Instagram for training, fight breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes content updates. Check out my Tiger Fit Fighter program if you want to train like a real martial artist.
Milad Abedini’s journey is proof that discipline, hard work, and passion can break any barrier. From the ring to the big screen, he continues to push the boundaries of combat sports and entertainment. Whether in the ring, the gym, or on the big screen, he continues to inspire and push the boundaries of combat sports and entertainment. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into his remarkable story — it’s been an absolute pleasure!
