Tarik Khbabez's Goal In China: 'I Need To Win, I Need To Dominate'

Tarik “The Tank” Khbabez will not let anybody stand in his way on his road to ONE Super Series gold.

The Dutch-Moroccan knockout artist will return to action against Anderson “Braddock” Silva at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST, and he hopes this match will be the final hurdle he has to overcome before he can compete for the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title.

However, the 27-year-old will not hold back just because a belt is not on the line on Saturday, 15 June at the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai, China.

“I am very disappointed I didn’t get [the World Title shot already], I always give 1000 percent for ONE Championship, but for me, every fight is a World Title fight,” he says.

“I need to win every fight, I need to dominate, and show the world who I am. I am Tarik – dominating each and every opponent they put in front of me.”

“The Tank” is coming off his third straight victory in the ONE kickboxing ranks – he defeated Andrei “Mister KO” Stoica via decision after three thrilling rounds at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR in March.

That win added to his promotional debut TKO win over Alain Ngalani, and subsequent TKO over his countryman Ibrahim “Mr. Cool” El Bouni.

If Khbabez can keep his streak alive and impress the fans in a new venue against an elite adversary, his ticket to the greatest prize in martial arts could be there for the taking.

“I feel good about [my last victory]. I have shown the people all around the world that I’m a fighter and always perform on the highest level,” he states.

“I have never been to Shanghai, and I’m looking forward to it. I am curious about the people there, and I am willing to let them get to know ‘The Tank.’”

Silva burst into the ONE ranks with a spectacular first-round knockout of Andre “The Giant” Meunier at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR in April. However, the ARJ Trainingen man does not believe that the Brazilian can usurp him as the division’s frontrunner.

“I know him from [his matches in Europe], but he had his time. Now it’s my time,” asserts Khbabez.

“I have seen the fight [with Meunier], but he is not on my level, so this ‘big finish’ of his is rather amateurish.”

“The Tank’s” Brazilian rival is an accomplished kickboxing veteran with experience at the highest level over many years, but the two-time SUPERKOMBAT Heavyweight World Champion is not concerned about that.

Until he gets in the ring, his focus is only on himself in the gym. He does not concern himself with each opponent – he simply sees them as an obstacle in his way, and he will not allow any man to force him off track.

If he can continue his recent run of form, expect “The Tank” to attack Silva the only way he knows how – by plowing through him in one direction, and at full-throttle.

“I have no idea [about the threat he poses]. That’s not up to me to know. My trainer does the research and comes up with a game plan. We shall see on 15 June what kind of weakness he has,” he adds.

“I see every opponent the same because they want to take my place, and this is my living.

“I will bring my fighter’s heart to Shanghai, and I am ready to bring war! Like every fight, I will go for the knockout.”