SPORT IN THE CITY
AXEL SOLA , A RISING STAR OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
By Maurizio Abbati
Axel Sola is a gold medallist at the Amateur European championship and twice silver medallist at world level . This 24-year-old young man from Nice promises to stay on top of the charts for a long time . His body overflows with power and his engaging charisma conquers hearts , being considered one of the most awarded and talented challengers since 2017 . HelloMonaco was pleased to meet him at the World Class Gym where Axel trains regularly to keep fit .
Axel competing at the 2018 Second World Championship Final against Russia
© Axel Sola
HelloMonaco : Mr . Sola , how did you get into this sport ? Were you supported by your family or others ?
Axel Sola : Sport is my life . After completing my studies , I am currently focused on performance and rehabilitation from inju- ries within a targeted start-up . I have always been a sportsman trying different disciplines . I am fond of all those rather complex games which imply more uncertainty and the chance to overcome difficulties in different ways . When I started developing my skills , my parents began to understand this sport and accept my choice by supporting my decisions . Furthermore , my uncle had practiced some martial arts in the past and he encouraged me to join my first Club , the Boxing Squad in Nice when I was 15 years old . I still have great memories of that place .
: Which match do you consider the most memorable one ? Why ?
© Axel Sola
Axel Sola being awarded the golden medal by Bertrand Amoussou , President of the French MMA Commission , at the 2018 IMMAF European Open Championships
AS : I remember two challenges with pleasure . In the first one , I was attending the final of the MMA Amateurs World Championship in 2017 and , despite having lost the match , I was very satisfied with my performance since I invested all my strength in it . And that test actually launched my next career . Then , the 2019 European Championship was my second most important challenge . I had to face a really strong opponent fond of fighting and ground control . I was afraid enough but also happy to face him . He won the first round before I could finally get up ; the second round started just as the previous one but then I scored a little point on striking and I counter beat him with a solid defensive attack with knee blows
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