Setbacks lead to comeback
Tyjani Beztati started kickboxing at a young age. He has been in the gym since he was ten, determined to make his dreams come true. But the way to the top was anything but easy.
While preparing for his third world title fight, his mother developed breast cancer. While he trained daily, he took her to the hospital for treatments. It was a period of worry, in which sport and family were intensely intertwined. Nevertheless, this was the first world title he won.
In addition, he had the chance to become world champion twice before — but both times he lost. For a young fighter of twenty years old, who was already at the absolute top of the world, these were tough blows. “You can touch it but you can't touch it yet,” he says about it himself. But it was those losses that gave him the experience and drive he needed. At his third chance, it worked — and he became world champion.
Fortitude and discipline
The lessons that Tyjani takes away from that period are clear: never give up, stand firm and keep going consistently. “Keep believing in yourself, even when the situation is uncomfortable. Make it difficult for yourself so that you become stronger.”
For him, mentality is more important than talent. “When talent isn't working hard, someone with discipline and the right mentality will catch up with you. Motivation is nice, but discipline is what you persevere when you don't feel like it.
That mentality helped him not only to multiple world titles, but also to move to MMA. For Tyjani, the journey is at least as important as the destination: keep growing, learning, and coming back stronger after every setback.
Rise, rebuild and return stronger!
For Tyjani, Returning Citizens' slogan — rise, rebuild and return stronger — feels like a summary of his own story. His comeback is a symbol of perseverance, faith in yourself and taking advantage of every opportunity you get.
His message to people who are at a low point themselves is clear: “Try to turn a negative situation into something positive. Keep believing that things will work out and keep working consistently to become a better version of yourself.”
Dreams and Inspiration
For the future, Tyjani dreams of growing as an entrepreneur and a person in addition to his kickboxing and MMA career. He wants to show that success goes beyond titles — it's about who you are and what you mean to those around you.
Looking back, he wouldn't want to give advice to his younger self. “It's good to make mistakes, to get hit and learn from them. Every success comes with bumps, nothing goes up in a straight line.”
A mirror for everyone
Tyjani Beztati's story shows that a comeback does not come naturally, but comes from discipline, resilience and perseverance. His journey is a mirror for everyone who faces setbacks: don't give up, keep working, and believe in the power of your own comeback.
Follow the journey, become part of Returning Citizens, and help create comebacks that matter.
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