Ramiz Brahimaj finds solace in the solitude of his car, parked in a secluded area, where he can freely express his emotions without fear of being overheard. “It’s like revisiting a nightmare that I’ve somehow survived,” he shares with a heavy Bronx accent, emphasizing the intensity of his journey. “It’s been an unbelievably tough ride, but here I am—alive, like the Morning Star, ready to seize every moment.”
A New Battle Emerges
Brahimaj's last UFC fight was on February 26, 2022, where he triumphed with a first-round rear-naked choke against Micheal Gillmore, balancing his UFC record at 2-2. A severe cut during training forced him out of a high-profile fight at UFC 277, intensifying his determination to recover and return stronger.
His preparation for a comeback fight against Carlston Harris in mid-February revealed his peak physical condition—until a sudden, intense pain changed everything.
“It was a pain I’d never felt before,” Brahimaj recounts, his optimism faltering as he recalls the struggle. Despite excruciating discomfort and a significant shoulder injury that hindered his training, he resisted doctors' urgent recommendations for spinal fusion surgery, fearing it would end his fighting career prematurely.
Confronting the Pain
As the pain persisted and treatments like trigger-point injections only provided temporary relief, Brahimaj faced a stark reality. The potential end of his career loomed, challenging his identity and resilience. “I've always needed to be strong—for myself and for my family. Feeling powerless was devastating,” he admits, revealing the emotional and physical toll of his condition.
Overcoming the Odds
Rejecting surgery, Brahimaj sought alternative treatments, slowly making progress with the support of his mother and his team. He continued to support his teammates and maintain his presence in the gym, drawing strength from the community and his role as a mentor.
Return to the Octagon
Now, as he prepares for his fight against Themba Gorimbo, Brahimaj reflects on his journey with a renewed appreciation for his career and health. “This entire ordeal was a reality check that made me love and miss fighting so much,” he shares, determined to make the most of his return to the sport.
Brahimaj's story is about battling through life's most challenging moments. It’s a testament to his unyielding spirit and the profound realization that vulnerability and resilience can coexist, inspiring others facing their battles.
As he looks forward to his upcoming fight, it's clear that for Brahimaj, the greatest victory is already his—the strength to continue and the chance to fight another day.