‘Just To See The World’ – Ramadan Ondash’s Wanderlust Takes Him To Faraway Horizons
The youngest of eight children, Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash grew up in a lively Beirut household where he was rarely short of company. Now 20, the Lebanese Muay Thai sensation is discovering a much bigger world beyond his family home — one country, one adventure, and one passport stamp at a time.
His journey has taken him from the familiar streets of Beirut to distant corners of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with Muay Thai opening doors to a life he could once only imagine.
But before he can pack his bags for another adventure, the Lebanese knockout artist must first face Japanese standout Shimon Yoshinari in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinals at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13, live on live.onefc.com in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
And while the prestigious tournament could bring Ondash closer to World Championship glory, the young firebrand is equally excited about the adventures awaiting him beyond the ring, from sun-drenched beaches to snowy mountains and everything in between.
From A Full House In Beirut To A World Of Possibilities
Ondash grew up in a lively family where martial arts was part of everyday life. His father was a wrestler, while several of his older brothers went on to pursue Muay Thai professionally.
A decorated IFMA youth champion and multiple-time Arab junior champion, Ondash has been competing internationally and collecting accolades since childhood. Now showcasing his talents in the world’s largest martial arts organization, the Lebanese star continues to broaden his horizons, with Muay Thai taking him far beyond the four corners of the ring.
And when he isn’t throwing punches or sharpening his skills, he prefers finding other ways to enjoy his youth.
He told onefc.com:
“I like football and jet skiing. I like playing games with my friends.
“I also like traveling, going to different places as tourists. I like going with my friends just to see the world.”
The Middle East’s desert heat, Europe’s centuries-old cities, and Southeast Asia’s tropical climate offer vastly different experiences for someone accustomed to life in Lebanon. Each destination promises unfamiliar sights, different cultures, and another opportunity to discover what lies beyond home.
Ondash has already crossed numerous international borders, and recalling those adventures brings out the enthusiasm of a young man who has developed a serious appetite for exploration.
He said:
“I’ve been to so many places: Germany, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand 17 times, Spain, France, Switzerland, Sweden.
“I’ve been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”
Chasing Sunshine And Snow-Covered Mountains
The Mediterranean coastline offers plenty of sunshine, but the world beyond Lebanon presents an endless variety of landscapes.
From the turquoise waters and picturesque beaches of southern Europe to the rugged mountain ranges of the Caucasus, there’s no shortage of scenery to capture a young traveler’s imagination.
For Ondash, the contrast between these environments is part of the attraction. He doesn’t necessarily want every holiday to look or feel like the last one.
He said:
“I like the beach. For me, I like the sun.
“I plan to go to Georgia. And when I go to Georgia, I want to see the mountains. The real mountains. I like to see how different they are.”
With winter approaching, the Lebanese sensation has begun looking toward his next adventure.
While many tourists chase warmer weather as temperatures drop, Ondash is drawn to a region where snow blankets mountain peaks and winter sports attract visitors from around the world.
The planned getaway would also be a welcome reward following his November assignment against Shimon, giving him something exciting to anticipate once his immediate fighting commitments are complete.
He said:
“This year, after my fight, around Christmas, we want to go to Georgia for five days and Armenia for three days.
“My friend has been to Georgia before. He told me Georgia is very beautiful. He said we should all go together.”
Good Company Makes Every Journey Better
Traveling can mean different things to different people. Some chase famous landmarks, others seek adventure, and many simply want to escape the responsibilities of everyday life.
Ondash seems happiest when he can combine those experiences with good company.
He said:
“I have one or two close friends who are like brothers to me. When we travel, we’re usually a group of five or six.”
There’s also a quieter side to his adventures that contrasts with his aggressive fighting persona.
The same athlete who enjoys marching forward and trading heavy blows inside the ring is perfectly content wandering through unfamiliar streets, stopping at cafes, and discovering new surroundings.
His phone camera rarely stays idle, either. Every unfamiliar destination offers another opportunity to capture moments that can be revisited long after the journey ends.
Ondash said:
“I like taking pictures and videos. I like traveling with my friends. We go as a group and have fun together.”
A Passport Full Of Memories And A Chance To Recharge
Professional fighting demands a particular kind of discipline. Training sessions dictate daily schedules, upcoming opponents require careful preparation, and the pursuit of improvement rarely allows much room for distractions.
For Ondash, whose life has revolved around Muay Thai since early childhood, those responsibilities have become second nature.
But his enthusiasm for traveling shows that he understands the importance of enjoying the rewards of his hard work, especially during the precious weeks between major competitions.
He said:
“I like to relax a little bit because I’m always training hard, fighting, and working. You need to rest a little bit.
“I like to go and experience things. I like traveling alone and with my friends. I’ve never traveled alone before, but I want to do it in December.”
With so much of Europe and the Middle East already familiar, Southeast Asia continues to offer plenty of unexplored possibilities for Ondash.
One particular Indonesian island has caught his attention. Its lush landscapes, tropical beaches, and reputation as a holiday paradise have made it a favorite among international travelers, including some of the Lebanese star’s friends.
He said:
“Bali! I want to go to Bali, I swear. I’ve seen my friends go to Bali. It’s very beautiful.”
