‘Something Is Missing In My Life’ – Marat Grigorian’s Quest For Love And ONE Championship Gold
Armenian striking machine Marat Grigorian has spent nearly the past two decades conquering his opponents, but there’s one challenge that has proven more elusive than any other fight: finding his soulmate.
The 34-year-old has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft, traveling the globe, and accumulating three World Titles along the way.
Yet as the Armenian superstar prepares to face former K-1 Champion Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16, he finds himself reflecting on what’s missing outside of the Circle.
It’s not loneliness that defines Grigorian – far from it. Rather, it’s the awareness of something yet to be discovered, a chapter waiting to be written beyond the bright lights and roaring crowds of ONE Championship.
A Fighter’s Solitary Journey
Grigorian’s life revolves around discipline, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a lifestyle that demands complete dedication, leaving little room for the kind of spontaneity that relationships often require.
Still, nestled in his big family home in Antwerp, Belgium, the two-time ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger finds himself pondering the path ahead.
Even though he is surrounded by the warmth of his family, there’s a space Grigorian is hoping to fill:
“In my private life, there’s nothing much, really. I am alone. I’ve already been alone for such a long time. I’m a single man, and that makes me really lonely.
“I’m always trying to find that someone special in my life, but it’s very difficult. Finding someone who can support you as a fighter, understand you, be behind you, and so on, it’s hard.”
The challenge isn’t unique to Grigorian. Professional fighters have unconventional lives. They often consist of grueling training schedules, strict diets, extended time away from home, and the physical toll of competition.
Finding a significant other who understands and embraces that lifestyle requires patience and, perhaps, perfect timing.
However, the Armenian has discovered something about himself through the years of solitude. His greatest performances often come when he’s completely focused, channeling everything into his craft without distraction.
He continued:
“I’m also at my strongest when I’m really alone. But there’s always that feeling of something just missing in my life. I already have all the love I need in my life. I have a loving family, sisters, three nephews, and I’m an uncle.
“But that feeling is always there when I see other families or all my friends who are already married and have children. That makes me feel like I’m even more lonely.”
Romance Beyond The Circle
For someone who has spent almost two decades in combat sports, Grigorian hasn’t lost touch with his softer side. Behind the devastating combinations and insane knockout power lies a man who appreciates simplicity and connection.
He doesn’t need grand gestures or complicated courtship. What he seeks is authentic compatibility and someone who sees beyond the fighter to the man eager to smell love in the air.
Grigorian said:
“I’d like to think I’m romantic enough. Sure, like fighting, there are a lot of ways to discover yourself out there. But, really, I’m an easygoing guy. Maybe I need to not have too many [factors involved] when I’m finding my partner.
“I’m a fighter. I love what I do, but the love always has to be there. It’s something that needs balance, you know? Because in my life, I’m just fighting, fighting, and fighting, always alone with my teammates.”
The equilibrium between professional obsession and personal fulfillment represents the holy grail for elite athletes. Too much of either isn’t ideal, after all.
Grigorian recognizes this tension, but he also acknowledges that he’d like to share his victories with someone who chooses to stand beside him through the preparation, the sacrifices, and the glory.
The Armenian kickboxing great added:
“When I go back, I’d love to have someone special to be beside. Of course, I’m not complaining because right now my entire family is always behind me. But it’ll be nice to have someone special in life. That is what I’m missing now.”
Family Expectations And Legacy
The pressure to find the love of his life doesn’t come solely from within.
His mother and father have supported their only son’s journey in the kickboxing realm unconditionally, but they’re also thinking about the bigger picture: grandchildren, legacy, and the continuation of the Grigorian name.
It’s a conversation that happens with increasing frequency, delivered with affection but tinged with gentle urgency.
Grigorian revealed:
“My parents are very supportive, as they have always been. But, with me being the only son, they are always saying, ‘Hey, focus on family, too! It’s time for a family.’ And my dad is always like, ‘I want to see your children.'”
At 34, the Hemmers Gym representative understands his parents’ perspective.
They’ve watched him chase World Championship gold across continents. They’ve celebrated victories and consoled their son when he suffered defeats. Now, they’re hoping to witness a different kind of victory – the building of his own family.
It’s not an ultimatum, just the natural evolution of parental concern. And Grigorian hears them. He just hasn’t found the right person yet.
He shared:
“While they are still happy to see me fight, I think I can understand their concern. I’m already at that age. I’m their only son, and in tradition, it’s always important that you have a son who keeps the family name. It must always go on and on. The Grigorian legacy.”
Championship Dreams Remain The Priority
For all the reflection on relationships and family, Grigorian hasn’t lost sight of what drove him to this point. His career remains his primary focus, and there’s still unfinished business inside the Circle.
Despite his decorated resume, one prize has eluded him – ONE Championship gold. That 26 pounds of featherweight kickboxing glory represents the pinnacle he’s been climbing toward, and he’s not about to let romantic pursuits distract him from that mission.
The Armenian veteran said:
“The focus is always on my career. I’m 100 percent dedicated and still very disciplined in my fighting life. But I hope one day, of course, that I will wake up and see a good woman that I can share everything with.”
Perhaps his upcoming battle at ONE 173 in Tokyo, Japan, could serve as a turning point.
An impressive triumph over Anpo would position Grigorian for another shot against the winner of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title unification main event showdown between divisional king Superbon and interim champ Masaaki Noiri.
While at that, the Armenian maintains hope that somewhere down the line, he’ll find someone walking beside him – sharing the laughter, the tears, and building a life beyond the Circle.
Grigorian concluded:
“The fans will see a new version of Marat Grigorian in Japan. I’m ready to perform at my best, and, hopefully, get another shot at my goal: the ONE belt.
“Maybe after I get the title, God could answer my prayers and help me find the perfect woman for my life.”
