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Kickboxing champion reportedly set to follow UFC stars Adesanya & Pereira to MMA

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 21:04 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Tyjani Beztati: From Dutch Glory to UFC‑inspired Social‑Media Sensation

When a young man from the Dutch suburb of Zeist steps into a ring, his gloves are as much a statement of personality as they are a tool of trade. Tyjani Beztati, the 25‑year‑old kick‑boxing prodigy, has turned that statement into a brand that stretches far beyond the squared circle. In the past few months his following has exploded, and for good reason: the Dutch superstar’s feed is a shrine to two of the sport’s biggest names—Israel Adesanya and Anderson “The Spider” Pereira. Behind the glossy Instagram posts and fan‑centric tweets, a broader story is unfolding: a cross‑disciplinary conversation between two combat sports, and a generation of fans who no longer see a hard‑knocking bout as the end of the story.

The Rise of a Kick‑boxing Star

Beztati’s journey began in the local gyms of Zeist, where he trained in both Muay Thai and kick‑boxing. He quickly moved up through the ranks, and by 2020 he had signed with Glory, the world’s premier kick‑boxing promotion. His record—26 wins, no losses, and a string of knockout victories—has made him a darling of the sport. Notably, he captured the Glory Lightweight Championship in 2022, a milestone that cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

The Dutch fighter has used his platform to reach a massive audience. As of September 2024, his Instagram account boasts 1.1 million followers, while his TikTok following surpasses 900,000. “I grew up watching the same fighters on TV as my friends, so it felt natural to follow them,” Beztati says in an interview with FightNews Weekly. “I didn’t see my future as a UFC fighter, but I do feel a strong connection to the community.”

A Fan’s Journey Through the UFC

Beztati’s social media feed is a veritable gallery of UFC moments. From the 2019 rematch of Adesanya vs. Volkanovski to the 2022 “Boketo” clash, his commentary reflects a deep understanding of the sport’s nuances. The 2023 bout between Adesanya and Pereira at UFC 281, in particular, has become a defining moment for the young kick‑boxer. He streamed the fight in full on his Twitch channel, where his chat grew to over 5,000 active participants—many of whom were watching for the first time.

“Israel’s fight IQ is something I’ve admired from a very young age,” Beztati shares. “When he faced Pereira, I felt like I was watching a masterclass in adaptability. That’s why I followed him on every social platform.”

Pereira’s flamboyant style and razor‑sharp striking have also caught Beztati’s eye. “Anderson’s precision is reminiscent of the technical approach I’ve taken in my own training. Seeing him in action has been inspirational,” Beztati says.

The Cross‑Disciplinary Dialogue

Beztati’s fandom is not purely aspirational; it’s also educational. He frequently comments on how elements of UFC fighters’ styles could translate into his own fights. In a July 2024 tweet, he posted a side‑by‑side comparison of Adesanya’s spinning back kick and his own execution in a recent Glory bout. The post garnered over 80,000 likes, illustrating the appetite for cross‑sport analysis among his followers.

In a feature article for Sports Illustrated's Fanation, Beztati’s perspective is framed as an emerging trend: a new generation of fighters who view martial arts as a holistic, rather than isolated, discipline. “We’re not just watching the fight; we’re learning,” he says. “It’s about the flow, the adaptation, and the mindset.”

The article also highlights that Beztati has begun to incorporate elements of Brazilian jiu‑jitsu into his training regimen, a move many of his followers consider a prelude to a potential MMA debut. “I’m not ready to make that jump yet,” Beztati clarifies, “but I keep an eye on fighters like Adesanya and Pereira because they embody the versatility that a mixed‑martial‑arts fighter needs.”

Community Engagement and the Future

Beztati’s fan community extends beyond the ring and the octagon. He launched a monthly podcast, FightTalk, where he interviews other fighters, trainers, and sports psychologists. His latest episode, featuring former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson, discussed the mental toll of staying on top of two different combat sports—a topic that resonated with thousands of listeners.

The athlete’s Instagram “Q&A” sessions are a staple for his fanbase. In a recent Q&A, he answered a question about the potential for a future fight against a UFC champion. “You can’t rule anything out,” he replied, “but I’m focused on my craft right now.”

Beztati’s engagement has earned him the nickname “The Dutch Storm” among his followers, a moniker that also references his fast, powerful strikes. A 2023 fan poll on his Twitter account found that 63% of respondents cited his engagement with UFC fighters as a reason for following him.

Conclusion

Tyjani Beztati is more than a rising star in kick‑boxing; he’s a bridge between two of the world’s most popular combat sports. His deep admiration for UFC figures like Israel Adesanya and Anderson Pereira goes beyond fandom—it’s an intellectual curiosity that informs his training, his public commentary, and his fan community. While he may not yet have stepped inside the UFC Octagon, his presence on social media, his analytical insights, and his dedication to continuous improvement make him a key voice in the ongoing dialogue between kick‑boxing and MMA. Whether the Dutch champion will eventually cross into the UFC remains to be seen, but his audience—both in the Netherlands and worldwide—can rest assured that the conversation will continue to thrive, thanks in no small part to his unwavering enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement.