As of 1 October 2017, he is ranked the #10 lightweight in the world by CombatPress.com.[2]
Biography and career
Khamal was born in 1990 in the Netherlands.[3] After a number of Muay Thai fights in the Netherlands, and after picking up good wins against opposition such as Sergio Wielzen and Hassan Ait Bassou, Khamal made his mark on the international scene in 2009 when he faced Thai legend Anuwat Kaewsamrit for the W.M.C. Intercontinental title (64 kg). The fight went the full five rounds, resulted in a unanimous decision victory for the 19-year-old fighter. With this upset victory Khamal would make his name and he would begin to be known as one of the best prospects in the 63 kg division.
In 2010 Khamal moved up in weight to 70 kg and entered the K-1 World MAX 2010 West Europe Tournament in Utrecht, Netherlands in a bid to gain qualification for the 2010 K-1 World MAX. Despite moving up in weight and being one of the events smaller fighters, Khamal made the final where he faced pre-tournament favourite Armenian-Belgium fighter Harut Grigorian. In the final match Khamal dominated, dropping Harut twice before getting the victory via brutal KO in the second round and booking his place at the K-1 World MAX 2010 Final 16.[4]
At the final 16 event Khamal was drawn against Artur Kyshenko - the K-1 World MAX 2008 runner up. A heavy underdog going into the fight, Khamal outworked Kyshenko to take a unanimous decision victory[5] and a place in the final 8 stage where he lost by decision to Gago Drago in the quarter-finals.[6] At the end of 2010 Khamal fought close friend Mosab Amrani at the Fightclub presents: It's Showtime 2010 event, winning an extra round decision in what was a contender for the fight of the year.[7]
On the 27th of May, 2012 Khamal fought Saiyok Pumpanmuang on Full Muay Thai rules. The event was held as part of the Netherlands vs Thailand show, hosted by Slamm!! Events. After a first round that saw both fighters feeling each other out, Khamal hit Saiyok with an elbow in the beginning of the second round. The elbow opened a big cut over the right eye of the Thai fighter, forcing the doctor to stop the fight. After the fight Khamal announced his retirement from the sport.
He then came out of retirement shortly later and was set to face Marat Grigorian at Glory 2: Brussels in Brussels, Belgium on October 6, 2012. However, he pulled out of this bout citing personal issues and was replaced by Alex Vogel.[8]
