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Gokhan Turkyilmaz is an Australian/Turkish fighter who's path to joining Phuket Top Team was a winding and unique on in itself.

Gokhan was awarded a position of Tiger Muay Thai's pro MMA fight team and had spent time there training and competing. Most recently Gokhan competed against a Phuket Top Team fighter, in Murad Machaev for Dare - Rebels Of MMA.

After the fight Gokhan expressed interest in joining Phuket Top Team as a pro fighter, having relinquished his position mutually with Tiger Muay Thai, Gokhan has taken the step to join PTT.

We are honored to have a talented and always willing fighter on board. Gokhan's striking is unquestioned, Phuket Top Team is looking to develop his wrestling, brazilian jiu jitsu and all around MMA game to take him to the next level.

Photo Above - (Murat Kazgan - Gokhan Turkyilmaz - Rober Lisita)

What we admire most about Gokhan, along with his skill and tenacity to always fight anyone at anytime... Gokhan is also a hard worker behind the scene for charity and causes he feel strongly about.

Let's take a look at a recent interview Gokhan did for FACAA (Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia) a cause Gokhan has been assisting and pushing for some time now.

The next instalment of our "get to know your FACAA fighters" continues with one of our original Warriors and most popular (especially with the FACAA ladies) Gokhan Pitbull-Turkyilmaz. Gokhan gives a candid interview that really lets you have a look at the lesser seen sides of this incredible warrior. Well worth a read (A)

1) Tell us a bit about yourself, where abouts did you grow up, did you do martial arts or you play any other sports as a kid ? 

I grew up in some rough neighborhoods in Melbourne and Brisbane. I started martial arts at age 6 and developed to different styles like tae-kwondo, boxing and muay thai. I had always been well rounded with any sport growing up but martial arts was always my way of performing on my own and expressing myself. 

2) So why did you decide to take step into the ring or cage in the first place ? 

I had my first muay thai fight at age 14, I ko’d an older and bigger opponent since then the winning feeling and challenge has always want it more and more. 

3) Where do you train and whom with? 

I train out of Australia’s elite gym Integrated mma in Stafford Brisbane and in Thailand I train at Phuket Top Team an mma gym based in Phuket.

4) What’s your entrance theme and why ? 

Cool, calm, focused, excited and collective.. With either a middle eastern type music or some heavy metal.

5) What sort of music do you listen to when working out ? 

Depending on my mood.. Some Michael Jackson, ACDC, FRANK SINATRA, Hip hop with B.I.G OR 2PAC.. Maybe even some Justin Beiber

6) Tell us about your regular schedule ? how much training per week do you do ? 

Prepping for a fight I don’t like to change up my routine too much. 
Twice a day 6 days a week. 6am Run 5-7klms easy run 8-10am Muay Thai training 3-4pm MMA drilling 4-6pm Wrestling or Sparring

7) What characteristics do you think training in combat sports teaches and why do you think these are important for kids ? 

Martial Arts teaches fundamentals of self-morals . Honour, Honesty, Loyalty and integrity these will teach kids the importance in respecting not only their master/sensei/coach they will adapt these to everyday life. Showing self respect, how to take care of yourself health and wisdom to gaining better lifestyle. 

8)Would you let your own children compete in combat sports ? 

Yes to a level of experience never to rely on it NOT as a source of income. Teach them that they can be the best they want to be as long as they put in the hard work. This is also a major discipline where they will learn with sacrifices of hard work does pay off. (Also watching your kid win kicking butt would be bad ass) 

9) If you could challenge anyone in the Australian scene who would it be ? 

I wouldn’t write any specific names.. However anyone at top level of mma in Australia and internationally.. I love to fight and challenge myself. I’ve done all the hard work and promoters know I deserve to fight anyone at highest level.

10) Why is it important for you to be a FACAA fighter ? 

God has given me an ability to express myself in some way.. So I also express myself by giving awareness of FACAA nationally and internationally to support such a great org. We all can do our part, this is mine, it maybe be small but it’s more than nothing. 

11) If you could give one piece of advice to a child what would it be ? 

Follow your dreams. Always be bad ass. Do a sport or an activity you love even if people judge you, them haters will never be as good as you. LOVE LIFE. 

12) Were you ever bullied as a child ? do you have any advice for those currently being bullied? 

Yes I was bullied because I was different. Different name and different skin tone. But other kids were all the same so I enjoyed the fact I stood out from the crowd. Bullies are just scared little kids that need to make themselves feel big. Be smarter, no one can argue or bully knowledge.. Always be ready 

13) Any sponsors or supporters you would like to give a shout out to ? 

Would like to thank my manager Ben Livingstone (shogun) for being there always for me. FTP CLOTHING, PHUKET PRO NUTRITION, JACO, ELITE TATTOO AND YAKUZA TATTOO, PHUKET TOP TEAM 

14) Anything else you would like to add or say in closing ? 

One of my favourite quotes “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” STOP BULLYING, SPEAK UP.

Follow Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia FACEBOOK page and support a great cause