Mohammed 'Jordan Boy' Mahmoud has come a long way from the 17-year-old boy who first set foot in a martial arts gym.

Over the years, the Kedah native has picked up various lessons Muay Thai has taught him, but the most important of the lot is discipline.

“Discipline taught me how to view things in life from a different angle. It helped me in the gym and even at home,” the 23-year-old said.

“I think it’ll be very different had I just trained Muay Thai without picking up these values.”

Discipline was something he struggled to find in life before his journey through “the art of eight limbs.”

“Jordan Boy” was a very mischievous kid. And he barely listened to anyone when they offered him help to change his character traits.

“I could just laze around at home all day without doing anything,” the Sampuri Muay Thai Gym Ampang athlete said. “Thankfully, I’m not like that anymore.”

“My parents tried to instill discipline in me, but I was too stubborn. Back then, I rarely helped in the house, but now I’m a changed person.”

These days, the MuayFight Featherweight Champion does house chores and helps his father with his construction business.

Even though working all day gets to him at times, sharpening his Muay Thai tools at night allows him to forget his busy afternoons.

“Right now, I just want what is best for my family and me,” the Kuala Lumpur-based athlete shared.

“If it wasn’t for my dad who brought me to the gym for the very first time, I might be doing another job that might not instill good things in me.”

As for now, Mohammed is waiting for his next chance to compete in ONE Championship, a place where he calls home.

But before the opportunity arises, the martial artist admits he will have his eyes glued to the television for ONE: CENTURY PART I and PART II in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.

The spectacle features 28 World Champions, four World Title bouts, three World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and four World Champion versus World Champion matches.

“ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH was a special moment, but [ONE: CENTURY] is even crazier.”

“We have all the best mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and kickboxing fighters competing in one night. So, it’s going to be special.”