Interview with Ahmed Labban, AKA The Shadow, a vegan and a professional MMA fighter
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing a professional MMA fighter who proves that a vegan diet can support athletic excellence and that strength can coexist with compassion for animals. Ahmed Labban, also known as "The Shadow," is a Lebanese MMA fighter with a professional record of of 13 wins and 3x World Kickboxing Champ. Labban is known for his striking abilities. He's described as a dynamic fighter with good movement and accuracy. Labban is currently affiliated with American Top Team Zagreb.
On April 22, 2023, Ahmed Labban proudly announced his transition to a vegan lifestyle, a decision he had contemplated for four years.
His mission as a vegan is to protect animals from cruelty throughout their miserable lives.
Could you elaborate on the specific triggers or moments that led to your decision to finally embrace a vegan lifestyle?
My main reason for becoming vegan was because I watched some videos and learned how cruel it is to torture animals.
After I became a vegan, I realized that it was very beneficial for my health. Initially, I thought a vegan diet was as healthy as eating animals, but when I started exploring plant-based diets, I found out they were much healthier for the mind and body.
How do you ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients for your everyday training, especially considering the demands of professional MMA?
Regarding nutrition, I always watch out for what I eat. As a professional MMA fighter, it is crucial for me to get the right amount of nutrition that helps my body maintain strength and get better.
Could you share specific examples that demonstrate the impact of this dietary shift on your physical abilities?
This dietary shift has helped me become stronger because I'm sleeping better and my body is recovering better, allowing me to train more and gain more strength from MMA.
Many athletes worry about stamina and endurance on a plant-based diet. How have you maintained or improved your endurance since going vegan?
I improve my endurance as I drink a lot of healthy beverages like teas and juice from fruits like watermelon and beetroot, sometimes orange too, to stay hydrated all the time, and I also eat enough carbs to maintain my energy.
Based on your experience, what practical tips or strategies can help aspiring athletes or fitness enthusiasts make this change successfully?
Regarding my experience as a vegan professional MMA fighter, you need to do a lot of research on the vegan diet because it's very complex, and you need to follow a lot of steps to get the exact amount of nutrition your body needs.
It's not that easy, but it's doable, and I also believe that once you take it step by step, you're going to be much stronger than any meat eater.
Ahmed Labban’s journey to becoming a vegan MMA fighter is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. His transition to a plant-based diet not only aligns with his ethical beliefs but also enhances his physical performance and overall well-being. Ahmed’s story is an inspiration to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, showing that with careful planning and commitment, a vegan lifestyle can support and even improve athletic excellence. His message is clear: strength and compassion can coexist, and by making informed choices, we can all contribute to a kinder, healthier world.