• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Martyn Ford Was Worried Iranian Hulk Would Take His Own Life If Fight Went Ahead

Home> News

Published 12:08 9 May 2022 GMT+1

Martyn Ford Was Worried Iranian Hulk Would Take His Own Life If Fight Went Ahead

The British bodybuilder had concerns during their heated face-off in Dubai

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

Martyn Ford was concerned that the Iranian Hulk would take his own life if the original fight went ahead.

The British bodybuilder was supposed to fight the Iranian Hulk – real name Sajad Gharibi – on 30 April.

However, the fight was called off after 'The World's Scariest Man' made an announcement on social media.

Advert

Sajad Gharibi.
Instagram/@sajadgharibiofficial

Both fighters have blamed one another for the cancellation of the boxing bout, but Ford has insisted that his concerns over Gharibi's mental health initially began after the two had a heated face-off in Dubai.

The altercation saw Gharibi get shoved to the ground by Ford.

He told The Mirror: "This is where we came to Dubai and had the confrontation.

"I have genuine concerns about his mental health and how he’s feeling. It is who I am.

Advert

"I can't fight someone who I genuinely believe can take his own life after the fight.

"As an outsider people might say, ‘What are you on about?’ but from someone who was there, who saw him and the way he crumbled.

"We had a face-off and it was one little push. I looked in his eyes and then turned around and said to the guys, ‘There is no fight’.

"What happened afterwards I already felt bad about, the amount he got bullied and his reaction to being bullied breaking down on National TV. Then his parents came out and said 'we don’t want anything to do with you, you are weak'.

"Then on Instagram Live when he turned around and said he hates Iranians and wants to end his life. I just thought, 'No I can’t be a part of this’."

Advert

Twitter

Despite the setback, Ford seems to be eager to find a new opponent.

He added: “I’m a little bit frustrated and bored. But I am ticking on and doing what I can to keep myself active and busy.

"Focus is the main thing, when you have prepared for something and you are not able to go out and do it with the work I have put in it is frustrating. For me it is trying to find something as soon as possible to put that energy into something.

Instagram/@martynford

Advert

Ford concluded: “I am still training, only thing I am not doing is active sparring. I have switched back into its resistance and explosive power.

"If something does happen which I am hoping I can sign up too soon, I have been training and dedicating so much time and effort to it."

If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of isolation and distress or thoughts of suicide, The Samaritans are on hand to help you through the most difficult times. 

You can call them in confidence on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

You can also call MIND on 0300 123 3393 or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.

Advert

In the USA, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance urgently. 

The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@martynford

Topics: MMA, World News

Anish Vij
Anish Vij

Anish is a Journalist at LADbible Group and is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2025. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

X

@Anish_Vij

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

17 mins ago
an hour ago
3 hours ago
  •  Instagram/sofi.co__ Instagram/sofi.co__
    17 mins ago

    Burning Man attendee reported missing days after man found dead in 'pool of blood'

    A man was found in a 'pool of blood' at the Burning Man festival on 30 August

    News
  • Phil Faraone/VMN18/Getty Images For Comedy CentralPhil Faraone/VMN18/Getty Images For Comedy Central
    an hour ago

    Demi Moore reveals ex-husband Bruce Willis' 'difficult' personality change after dementia diagnosis

    Bruce Willis' ex wife Demi Moore opened up about his health condition on the Oprah podcast

    News
  • Telegram/Yunashev_LiveTelegram/Yunashev_Live
    3 hours ago

    Bizarre theories emerge as Kim Jong Un's staff filmed ‘destroying all traces of his presence' after meeting Putin

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had a sit-down meeting in Beijing

    News
  • FacebookFacebook
    3 hours ago

    How much pregnant British teen may need to pay to be released from prison after 'smuggling £200k of cannabis'

    Bella Culley's family could be forced to pay a huge sum to secure her release

    News
  • MMA Promoter 'Regrets Decision' To Allow Huge 'Mismatch' Fight To Go Ahead