Founder, Owner & Head Coach
Amine Ballafrikh
Amine “The Lion” Ballafrikh is a Moroccan-born Muay Thai champion and the founder of Atlas Muay Thai Gym in Alexandria. From starting his training at 14 to earning North American, world and intercontinental titles, his story is built on persistence—and a desire to help others discover what they can do.
He brings that experience to beginners, families and competitive athletes, combining patient instruction with strong fundamentals. You don’t need a fighter’s ambition to train with him—just a willingness to learn.
Request a private sessionFeatured on ABC7 — watch the interviewChampionship highlights
- Two-time champion
Lion Fight North American Lightweight Champion
The Zebra · 2019 - 2022
Freedom World Champion
Capital MMA · 2022 recap - Lightweight · 2023
WMC Intercontinental Champion
World Muaythai Council
Read Amine’s story
From Morocco to the ring
Amine began Muay Thai in Morocco at 14. Losing his first amateur bout gave him a reason to work harder, not walk away. At 20, he moved to the United States to pursue the sport, supporting himself through long workdays while learning English and finding time to train. His early years included delivering pizzas in New York and driving trucks before he could make fighting and coaching his full-time focus.
His early journey · The ZebraFighter interview · Muay Thai Addict
Building Atlas, building confidence
After years of competing, Amine opened Atlas in Alexandria in 2023. The name connects the gym to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains; its mission connects it to the city he calls home. He wants young people to see that their starting point does not have to define their future. At Atlas, that means taking individual goals seriously, welcoming beginners, and giving developing athletes the coaching and encouragement to progress.
Beyond competition
Family, mentoring and community are central to Amine’s life beyond his own fight preparation. He has spoken about making time for his young family and wanting his work to inspire the next generation. Atlas’s annual winter clothing drive brings members together to support neighbors in need. The 2025 drive supported Christ House in Old Town Alexandria with clothing and winter essentials. His connection to Morocco remains strong: in 2023, he organized a fundraiser for families affected by the earthquake. For Amine, success is not only about the belts—it is also about what he can give back.
Family and purpose · ALXnow2025 winter clothing drive · Atlas2023 Morocco relief fundraiser
PRESS & INTERVIEWS
Amine in the media
Get to know the person behind the coaching. Watch the interviews and read the original reporting.
WJLA · Washington, D.C.July 23, 2019
From Morocco to a life in the ring
ABC7’s Scott Abraham visits Amine in Alexandria to explore his journey to the United States, his drive as a fighter, and his commitment to the next generation.
Watch & read on ABC72:19 video · English · Opens on WJLA
Al Aoula
Amine’s story on Moroccan television
The Al Aoula report, shared on Amine’s own YouTube channel.
3:33 video · Arabic / Darija
Watch on YouTubeALXnow
Family, Atlas and a new sense of purpose
An interview about building Atlas, family life and Amine’s motivation to inspire others through Muay Thai.
Read on ALXnowThe Zebra
Heart of a Lion
A profile of Amine’s Moroccan roots, his path to the North American title, and his connection to Alexandria.
Read on The ZebraMore interviews & fight coverage
World Muaythai Council
The WMC Intercontinental title win
The sanctioning body’s report on Amine’s lightweight Intercontinental championship.
Read the WMC reportMuay Thai Addict
The work behind “The Lion”
Matt Lucas interviews Amine about his beginnings, mindset and approach to training.
Read the interviewUSAGM / Alhurra
An Arab-American Heritage Month profile
USAGM confirms Amine’s appearance on Alhurra’s Almajalla. This is a written announcement, not the interview video.
Read the broadcast announcementFloCombat
A title challenge at Lion Fight 39
The weigh-in report for Amine’s MTGP super-featherweight title challenge against Jose Varela in London.
Read the fight previewCombat Press
Results from Lion Fight 39 in London
Results from the London card, including Amine’s title challenge against Jose Varela.
Read the resultsMy MMA News
Inside the Lion Fight 39 co-main event
A round-up of the London show and Amine’s bout with Jose Varela.
Read the event recapLinks open in a new tab on the publisher’s site or Amine’s YouTube channel. Older reports reflect their publication date.
