Kadir Dalkıran, who won a world Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) title in an event held in Antalya, contributes to his family's income by collecting paper in the street during the day and training in the evening. The 18-year-old beat his Russian rival in March 2016 in the final match of the tournament held by the MMA. The third of five children, Dalkıran said he entered a gym while collecting paper out of curiosity, and it changed his life.
"We are making a living by collecting paper and cardboard. I wanted to study, but unfortunately our financial situation was not sufficient. I am now going to an open high school. My dream was to become a football player, but it just didn't happen. One day, when I was collecting paper and cardboard, I saw a 'MMA' sign near a gym in Yalova and wondered what it was. At first I hesitated, then I went in with my friends and the atmosphere really impressed me. I met my current coach, İbrahim Yıldız, there. After two weeks, my coach asked me if I would like to seriously compete in the sport. I said yes. So here I am: Seven Turkish titles and a third place in a European championship. Most recently, I beat my Russian rival in Antalya and got the world title," he explained.
"I earn around TL 30-TL 40 [$8-$11] a day by collecting paper. So, I can't afford to eat like a professional athlete. Athletes like me must be well fed and take in the necessary calories, but I can't. We can't even make ends meet at home. I thought would have better luck after I became a world champion, but I still haven't found a sponsor," he added.
MMA Yalova representative and Dalkıran's coach İbrahim Yıldız said: "We saw talent in Kadir and realized right at the beginning that Kadir would be able to make it with his strong will. We have been working together for four and a half years.
"MMA is a very popular sport and is attracting serious attention in the U.S. But it is still a new sport in Turkey, and our people are unaware of it. We are trying to promote this sport by supporting talented youngsters like Kadir. MMA requires superior stamina with athletes training six hours a day," he said.