Breaking Down The Hardest Fight I Ever Had | What Went Wrong

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Major shout out to Robin for being the hardest opponent of my career. Follow Robin on social media and send him positive vibes. He was in a terrible car crash last year and I hope we see him back in the ring/cage soon.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Gabe thank you for giving your time and knowledge and experience to your fans. You are a great champion and a class act. You and Rachel deserve each other and compliment the other perfectly. From you i learn dedication and discipline from Rachel I've learned there's nothing wrong with a guy caring about his skin and appearance and over all emotional well being. Thank you both 😊

[@paulpelle3046]

Wishing Robin all the best, and a full recovery. Will definitely check out any of his content. 💪🙏

[@666mandrake]

+Gabriel Varga A tip that you did not consider is the following: stay away from Robin Van Roosmalen. He is a tough bastard.

[@gregparrott]

Your candid and detailed description of your fight is by far the best I've seen from a combatant. Objective, rational, thoughtful, not clouded by ego. Also, your perspective at the latter stages of the fight - deciding it was time to concede, was SMART. Many would continue, regretting that choice in the long term.

[@DanielHuman1996]

I'm so glad that you accepted defeat and stopped before the final round. The risk of continuing outweighed the reward of continuing. It's like resigning in chess. Grandmasters don't play the last 3-4 moves if checkmate is unavoidable.

[@paulpelle3046]

Except it’s really absolutely nothing like chess...despite that being a cool analogy. You are massively underestimating and overlooking one simple factor: male pride. I suspect the vast number of professional male fighters out there wouldn’t be able to make the very sensible and logical decision that Gabriel did here. I’m fighting in 4 weeks, and I honestly don’t think I’d be able to make that very pragmatic and intelligent decision, because I’m basically a proud idiot (like most guys). A chess grandmaster would know several moves ahead if there was absolutely no chance, and would lay down their king. A fighter (amateur or professional) will always believe they have a chance of the W, provided they’re still conscious. 🤷‍♂️

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Good comparison. I've been learning more about chess recently and found that very interesting.

[@winkiiiie]

@@paulpelle3046 oh shut up lol

[@sebastianquintana5412]

@@paulpelle3046 it really is a lot like chess, maybe a little too cerebral for u tho. Hope u did well in ur fight

[@paulpelle3046]

@@sebastianquintana5412 that’s a thinly-veiled, myopic, passive-aggressive and pretty lazy way of saying “I don’t think you’re very smart Paul.” Yes, I’m an extremely dumb person...but I’m pretty good at chess ♟😜

[@bingbong2257]

I like how Varga doesn't make excuses when he states he got rocked he just states the facts objectively and is like, "yeah he punches hard and yeah the mouthpiece thing happened too, who knows if it mattered". That's a winner's mindset, focused on his own mistakes and what he could have improved.

[@13thBN]

Literally made excuses; Robin was 170 lbs plus, the punch was harder because the ref didn’t check for my mouth guard. Quit feeding his vanity channel you clown

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Only a real champion like Gabe learn from their losses.

[@paulpelle3046]

Gabriel reminds me a lot of his fellow Canadian GSP: in terms of technical ability, true warrior spirit, and total honesty. I’ll never forget when GSP got beaten by Matt Serra. He was so visibly upset with himself for basically underestimating his much shorter (and much less talented) opponent. GSP was basically begging Dana White to give him another chance, and well, the rest is history right? 😁👏👏👏 ...imagine that though...Dana White was a mouthy, nasty, controlling guy even back then! He’s done amazing things with the UFC, and nobody can deny that, but he’s just a thoroughly unpleasant human being who treats ‘his’ fighters like trash, especially once they’re not financially useful to him anymore. 🤬

[@Markperna1]

You may have lost that fight but you showed the heart of a lion during it.

[@sebastianquintana5412]

This was a total war and even robin was super complementary of u, also ur front kicks this fight? Amazing

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Thanks dude. I should have made them even sharper and thrown them more. They were working well but could have been used even better.

[@mtmatt6111]

Enormous respect and appreciation for making this video. The kickboxing organizations should have a 10lb rehydration rule for the night of the fight. Allowing someone to gain 25lbs is unfair for the weight class.

[@jamielondon6436]

It's also dangerous, because it incentivises massive weight cuts.

[@usnavyvet3965]

Yup. It’s totally not fair. Gabriel Varga could’ve done everything right, but the reality is he was at a significant weight disadvantage. There is a reason why combat sports have weight classes in the first place. My walking weight is 221lbs, and I walk through cruiserweights (190lbs) in sparring like they are nothing. With all else being equal: a good, big guy beats a good, small guy 10/10.

[@redlizerad8268]

@@usnavyvet3965and that’s at over 200 pounds where size difference isn’t as detrimental. For those dudes even 5 pounds is a lot of weight difference.

[@rbgohome]

At 10:19, Robin starts with a straight to the body which lowered your head defence, followed by a right cross which was the critical blow, and then a left hook and a low kick.

[@systemdegenerate]

The sign of a true martial artist is the ability to constantly grow and improve which is only done by people who can look at their failures critically. Respect to you for this

[@davidjones8043]

8:08 I had no idea Varga was a magician too!!! Man of many skills, Varga the Amazing!!!

[@trimakin6148]

lol

[@TheKickboxingCommunity]

Robin van Roosmalen was always a unit. I remember seeing him in 2009 on a local broadcast and I was just a kid. But I just knew he was special then and there. It's a shame he never considerd boxing because he'd have probably been very succesful

[@LuCa8_]

Yea that fight was amazing, no shame in losing to a guy in roosmalen. Quite competitive abd awesome fight, definitely shows your heart. Very humble of u to break down your losses.

[@kentrellcoleman397]

It's hard to watch a fight where you get your ass kicked let alone break it down lol. Your a legendario bro💪🏽

[@52weeks34]

An absolute warrior mate ❤️

[@paulpelle3046]

Your total honesty and ego-free assessments are legendary. I can’t think of any other pro fighter this honest and true. Bas Rutten comes close, but Bas is also crazy (in a good way!) 🤪😆 Another brilliant video...well on the way to 100k subscribers now. Would be nice to see you up to at least 250k subscribers this time next year. Greatly deserved champ 🙏

[@sultanabran1]

i love how you acknowledge your loss and the respect you give to your opponent. you see a person's true character when they are defeated. good job. i think you get more respect by being gracious in defeat than in victory. your parents did a great job on you. they would be proud.

[@fabian13333]

Doing this shows what huge balls you have Gabriel.Thank you I learned a lot

[@swekiwi4517]

You've just risen to one of my absolute favourites to watch and adapt techniques from. Respect to being this humble.

[@bdcarlitosway]

Max respect for breaking down this loss. I remember watching this fight rooting for Roosmalen and feeling sorry for your teeth.

[@andrapopa284]

That’s such a good way to learn, excellent video!

[@lukeloobey]

This video content is top tier. I love the idea of going and breaking down your own mistakes with an actual loss like this and not just what you could have done better from a win when you're ego isn't at stake, very impressed. One of those lead by example situations everyone talks about but many don't actually do. If I can make one small suggestion, the two side-walls of the room that are out of view in most of your shots, put sound-proofing foam on them and also against the back wall (the one behind the camera from this perspective). Your videos are all absolute S tier in content, the only small downside is the echoing that often happens from recording in a smallish room with hard walls. Foaming those three should take the echoing down to nearly non-existent, and if you wanna get really fancy you can foam the ceiling as well about halfway out (to be less visible in the shot). Love your videos, great stuff

[@renwitchell6426]

Super cool attitude to a loss Gabriel. Yet again great break down and insights into this fight. Thank you.

[@whitewh1]

Tremendous respect for you, for doing a video like this with such humility and aplomb.

[@antoniohays7344]

It is a true martial artist that can so objectively find takeaways for further improvement. It is a class act like yourself that can admit defeat with such humility and continue to grow as a result. I've been watching all your fights/videos for a long time. One in a million fighter.

[@goronsaki2174]

Heard Robin was in a fatal accident recently his sister died and he was injured by a drunk driver. Hope he fights again! Tragic

[@saidazenzar2874]

Only Champions Can Show This Level Of Humility & Objectivity ... Much Respect To You Mr Varga 👍👍

[@danielreborn4707]

Wow. In fact You did win, ever if You did lose these fight.Most humble and analytic fighter.

[@thesun564]

Damn these are super informative! Thanks!

[@frankenbeans6930]

Wow. Every aspiring fighter should listen to this. You were (are) one of my favorite glory fighters. Valuable content. Respect to you, Gabriel.

[@NULL1312]

Gabriel is a class act makes no excuses and gives credit to his opponent 100% class

[@henriquecarvalho880]

I really like how analytical you can be, even when talking about your own defeat, you are really great

[@joshstein4708]

I was fairly new to kickboxing/MT at the time, but I got to watch and work with Robin a bit before the Glory 12 tournament in NYC and it was so eye opening. I love his style and skillset, and appreciate you acknowledging that the prospect of fighting him at 150-155 is not a fun idea for someone who's naturally on the lighter side. Lots of people talk about weight class not mattering, but it obviously does, especially when we're talking about guys with big power.

[@river4837]

Thanks for going over your loss to RVR very interesting points you make breaking it down. Just before this I watched RVR breaking down the fight all the while RVR respecting you as a fighter.

[@michael.schuler]

I love the selfless objective analysis and critique.

[@nonounsound]

Your courage to upload and break this down is inspiring

[@app369]

I can't believe you came out without a mouth guard. That is a huge momentum swing in that second round. Very grave mistake made.

[@paulpelle3046]

It’s a very easy thing to do, especially when everything’s hectic. Gabriel’s corner AND the ref really dropped the ball on this one. 😯 Still, if a complete professional like Gabriel Varga can forget his gum shield? It’s a serious lesson that we ALL must learn. 🤷‍♂️🙏

[@nickvledder]

You may have lost the fight, but you won my respect for calling it off and protecting your health and well-being.

[@herbert5727]

Hi Gabriel, love your videos! I think having a dedicated mic would make it perfect :)

[@marcoslampert5126]

Thanks a lot, Gabriel, for all you experiences!

[@dexterdinh7879]

Gabe, can you do a video about how you found a coach, how you picked the right gyms, and just basically how you got started in the amateurs and what you changed in your coaching options going pro?

[@gts013]

I was actually gonna request that you do a breakdown video of your losses. Looks like you read my mind. You're awesome man. Takes a humble human being to do this kind of stuff.🙏🙏🙏

[@bongosock]

Thanks for taking us through that! Couldn't have been easy for you

[@TheMountainBeyondTheWoods]

Great breakdown and episode, and at the end of the day your health, especially your brain's health, is the most important thing.

[@michidwyer4845]

Very well done for having the humility and lack of ego in studying ,objectively,your loss.Keep the content going,don’t change your attitude,it is what we all should aspire to🙏🏻👏👏

[@vergillee9509]

终于等到这集了，robin在那几年太可怕了，gabriel这个和robin打过的人解说才是最有分量的。

[@LeonardoRamos01]

Gabriel you are an absolute legend 🙏🏽

[@vacinden]

Ah look at that , just a week ago I was searching 'Roosmalen' on your channel but could not find it! And here you are delivering :)

[@daveross9373]

Awesome video G.V. The great fighters that show humility and minimize excuses are the easiest to root for . Keep the vids coming

[@swyaseen]

No mouth guard? Wtf? Lol that's crazy.

[@GamingLoadown101]

Thanks for this i watch this fight a few days ago and wondered your thought. nice work

[@darrenlongshanks5102]

Fantastic analysis of your fight, and I really admire how gracious you are with your review. Definitely earned my respect after watching your video.

[@jamespong6588]

From my experience Weight cuts in younger age doesn't affect your power whatsoever, you just become faster

[@rjdman5588]

Awesome video idea, hearing the thought process behind all the game planning, strategy and the mistakes made really helps understand the game and whats going on in fighters heads more. Everyone talks about the gameplan but its rare you get an actual details like this. thank you.

[@DANVIIL]

An excellent breaKdown from a champion fighter's perspective!

[@twaneva3460]

i fucking love this guy. leaps and bounds my striking has improved. there are levels to the shiy. thx sensei

[@response207]

the after fight story about damage when youre a pro fighter is scary.

[@squizill]

Great video champ. They say hindsight is 20/20 and that you learn more in 1 loss than In 10 wins, thanks for sharing!

[@reverbautopsy9093]

Van Roosmalen was a dominant lightweight champ so no shame losing to him. Only Sittichai was more dominant than him so props for even getting in the ring with him.

[@erichibler2112]

Excellent advice for quitting while you're ahead. Pride damage is unnecessary damage...Not every day is your day....

[@SprayNpreyT]

Good stuff, amazing how much I´m learning from this channel, thanks Gabriel Varga!

[@nerigiron7704]

Prayers for rob and his family just a tragedy what happen to him and his sister

[@petey7187]

The concussion-sleep thing is a myth btw. Sleep is wise after a concussion to rest and recover. The fear of sleep after head trauma is if you have an intracranial bleed like a subdural hematoma. As it can keep expanding and you can die, potentially.

[@Cannonbo]

good job letting it go before taking serious damage.

[@krzysztofkowol5392]

Man, great vid. Respect.

[@geburagaming]

I am not going to lie, I honestly believe you did say "shoot" instead of curse ;) . Love your content! Your technique analysis is really insightful and has helped me out.

[@listen7634]

Man your such a great role model for humility

[@DikiBolz]

Always great stuff from you! True Champ! Thank you!

[@shannonpark6261]

Varga keeps mentioning the size, which deff is a factor, but honestly van Roosmalen is a tank no matter who he fights. His fighting style is to eat shots and come forward. He did it against guys who seem bigger than him as well so even if Varga put on 20+ lbs I don't believe it wouldve made a difference and van Roosmalen would still just eat everything and come forward. Great analysis though.

[@danielsabourin]

I would like to see a Gabriel Varga vs Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao fight,it would be great!

[@THEYDONTKNOWMESON111]

Awesome video, Gabriel

[@biglukasabc]

Crazy fight, you have a good family

[@markjuarezmma]

Great video, one of my favorites from your channel. Keep up the great work!!

[@KraussHelmut]

Really awesome presentation. Very informative.

[@jab2ez]

Thank you for the breakdown. I can improve my game using this info. I really want to practice head movement too.

[@SmileyD1125]

Speaking of tanking, what about a fighter with good tanking ability for the next Fighting With Your Physique video?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Great idea. I'll get it done.

[@dacedebeer2697]

I want to hear what Gabriel has to say, but I would advise him not to depend on that. Tanking hits doesn't age well.

[@stanclark3992]

@@dacedebeer2697 Hi DAce. Precisely.

[@scarletpimpernel230]

What a great analysis and kudos for such objectivity in being to analyze your own performance. But then-as a lover of Rachmaninoff's Etudes-I might say that it's perhaps not SO surprising for someone trained in classical piano....

[@DaBinChe]

Wow this is one of the few times I heard a fighter be smart and not continue. Other time I can think of is GSP stop fighting cause everyone was roiding up.

[@yoananda9]

So instructive and ... sa rare ! thank you very much. We don't always realize the risks you fighters endure in your career. If a fights win some XXX$ and you have the same amount of medical treatment after : what's the point !

[@neocloudmarts9613]

Can you do a video on why kickboxers are so strong, I am interested in how you kickboxing athletes do strength and conditioning training and take impact/damage and give impact/damage.

[@jamierowson4545]

Another awesome video. Absolute quality. Have you ever tried to knee your opponent's thigh? Rather than a knee to the body...

[@UDX-340]

Very important scenarios to write down 18;30.thanks.

[@Afiso]

The best kickboxers in Holland mostly come from Brabant where Van Roosemalen is from and Amsterdam.

[@Dante3014]

Love your videos. So intelligent!

[@mauiboyfitness1614]

Aloha @Gabriel this is lit 🔥 I hope to someday have the honor to fight with someone of your and Robins caliber and represent Hawaii in the process ! 🤙🏽 #Ku’E

[@jimmy6283]

Had to sub and love all fighting, liam Harrison brought me tho

[@dustyandlevon]

Ha... Just noticed that the ref is my current coach. Doh! Amazing coach nonetheless.

[@jamestree9469]

many good tips

[@joshuaguevara7534]

Respect 👊

[@Shadawg666]

Funny, in our muay thai GYM we were taught from day 1, to target exactly that lower part of the quads you talked about.. Do you think there's a difference between how western and thai teach where to target with it? I know for a fact there's a difference between the actual technique, western kicks are usually more round and comes more from the "side", where thai's keep it tighter coming up almost straight up and then quickly turning the hips at the end of the kick. Never thought about the possiblity there's a difference between schools in where to aim the kick, but evidently, there is. Thanks man, I learned a lot.

[@jasonadams6655]

I was amazed by how you broke down the fight..i learnt so much from this thank you so much Champ❤.. I have one question though , do you think if you kept kicking on his guard (on his forearms) again and again during the fight could have take some steam off his punches ?..

[@KarlKarsnark]

Great vid. This is why the Dutch are such great kickboxers. There is no "sparring". Every day at the gym is a 90% power full-on fight, so when they get in the ring, it just "another day at the office". Very different from the Thai approach of light sparring with pads to train and saving the power for the ring.

[@IsaacGooggle]

Hi Gabriel, how do we buy your Varga gloves?

[@maxhamilton8204]

Based on his last name, he has Hungarian ancestors for sure. We - Hungarians - are proud of him.

[@johnnywalker2880]

That ( lack of ) mouthguard anecdote...

[@ahmaddarkvenger8270]

Respect

[@robertge648]

I think Varga would've won if he had remembered the mouth guard. That kind of shock will last through the whole match.

[@tzaeru]

Love your videos! It's really cool to peek into the mind of a professional fighter and see you analyze yourself and others so aptly. I've been training striking for a year now, mostly in a MMA context, though with a lot of kickboxing rules sparring. I struggle a lot when a heavier/taller opponent just starts to throw in wild hooks - just difficult to really do anything else except to shell up, and even then, I can feel the sting through the guard. Got any tips for how to break out from the turtle?

[@scottmcinerney9817]

Probably one thing is to find people who don't spar like assholes tbh. If you have to spar with dickheads like that, work on your push kick to keep range and if they get inside your push kick, I like to chop the leg and cut an angle but if their punches are too scary maybe just try to cut an angle with hands up. Just pushing at the chest with your gloves can also work one someone that's just going to head down and throw wild hooks too.

[@EBMproductions1]

Funny to me i learned all of these same techniques after spars i noticed that a lighter fighter could clip me if i striked and didnt move so started landing and angling i noticed patience is key with heavier or thicker guys land on them but expect less damage so accumilate the damage instead i noticed some guys have blistering hand speed so shelling up then closing distance to clinch or angle out after the land shots on your guards smarter i also like Gggs block move in forward and turn them method i can mention more but for you id say up n down combos to slow him down and setups wouldve helped also long teep kicks to the gut als parries while moving away and also defend like izzy and extend the arm and slip out the back door recentering all of these wouldve worked i am blessed that i saw in sparring that i was making these mistakes fixed them and now fight very different.

[@klubstompers]

For me: keeping the shorter person away is critical. Being 6'4" 200lbs, i got to keep that jab in their face. Hard to see an opening when you constantly have a glove on your nose too.

[@CarlosContreras-no2jh]

Yoo the refree is my muay thai coach that's crazy