Lodi, NJ
Ognjen
Topic has had a passion for Martial Arts since he
began training eleven years ago. He began his
relationship with the arts by studying Taekwondo which
he continued training in for four years, eventually
receiving his black belt certification. His love of
challenges and his love to further his training
brought him to the art of Muay Thai, “I like trying to
figure someone out before they figure me out”. His
competitive nature has helped focus his training which
has resulted in a successful amateur and professional
career in Muay Thai. “I have always been a competitive
individual so it was just natural for me to take it to
the next level.”
As he continually perfects his practice of Muay
Thai, he finds inspiration in Thai fighters such as
Buakaw Por Pramuk, Kaew Fairtex and others. He credits
a big part of his success to his trainers Kru Ray Cruz
and Kru Joe Bumanlag as they increase his knowledge of
Muay Thai as well as providing guidance in his day to
day life. Combine that with his parents support and
hard work ethic as well as his sister’s positive
attitude and confidence, he continues to have the
strength,confidence and attitude to never give up!
Ognjen enjoys the laid back atmosphere of his gym,
North Jersey Muay Thai. “We are tough guys without
being “tough
guys” - if that makes sense!” Everyone is helpful and
always looking to lend a hand. He trains exactly the
way Thais train, the art of 8 limbs, in Thailand.
“That is the only way we at North Jersey Muay Thai
know”. When preparing for a fight, Ognjen usually
begins training 4-5 weeks before and sticks to a
typical “Thai” regimen. Running, bag work, pad work
and conditioning. His advice to new fighters is to be
prepared for a lot of strenuous work and conditioning.
Go above and beyond in everything you do, watch videos
of other great professional fighters. Analyze what
they do, how they do it and try to replicate it during
your own workouts.
When Ognjen isn’t training,
he enjoys art and makes his living as a graphic
designer. “I draw almost every day and once in a while
pick up a brush to paint when I have time.”
At
the age of 25, Ognjen has over 30 amateur and
professional Muay Thai fights and won the Amateur ISKA
135lb Title. His winning record as an amateur has
continued in his professional career with all of his
professional wins coming by early stoppage. Ognjen
hopes his professional MT career will continue on the
same path that will eventually lead to a championship
match.
