“I Pay My Bills With Fight Money” – Felipe Lobo Opens Up on the Struggles of Living in Thailand

Felipe Lobo may be living far away from his homeland, but he hasn’t forgotten the goals he had while there.

This Friday, February 16, the Brazilian striking star will challenge Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship in the main event of ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and he’s been discussing a dream of his in the lead up to the much-anticipated battle.

Felipe Lobo shares his dream in Thailand

“I had the idea of opening a restaurant even before moving to Thailand. In Brazil, I worked in a restaurant cooking. I worked with various types of cuisine in Brazil. So, I already had in mind owning my own restaurant,” Lobo told ONE in a recent interview.

After moving to the traditional home of Muay Thai in the hopes of competing at the highest level of the sport, “Demolition Man” decided to try and integrate his restaurant idea into his fighting career.

With the help of his wife, he was then able to develop a concept that would satisfy both elements of his life.

“When I was coming to Thailand, I told a friend of mine that my goal was to fight the best and open a restaurant,” Lobo shared. I arrived here with this plan, my wife accepted the idea, and we opened Recovery Foods, which offers healthy food for athletes.”

Right now, the restaurant is still somewhat of a passion project for the 30-year-old, but he plans to build it up in the near future.

“The Demolition Man” talks about his dependence on fighting

Lobo still relies on the money he makes from fighting to support himself and his family, so a win on Friday is of paramount importance to him. That said, someday, he aims to turn his dream into a full-time job.

“It’s something I want to take into my life. I have always wanted to have a restaurant and plan to open others in the future,” said Lobo.

“For now, my business pays for itself. It does not cover my monthly expenses at home. I pay my bills with fight money. But like I said, it’s a new business. It’s only one year old, but we’ll get there.”

Also Read: “I Just Can’t Wait to Give Him a Beating” – Jonathan Haggerty Plans to Finally Settle the Score With Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19

Despite his dream of being a successful restaurant owner down the line, Felipe Lobo without a doubt, focused on achieving greatness this coming Friday by trying to take the Bantamweight crown from the champion, Jonathan Haggerty.

Also Read: “He Likes to Talk a Lot” – Felipe Lobo Looking to Shut Jonathan Haggerty Up at ONE Fight Night 19