By the final days of my Dagestan MMA camp, the intense training rhythm had become my new normal. Between wrestling, grappling and new friendships, I realised the hardest part might not be adapting to Dagestan — but adapting back to normal life.

Somewhere between sparring, an injury, Sulak Canyon and unexpected friendships, Dagestan became more than an MMA camp. With less internet and less noise, I started enjoying the simple rhythm of training, exploring and being alone with myself.

Two intense days of kickboxing, sparring, grappling and wrestling in Dagestan brought back my old Muay Thai instincts — while pushing my body close to its limits.

A rest day from my Dagestan MMA camp turned into a journey to Terekli-Mekteb and an unexpected connection with Nogai culture, hospitality and a place that somehow felt familiar.