Rafigh Doust was born on 3 February 1983 in Kurdistan. He started the sport at the age of 16 in Sanandaj.[6][7] His early motivations came from martial arts movies, especially Bruce Lee. After years of training and going through more than 300 amateur fights, he finally decided to immigrate to Thailand.[8] Rafigh Doust immediately began his professional fights in Thailand. In 2014, he founded the Behzad Warrior Academy in central Bangkok.[9]
Muay Thai career
World Professional Muaythai Federation (WPMF)
In 2009, Rafigh Doust fought Javier from Spain for the WPMF welterweight world title. He was knocked out in the fourth round with a right hook.[10]
That same year, he rematched Javier to defend his title and was able to win a five-round decision.[11]
On 4 December 2010, he defended his title at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium against Alex from Switzerland and was knocked out in the second round with a left cross.[12]
On 5 December 2011, Rafigh Doust won the WPMF welterweight international title by defeating Jos Mendonca by decision.[citation needed]
WMA (World Muay Thai Alliance Association)
On 22 May 2010, in the 8-mans WMA tournament, Rafigh Doust defeated Adyl Khodja and Esteban Ramirez by the decision of the referees, and in the final, he lost to Youssef Boughanem by decision.[13][14]
On February 2, 2013, Rafigh Doust faced Wong Yong Choi in the K-1 Korea MAX 2013, which he lost by decision after three rounds.[20][21]
Kunlun Fight
On 25 January 2014, Rafigh Doust fought with Yan Xibo in the Sanda division of Kunlun Fight and was knocked out in the first round.[citation needed]
Coaching
After stepping down from competition, Behzad Rafigh Doust turned to coaching. He eventually established the Behzad Warrior Academy in Bangkok.
World Lethwei Championship (WLC)
In 2019, his students Sasha Moisa and Antonio Faria became WLC champions, with Moisa becoming WLC Light Middleweight Champion and Faria becoming WLC Light Welterweight Champion. Rafigh Doust was named the World Lethwei Championship's best coach that year.[22][23]
