Hamid "Akira" Corassani in "The Ultimate Fighter"
Hamid "Akira" Corassani in "The Ultimate Fighter" - © Spike TV
A true Renaissance man, Sweden native Hamid "Akira" Corassani ("Ultimate Fighter") speaks seven languages and has worn many hats in his 28 years: from graphic design artist with an offer to attend one of the best schools in Sweden and work on blockbuster films, to touring musician, to reconnaissance diver in the Swedish military, to professional soccer prospect at IFK Göteborg. However, he has shelved all other pursuits to chase his dream of fighting professionally.
Despite only four years experience as a professional mixed martial artist, Corassani began training in martial arts at 6 years old when he was introduced to karate. He later transitioned to tae kwon do, becoming the youngest black belt in Europe at the age of 12 in the process. At 14, he stopped his martial arts training to focus on soccer, but an exposure to a Vitor Belfort highlight tape inspired him to give up the pitch for the Octagon. He joined Team Kaobon in Gothenburg, Sweden, and recently moved to Brooklyn, NY to begin training with Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. Holding a 9-3-0 record, Corasanni views the next six weeks in Las Vegas as some of the most important of his life.