Seif Houmine explains Worlds belt gesture, eyes The Crown
The two-time World Champion talks Erich Munis, trash talk on social media and recognition in an interview with VF Comunica
Two-time World Champion Seif-Eddine Houmine heads to The Crown on November 8 at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California, as the reigning European, Pan and World ultra-heavyweight champion. At 38, he sat down with VF Comunica to explain why he left his belt on the mat at Worlds, talk about three-time Crown champion Erich Munis, and share how he sees the attention the media and social media give to athletes today.
Born in Morocco and based in France, Seif put together the best season of his career in 2026. He made the podium at all four IBJJF Grand Slams and won his second World title, two years after his first. At The Crown, an invitation-only event, he will face seven other ultra-heavyweights for the division title and the $20,000 prize that goes to the champion.
The belt he left on the mat at Worlds
After winning Worlds this year, Seif took off his belt and left it on the mat, his way of saying goodbye to competing at the IBJJF World Championship.
“Leaving my belt on the mat was a natural and definitive way for me to close the loop regarding the traditional Worlds circuit. I gave it my all, reached the heights I dreamed of, and I felt it was the ideal moment to close this specific chapter of my international career with pride and serenity.”
Stepping away from Worlds did not mean stepping away from competition. When the invitation to The Crown came, Seif accepted it with a clear goal in mind.
Erich Munis, the man to beat
Standing between Seif and the title is Erich Munis, who has won the ultra-heavyweight division at all three editions of The Crown and remains one of the biggest names in the weight class. Seif respects what Munis has done, but he made it clear he is not going to Long Beach just to fill a spot in the bracket.
“Erich is an incredible athlete, and his resume speaks for itself. Winning The Crown three consecutive times shows incredible consistency at the highest level of our sport. You have to respect what he has built and how dominant he has been.”
“At the same time, I didn’t accept this invitation just to participate. I came here to win. My experience, combined with my physical game and the specific demands of my style, brings a completely different puzzle for anyone on the mat. When you’ve been competing at the elite level for as long as I have, you learn how to neutralize strengths and capitalize on small windows. It’s going to be an incredible challenge, and that’s exactly why I wanted this final test.”
His take on Thierry Felipe
Seif also weighed in on Thierry Felipe, one of the young names arriving at The Crown after beating some big opponents in recent months. For the veteran, youth is a weapon in this format, but experience matters most in the decisive moments.
“Thierry Felipe is an impressive athlete, and his rise is well-deserved. He brings tremendous energy, great aggressiveness, and a high pace to the mat, which has allowed him to beat some very big names in recent months.”
“In a competition like The Crown, where every match is like a final, he is definitely a serious threat to anyone. Youth and fearlessness are powerful assets in this kind of format. That said, against experienced veterans, managing key moments, pacing, and tactical pressure plays a decisive role. It will be exciting to see how his style matches up against the maturity and physical game of the category’s seasoned competitors.”
Recognition away from the spotlight
Even with three of the biggest titles of the season, Seif says he has never chased media attention. He is comfortable with the spotlight the new generation gets and says his motivation comes from somewhere else.
“To be honest, I don’t chase the spotlight or media recognition. The new generation is fantastic; they bring a breath of fresh air and an incredible pace, so it’s completely normal for the cameras to turn toward them. For my part, my motivation has never been dictated by likes or press articles, but by the love for this martial art, pushing my own limits, and respecting what I do. At 38 years old, proving that I can still compete and win at the highest level is my greatest satisfaction. The work accomplished on the mats speaks for itself, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Trash talk, social media and personality
In a pro Jiu-Jitsu scene increasingly driven by trash talk and social media, Seif built his career on results. He admits that may have cost him some attention at times, but says he has no regrets.
“To be honest, the landscape of our sport has evolved a lot. Today, social media and trash talk play a huge role in promoting events, and it’s true that it allows certain athletes to quickly capture the attention of the community and the media.”
“But for my part, I’ve always chosen a different path: one of hard work, respect, and results on the mat. For me, true Jiu-Jitsu is measured by efficiency, discipline, and the titles you earn, not by loud statements.”
“Have I sometimes felt overlooked? Maybe a little, in the sense that the spotlight often turns faster toward those who make noise. But I have zero regrets. My personality is a reflection of my values, and the recognition I’ve earned from fellow fighters, coaches, and true fans was built on a solid foundation. In the end, talk fades, but records and legacy remain.”
The Crown takes place on November 8 at the Pyramid in Long Beach. Do you think Seif’s experience is enough to take the title from Erich Munis?
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
Read also
- Erich Munis completes The Crown 2026 field, chases a fourth title
- Thierry Felipe wants the $20,000 and the big names at The Crown
- Jiu-Jitsu world champions: who holds the title in every weight class
