Austrian player Fabio Söhnel represents a unique case in international sport. After a career in mixed martial arts –MMA-, he returned to basketball to establish himself as a key figure in 3×3, a discipline governed by the International Basketball Federation -FIBA- and included in the Olympic program of the International Olympic Committee -IOC-. His journey illustrates how the demands of an individual sport can shape performance in a highly competitive team format.

During his years in MMA, Söhnel discovered the essence of individual effort. “In MMA, there’s nobody to save you. It’s just you in the cage,” he recalled. His transition to 3×3, however, highlighted a decisive contrast: the importance of collective cohesion. “No ego, just playing for the team,” he underlined after Team Vienna’s World Tour victory in Debrecen.

The body as a bridge between two disciplines

The skills acquired in MMA proved decisive in his adaptation to 3×3. “My body and my background really suited 3×3,” explained the player, who had grown up playing basketball. Mastery of body balance, explosiveness, and contact management translated into a competitive edge. “MMA influenced my game a lot. It helps me set strong screens, play defense and grab rebounds,” he said.

The cage also strengthened his mental resilience. The ability to remain calm in extreme situations carried over into a 3×3 calendar filled with demanding competitions. “In 3×3, it’s like playing a final every weekend,” he stated. This psychological preparation has allowed him to cope with the density of tournaments, the accumulation of matches in a single weekend, and the constant pressure of world rankings.

Injuries, discipline and the chance to reinvent himself

The physical toll of MMA led him to reconsider his career. The global pandemic became a turning point, when he reconnected with basketball in Vienna. “After two or three practices, the motivation came back,” he explained. Later, he overcame significant injuries in 3×3 as well, including an Achilles tendon issue.

Beyond results, Söhnel sees discipline as the common ground between both disciplines. “You can’t get comfortable with success and you can’t get too low after failure,” he noted. This balance, forged in MMA, has carried over to 3×3 as a key principle for sustaining performance on the international circuit.

Humility and learning on the Olympic path

The lessons learned in the cage translated into humility and a constant drive for improvement. “MMA taught me to find inner peace and to focus on my craft,” he said. In 3×3, that mentality is reflected in the absence of ego and the priority given to the team.

Austria celebrated with him its first-ever gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup in 2024, a historic milestone that elevated the country’s standing in this Olympic discipline. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Söhnel sums up his approach in simple terms: “The key is to enjoy the game, because that’s when we play our best.”