From Baltimore, Maryland, Khafre "Demon Time" Tate's journey is one of profound transformation - from battling depression, anxiety, and lack of purpose to becoming one of the DMV's most decorated Muay Thai champions. Growing up playing basketball for 8 years, Khafre discovered combat sports through watching the UFC and wanting to become a stronger person. But what he found in Muay Thai was more than strength - he found purpose.
Starting training around 2016 but not getting consistent until 2023, Khafre's breakthrough came under the guidance of his first coach, Aung La Nsang - former two-division ONE Championship MMA champion who showed him it was possible to make dreams reality. Now training relentlessly at Ground Control Owings Mills under Coach John Vu and Coach Paul Yohn, Khafre has channeled his energy into a formidable fighting style characterized by relentless forward pressure, aggression, and clinch-heavy warfare.
Over 24 fights, Khafre has compiled a 20-4 record and an intimidating trophy case: WBC National Champion, Warriors Cup US Champion, Gut Check Champion, former 2x TCB Champion, 3x WKA Champion, Muay Thai Grand Nationals Champion, and WBC Amazing Muay Thai World Festival Silver Medalist. His most memorable achievement came recently - winning the WBC National Championship in a rematch, proving he belongs among the elite.
But Khafre's story isn't just about victories. His toughest moment came when he lost his best friend right after winning a fight. "That moment pushed me very hard mentally but also made me realize what's really important in life and that is your friends, family who love and support you." That tragedy transformed him, strengthening his resolve and deepening his purpose. He fights not just for himself, but for his community and the memory of those who believed in him.
Originally known for devastating knees, Khafre has evolved his arsenal. "I was known for my knees for a while, now I've added some nasty elbows to my game which I like a little more." His mindset is primal and uncompromising: "Kill or be killed." His fighting philosophy centers on relentless forward momentum: "Keep moving forward. No matter what happens in the fight or in life, keep moving forward and eventually you will succeed."
Guided by the haunting mantra "The world is cruel, I am cruel," Khafre meets life's adversity with equal intensity in the ring. Life tested him; now he's the one doing the testing. For Khafre, Muay Thai is art - a way to express himself that everyday life doesn't allow. "It's my outlet."
Working in the restaurant industry while coaching classes and offering private lessons at Ground Control, Khafre sacrifices work time to train and takes entire weeks off for fights. It's a difficult balance, but one he commits to fully. His current goals reflect his hunger: finish his amateur career winning more titles, capture the IFMA World Championship, and turn professional in mid-2026. His next test comes December 19th at Warriors Cup, fighting for a North American Title.
Outside the ring, Khafre is quick to remind people: "I'm a nice person outside of the ring lol." But his journey - battling physical and mental adversity for years - fuels his mission to inspire others. "I feel like I can inspire people to turn their pain into power instead of letting it bring you down."
His message to fans and supporters is unapologetically bold: "Be your own biggest fan, if you're not no one else will be. It may rub people the wrong way and they may try to tear you down but never stop believing in yourself."
Support Khafre "Demon Time" Tate as he continues to channel pain into power, fight with heart and honor, and prove that the world's cruelty is no match for a warrior who refuses to stop moving forward.
