When Sangram Singh determined to enterprise into the world of MMA, there have been doubts about whether or not he really belonged contained in the cage. It wasn’t simply amongst followers—Sangram himself had these questions. Beginning at 38, an age when many MMA athletes resolve to name it quits, it was a daring step into the unknown. Sangram had already overcome a battle with rheumatoid arthritis earlier than changing into a wrestler. In wrestling, he was topped the World’s Greatest Skilled Wrestler and later clinched the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship titles in 2015 and 2016.
Now 40, he holds a 2-0 file, with wins over Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir and Tunisian wrestler Hakim Trabelsi in Amsterdam. Sangram stands on the cusp of historical past as he prepares to develop into the primary Indian to compete in Argentina, the place he’ll face Florian Coudiere in Tigre, Buenos Aires.
However now, Sangram realizes his goal in MMA goes past simply racking up wins. It’s about placing India on the worldwide MMA map. With a deeper understanding of the game, together with a much bigger group and extra intense preparation forward of his third battle, his outlook has advanced.
“Once I made my debut in Tbilisi in October 2024, I genuinely didn’t know what to anticipate. I had spent many years as a wrestler, however MMA is a wholly completely different house. It’s quicker, extra demanding on each physique and thoughts, and requires a a lot wider vary of abilities than conventional wrestling. That first battle was about moving into the unknown and understanding whether or not I belonged there.”
“By the point I fought in Amsterdam at Ranges Combat League towards Hakim Trabelsi, my understanding of the game had deepened. I had began working extra severely on mixtures, Jujutsu, and transitions. Now, as I put together for Argentina, I’ve six coaches, a full help group, and I’ve gone via a few of the most intense preparation of my life. My understanding of what this sport calls for has advanced considerably, and it has modified me as a fighter,” stated Sangram.
ACTING AS A BRIDGE
Sangram is witnessing a shift with regards to MMA in India, and he believes he can act as a bridge connecting aspiring athletes within the nation to the worldwide stage.
“I see the change. My nephews now not comply with wrestling, they comply with MMA and might title each UFC fighter. That’s the place the game is heading, and I need to act as a bridge between the place Indian fight sports activities have been and the place they should go. Each battle I win begins a dialog, and each dialog has the potential to encourage a younger athlete to step into the game,” stated Sangram.
Nonetheless, regardless of the rising curiosity within the sport, Sangram stays vocal concerning the challenges in making a pathway for MMA fighters in India. He believes an absence of structured academies and restricted sponsorship is hindering the progress of expertise.
“The actual hole lies between curiosity and alternative. A big portion of sporting expertise in India, particularly in smaller cities and villages, by no means finds the suitable pathway. Many younger athletes have no idea the place to coach, who to method, or tips on how to entry high quality teaching.”
“Whereas establishments just like the Sports activities Authority of India exist, consciousness and accessibility stay restricted. In MMA particularly, there are only a few structured academies, restricted sponsorship, and no clear pathway from beginner to skilled competitors. Athletes could practice for years, however with out monetary help and a correct system, their journeys usually finish prematurely,” stated Sangram.
NOT LISTENING TO LIMITATIONS
At 40, the query stays: how lengthy does Sangram plan to compete? The reply, in accordance with him, is easy—so long as his physique permits him to.
For now, the purpose is way greater.
The Match India icon needs to construct one thing lasting for Indian MMA as he continues to form future expertise. For that, he’s prepared to look past private data and accolades.
“I finished listening to these limitations a very long time in the past. Once I noticed the rise of MMA and the type of following it had amongst youthful audiences, it felt like the subsequent problem I needed to tackle.”
“I respect age, however I don’t let it outline my choices. So long as my physique permits me to coach correctly and compete with integrity, I’ll proceed. Past my very own profession, I need to construct one thing lasting for Indian MMA. I work with athletes on the Nationwide Video games, mentor younger expertise, and help schooling for kids.”
“My purpose is to create higher constructions for upcoming fighters, join Indian expertise with worldwide platforms, and show to each the federal government and company sponsors that this sport is price investing in. If even just a few athletes from India go on to compete on the highest ranges due to one thing I helped construct, that can matter way more to me than any private file,” stated Sangram.
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