Who is Shi Ming? The Chinese MMA Fighter Who Praised Aamir Khan's Dangal!
Shi Ming Shines in Road to UFC
In a thrilling match at the latest Road to UFC event held in Macau, India's Puja Tomar went head-to-head with China's Shi Ming. The Chinese fighter delivered an outstanding performance, securing victory over Tomar in the Season 5 competition. Shi Ming won the match with an arm-triangle choke just 3 minutes and 12 seconds into the first round. Following her win, she surprised the audience by referencing the film Dangal during her post-fight speech, expressing her admiration for Aamir Khan and calling the film a "moving" portrayal of female wrestlers. She even humorously suggested that a sequel could be made based on her own journey. Her remarks quickly gained traction on social media, captivating Bollywood fans with the film's global influence.
Shi Ming's Tribute to Aamir Khan's Dangal
After her victory, Shi Ming shared her thoughts, saying, "I want to express that, oh my god, I really like Bollywood star Aamir Khan. The film, Dangal, is so moving. I hope someone can create a film about me like that someday. Dangal 2, let’s go!"
For those who may not know, Shi Ming rose to fame in 2024 after clinching victory in Road to UFC Season 3. This tournament serves as a platform for up-and-coming MMA fighters from Asia to compete for a coveted UFC contract. Known as the Martial Arts Doctor, Shi Ming has made a name for herself as one of Asia's top MMA athletes due to her remarkable talent. Her comments post-fight have gone viral, capturing the attention of the Indian online community.
Public Reaction Online
In response to her video, one Reddit user remarked, "This is called impact. That’s the power of cinema!" Another added, "This is what Bollywood used to represent!" A third user noted, "In a nation captivated by cricket, I appreciate that our Indian film industry has made efforts to highlight other sports and their heroes. Without these films, I really doubt the current generation would have known figures like the Phogat sisters, Milkha Singh, Paan Singh Tomar, Murlikant Petkar, coach Syed Abdul Rahim, Mary Kom, etc."
Dangal
Released in 2016, Dangal starred Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, and Sakshi Tanwar. The film tells the inspiring story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat training his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world champions. It became a global phenomenon, grossing over Rs 2,000 crore worldwide and is among India's highest-grossing films ever.