Sangram Singh Set to Make History in MMA Championship in Malaysia
Historic MMA Championship Bout
Indian MMA sensation and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Sangram Singh, is gearing up for a significant milestone as he prepares for his fourth professional MMA match at the Malaysia Strike MMA Championship in Kuala Lumpur. This event marks a pivotal moment for Indian mixed martial arts, as Sangram will be the first Indian athlete to contend for the esteemed Asia Championship title.
Details of the Championship Fight
Scheduled for July 19, this eagerly awaited match will see Sangram Singh go head-to-head with seasoned Pakistani MMA fighter Abid Ali, who boasts multiple wins in international competitions. The invitation to participate in this championship was extended by Muhammad Lukman Hakim Bin Abdullah, the organizer of the Malaysia Strike MMA Championship, to both Sangram and his coach, Bhupesh Kumar. Sangram expressed his pride in accepting the invitation, emphasizing its significance for India.
Sangram's Remarkable MMA Journey
Sangram's MMA career began against another Pakistani fighter, Ali Raza Nasir, at the GAMMA International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, where he achieved a decisive victory in the second round. His upcoming match will once again feature a Pakistani opponent on an international platform.
In between these two encounters, Sangram triumphed over Tunisian fighter Hakim Trabelsi in the Netherlands before the fight reached the second round.
Most recently, he made headlines in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by defeating French fighter Florian Caudier in just 1 minute and 45 seconds, becoming the first Indian to win an MMA fight in Argentina.
Sangram's Perspective on the Challenge Ahead
At the age of 42, Sangram Singh continues to take on younger competitors, often facing opponents who are 15 to 16 years his junior. Regarding the upcoming challenge, he stated, "While I may not know Abid Ali's exact age, I recognize that he is a seasoned fighter with numerous MMA victories. Competing for the Asian Championship title at the Malaysia Strike MMA Championship is a tremendous honor for me."
Sangram will compete in the 83-89 kg weight category for this bout. He acknowledged the heightened emotions surrounding an India-Pakistan sporting event but expressed that the challenge invigorates him. "Whenever India and Pakistan face off, the emotions run high as fans from both nations fervently support their teams. There is pressure, but also excitement. This is a significant challenge for me, and I am training with utmost dedication," he added.
Importance for Indian MMA
"This fight is crucial not only for Sangram Singh but also for the advancement of Indian MMA on the global stage," stated Amitesh Shah, Founder and CEO of LegaXy. He further noted, "Competing for a title at the Malaysia Strike MMA Championship showcases how Indian athletes are increasingly making their presence felt in international combat sports."
About Sangram Singh
In addition to his accomplishments in combat sports, Sangram Singh serves as the brand ambassador for the Government of India's Fit India Movement initiative under the Ministry of Sports. Before his MMA career, he represented India as an international Greco-Roman wrestler and spent years training in the national camp. He later transitioned into professional wrestling, acting, and motivational speaking before successfully entering the MMA arena.
Born in Rohtak, Haryana, Sangram overcame severe rheumatoid arthritis in his childhood to build a successful wrestling career. He is a Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, a Fit India icon, and one of India's prominent figures in professional combat sports.