When Sangram Singh decided to venture into the world of MMA, there were doubts about whether he truly belonged inside the cage. It wasn’t just among fans—Sangram himself had those questions. Starting at 38, an age when many MMA athletes decide to call it quits, it was a bold step into the unknown. Sangram had already overcome a battle with rheumatoid arthritis before becoming a wrestler. In wrestling, he was crowned the World’s Best Professional Wrestler and later clinched the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship titles in 2015 and 2016.
Now 40, he holds a 2-0 record, with wins over Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir and Tunisian wrestler Hakim Trabelsi in Amsterdam. Sangram stands on the cusp of history as he prepares to become the first Indian to compete in Argentina, where he will face Florian Coudiere in Tigre, Buenos Aires.
But now, Sangram realises his aim in MMA goes beyond just racking up wins. It is about putting India on the global MMA map. With a deeper understanding of the sport, along with a bigger team and more intense preparation ahead of his third fight, his outlook has evolved.
“When I made my debut in Tbilisi in October 2024, I genuinely did not know what to expect. I had spent decades as a wrestler, but MMA is an entirely different space. It is faster, more demanding on both body and mind, and requires a much wider range of skills than traditional wrestling. That first fight was about stepping into the unknown and understanding whether I belonged there.”
“By the time I fought in Amsterdam at Levels Fight League against Hakim Trabelsi, my understanding of the sport had deepened. I had started working more seriously on combinations, Jujutsu, and transitions. Now, as I prepare for Argentina, I have six coaches, a full support team, and I have gone through some of the most intense preparation of my life. My understanding of what this sport demands has evolved significantly, and it has changed me as a fighter,” said Sangram.
ACTING AS A BRIDGE
Sangram is witnessing a shift when it comes to MMA in India, and he believes he can act as a bridge connecting aspiring athletes in the country to the global stage.
“I see the change. My nephews no longer follow wrestling, they follow MMA and can name every UFC fighter. That is where the sport is heading, and I want to act as a bridge between where Indian combat sports have been and where they need to go. Every fight I win starts a conversation, and every conversation has the potential to inspire a young athlete to step into the sport,” said Sangram.
However, despite the growing interest in the sport, Sangram remains vocal about the challenges in creating a pathway for MMA fighters in India. He believes a lack of structured academies and limited sponsorship is hindering the progress of talent.
“The real gap lies between interest and opportunity. A large portion of sporting talent in India, especially in smaller towns and villages, never finds the right pathway. Many young athletes do not know where to train, who to approach, or how to access quality coaching.”
“While institutions like the Sports Authority of India exist, awareness and accessibility remain limited. In MMA specifically, there are very few structured academies, limited sponsorship, and no clear pathway from amateur to professional competition. Athletes may train for years, but without financial support and a proper system, their journeys often end prematurely,” said Sangram.
NOT LISTENING TO LIMITATIONS
At 40, the question remains: how long does Sangram plan to compete? The answer, according to him, is simple—as long as his body allows him to.
For now, the goal is much bigger.
The Fit India icon wants to build something lasting for Indian MMA as he continues to shape future talent. For that, he is willing to look beyond personal records and accolades.
“I stopped listening to those limitations a long time ago. When I saw the rise of MMA and the kind of following it had among younger audiences, it felt like the next challenge I wanted to take on.”
“I respect age, but I do not let it define my decisions. As long as my body allows me to train properly and compete with integrity, I will continue. Beyond my own career, I want to build something lasting for Indian MMA. I work with athletes at the National Games, mentor young talent, and support education for children.”
“My goal is to create better structures for upcoming fighters, connect Indian talent with international platforms, and demonstrate to both the government and corporate sponsors that this sport is worth investing in. If even a few athletes from India go on to compete at the highest levels because of something I helped build, that will matter far more to me than any personal record,” said Sangram.
– Ends
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