The Rise of Indian MMA Fighters on the Global Stage

India has long held a tradition of combat sports, from kushti wrestling in mud arenas to boxing and judo on Olympic platforms. Yet in recent years, a new discipline has gained visibility: mixed martial arts (MMA). Once a niche activity limited to small gyms, MMA in India is steadily moving into mainstream discussions, propelled by local leagues, global organizations, and athletes who are beginning to test themselves against international competition.

The Evolution of MMA in India

The foundation of MMA in India lies in a hybrid sporting culture. The country has always valued strength, endurance, and discipline in sport, but MMA demanded more than physical power—it required cross-training across striking, grappling, wrestling, and submission techniques. Local promotions like Matrix Fight Night (MFN), founded in 2019, have provided a platform for Indian fighters to compete and sharpen their skills.

The global expansion of MMA through the UFC, ONE Championship, and Bellator further created aspirations for Indian fighters, who saw opportunities to transition from regional to international stages. This expansion mirrors broader entertainment trends, with MMA attracting younger audiences who seek fast-paced, unpredictable sporting contests.

Betting, Global Exposure, and Emerging Conversations

With international recognition comes new layers of attention, including those from sports analytics, media, and even betting communities. For instance, the rise of Indian fighters has coincided with growing online discussions around signup bonus betting sites, where fans assess odds and outcomes linked to MMA bouts. While betting remains a sensitive and regulated subject in India, its mention highlights how the sport is becoming part of global economic ecosystems—spanning broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise, and regulated wagering abroad.

Pioneers and Leading Figures in Indian MMA

A key reason MMA is growing in India is the visibility of homegrown athletes. Several fighters, both male and female, have broken ground by competing abroad or dominating in domestic promotions.

Male Fighters

• Ritu Phogat – Known as the “Indian Tigress,” Phogat transitioned from traditional wrestling, where she was part of India’s famed Phogat family, to MMA. Competing under ONE Championship, she brought international credibility to Indian women in combat sports.
  
• Arjan Singh Bhullar – Although based in Canada, Bhullar represents India’s heritage in MMA. He became the ONE Heavyweight World Champion, the first fighter of Indian descent to achieve such a title.
  
• Anshul Jubli – A lightweight fighter who earned a UFC contract through “Road to UFC,” Jubli is considered one of the brightest prospects from India. His disciplined grappling and striking mix position him as a next-generation athlete.
  
• Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat – Competing in ONE Championship, Mangat is a flyweight who grew up in Canada but represents India. He has been vocal about inspiring Indian fighters to embrace MMA.
  
• Angad Bisht – A rising figure in Matrix Fight Night, Bisht competes in the flyweight division and is known for his grappling strength and aggressive fighting style.
  
• Srikant Sekhar – A submission specialist, Sekhar has made waves in the Indian domestic circuit, especially through MFN, where his ground game earned him recognition.
  

Female Fighters

• Puja Tomar – A strawweight competitor who fought in ONE Championship. Coming from a wushu background, Tomar’s adaptability has made her one of the pioneers for Indian women in MMA.
  
• Priya Sharma – Another emerging name in the women’s circuit, Sharma is active in India’s growing MMA promotions and has competed internationally in smaller leagues.
  
• Sanika Dange – A newer entrant, she is part of the wave of female fighters beginning to make their mark domestically through MFN events.
  

Infrastructure and Training Challenges

Despite individual talent, Indian MMA faces systemic hurdles. Training infrastructure in India is still developing, with only a handful of gyms offering full-spectrum MMA training that combines Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing. Athletes often travel abroad—particularly to Thailand, Singapore, or the United States—for advanced preparation.

Nutrition, recovery, and sports science are other areas where Indian fighters are catching up. Unlike cricket or Olympic sports, MMA does not yet benefit from widespread institutional support in India, making athlete development heavily reliant on private sponsors and personal investment.

The Role of Domestic Leagues

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) has been central in providing opportunities for fighters to compete regularly within India. Founded by Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and his family, MFN has brought visibility, sponsorships, and professional platforms to Indian athletes. The league operates across different weight divisions, highlighting both male and female talent.

Domestic circuits also serve as stepping stones for athletes aiming for UFC or ONE Championship contracts. Regular competition helps fighters refine their styles, gain fan followings, and develop into viable contenders for international promotions.

Cultural Shifts and Audience Engagement

MMA’s popularity in India is tied to generational change. Younger audiences are consuming global sports through streaming platforms, social media, and YouTube. Short fight highlights, behind-the-scenes training videos, and athlete storytelling have boosted MMA’s relatability.

Culturally, MMA resonates with India’s martial traditions, blending modern spectacle with the country’s longstanding respect for combat sports. Unlike cricket, which dominates national attention, MMA represents a niche but rapidly expanding field where athletes can carve out distinct identities.

Women’s Participation and Visibility

The entry of women fighters like Ritu Phogat and Puja Tomar has been significant. Their participation challenges stereotypes about women in combat sports in India, where societal expectations often discourage such careers. International success stories have encouraged younger women to take up MMA, although infrastructure for female fighters remains even more limited than for men.

Future Outlook: Can India Produce Global Champions?

The natural question is whether India can soon produce world champions in major organizations like UFC. While athletes like Anshul Jubli and Ritu Phogat have shown potential, the pathway is still difficult. It requires consistent competition, long-term training abroad, and improvements in domestic support structures.

Nevertheless, India’s massive population base, growing sports economy, and cultural connection to combat sports suggest that it may only be a matter of time before Indian fighters achieve higher prominence globally.

Conclusion

The rise of Indian MMA fighters on the global stage is not just about individual triumphs—it is about the evolution of an entire sporting culture. From domestic leagues like MFN to international platforms like ONE Championship and UFC, Indian athletes are gradually entering the global conversation. Their progress highlights both the potential and the challenges of making MMA a mainstream sport in India.