UFC India And Indian MMA Fighters

UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is a renowned American MMA (mixed martial arts) promotion company. The UFC is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC is the largest MMA promotion, having incredible fighters and athletes. Founded in 1993, the total revenue is around 1.3 billion USD.

UFC 299 and UFC 300 are some of its latest events that are capturing eyes around the globe. The UFC business is spreading in different countries, and India is not untouched by it. UFC India is a growing industry that will transform the whole MMA business in a positive way. Let’s understand and read how UFC India will grow and what are some things you should be aware of if you are an UFC fan.

We are here to tell you more about the best combat sport promotions of the world.

What is MMA (mixed martial arts)?

MMA is a full-contact combat sport that includes various fighting techniques such as boxing, wrestling, grappling, striking, etc. The art form has a great history, coming from Brazil, Japan, and some parts of Asia. 

In the 1990s, the Gracie family introduced an elite martial art form called “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” in the United States of America that laid the foundation for establishing the UFC. MMA has been involved for years. From no rules, no weight-class the sports is now more regulated. Advanced judges give scores on rules and measures for the safety and security of fighters, and ultimately, the fame is unmatchable. 

Conor Mcgregor, Jon Jones, Charles Oliveira, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Anshul Jubli, and Alex Pereira are world-famous athletes all because of the UFC and MMA promotions. Today, MMA is a very popular sport that has a pay-per-view business model.

What are the different weight classes in MMA?

In the UFC and MMA, there are different weight classes for men and women. Below is the list of those weight classes.

Men’s Weight Classes

• Strawweight: Up to 52.2 kg / 115 lbs
• Flyweight: 52.2 kg – 56.7 kg / 115 lbs – 125 lbs
• Bantamweight: 56.7 kg – 61.2 kg / 125 lbs – 135 lbs
• Featherweight: 61.2 kg – 65.8 kg / 135 lbs – 145 lbs
• Lightweight: 65.8 kg – 70.3 kg / 145 lbs – 155 lbs
• Welterweight: 70.3 kg – 77.1 kg / 155 lbs – 170 lbs
• Middleweight: 77.1 kg – 83.9 kg / 170 lbs – 185 lbs
• Light Heavyweight: 83.9 kg – 93.0 kg / 185 lbs – 205 lbs
• Heavyweight: 93.0 kg – 120.2 kg / 205 lbs – 265 lbs

Women’s Weight Classes

• Strawweight: Up to 52.2 kg / 115 lbs
• Flyweight: 52.2 kg – 56.7 kg / 115 lbs – 125 lbs
• Bantamweight: 56.7 kg – 61.2 kg / 125 lbs – 135 lbs
• Featherweight: 61.2 kg – 65.8 kg / 135 lbs – 145 lbs

Famous MMA leagues in the world

There are diverse leagues and promotions that represent MMA for fans. Some of them are mentioned below.

1. UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

Founded in 1993, the UFC is the ultimate dream of MMA fighters. The gold belt and the legacy they create are truly inspiring and motivating. Dana White is the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

2. PFL (Professional Fighters League)

Formerly known as the World Series of Fighting, it has a unique way of promoting fights. They arrange season-wise fights, and the winner gets $1 million at the end. Kayla Harrison and Larissa Pacheco are some of the promising talents in this promotion. 

3. ONE Championship

A Singapore-based MMA promotion company has the image of promoting and bringing fighters from remote areas of Asia and other continents. Muay Thai, kickboxing, and striking can all be seen in ONE Championship fights. They respect their fighters’ lives and health. Demetrious Johnson and Rodtang Jitmuangnon are known in the MMA community.

4. Bellator MMA

An American MMA promotion that hosted fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, and Michael Page.  Promotions such as Cage Warriors, MMA Pro League, Rizin Fighting Federation, and Invicta Fighting Championships are also popular.

Most popular UFC fight

The most popular MMA fight or most famous UFC fight is UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor for the Lightweight Championship. Both the athletes are different in style and attitude. Conor vs. Khabib is considered the biggest pay-per-view fight in the history of the UFC. On October 6, 2018, the fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. 

It set the record with 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, which was around $180 million. 

UFC vs. ONE Championship

Both promoters have different approaches and tactics to promote their fighters and fights. UFC is older since it was founded in 1993, whereas ONE Championship was founded in 2011. The UFC is more dominant when it comes to popularity and revenue. Fighter pay in the UFC is comparatively less than ONE Championship.

All about UFC India

The UFC in India is showing significant growth. Fighters like Anshul Jubli, Ritu Phogat, and Mohammed Farhad are paving the way for upcoming Indian MMA fighters. MMA India has a vast scope of growth, both popularity-wise and revenue-wise. Indian MMA fighters are proving their presence in different fight promotions. 

Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) has the complete rights to broadcast UFC in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal. The prominent agreement includes digital media and TV rights to cover all UFC events until 2028.

UFC 303, UFC 304, and all upcoming events can be watched in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and English. The deal covers anticipated 12 pay per view and 30 fight night events. Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler is a must watch fight (Sun, 30 Jun, 7:30 am ET at UFC 303)

There are some hints that UFC India can happen in the future after seeing a big population and growing UFC fans. Anshul Jubli is an MMA fighter from India who was in the UFC Roaster (UFC 294).

He won Road to UFC Season 1 in the lightweight category, which landed him in the UFC main cards. Furthermore, Anshul Jubli is the first Indian-origin fighter to win a bout in the UFC.

The future of UFC in India is promising, and hence people around the country are taking MMA and UFC with both hands open.

Name of Fighters of India in UFC and ONE Championship

We have listed some known fighters of Indian origin that have sealed their places in the UFC and ONE championships. Below is the list:

1. Bharat Kandare: He is the first Indian MMA fighter to be featured in the UFC. He made his debut in 2017 after performing exceptionally in the Super Fight League.

2. Arjan Singh Bhullar: With a wrestling background, Arjan Singh made his debut in UFC 215 against Luis Enrigue Barbosa de Oliveira. Later, he moved to the ONE Championship and became the first Indian-origin fighter to win the gold belt.

3. Ritu Phogat: Coming from the family of Phogats, a prominent name in wrestling, Ritu has an amazing resume with a gold medal at Commonwealth games and a 10-7-3 (matches-wins-losses) MMA record in the atomweight category.

4. Mohammed Farhad: With an impressive record of 8-2 at the Brave Combat Federation, Farhad is a prominent Indian athlete in MMA.

5. Anshul Jubli: In the present era, Anshul Jubli is very famous among young UFC fans. A teacher turned MMA fighter, and his journey to the UFC is inspiring. He fought in UFC 294. Anshul Jubli vs. Mike Breeden was a banger. Anshul dominated the two rounds but lost in the third round via KO. His coach, Siddhart Singh, believes that Anshul will come back stronger and will take his vengeance. Anshul Jubli trained at Crosstrain Fight Club in Delhi Nd followed healthy diet.

Anshul is promoting MMA in India and making UFC India a reality. His achievements pave the path for Indian MMA fighters and mark a milestone for Indian representation in the UFC.

Angad Bisht, Sumit Kumar, Rana Rudra Pratap Singh are fighters who appeared in Road to UFC Season 2.

Who is Angad Bisht?

Angad Bisht, a 28-year-old from Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, could be India’s next MMA sensation with the upcoming Road to UFC season. With a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, he’s poised to take on Asia’s finest in the flyweight division, facing off against John Almanza from the Philippines.

Originally on a path towards medicine, Angad felt drawn to the physical challenge and mental prowess of MMA. He transitioned from his medical pursuits to pursue his passion for the sport. Starting his MMA journey in Delhi, he balanced daytime work at a gym with evening training sessions, driven by the adrenaline rush and strategic complexity akin to chess.

Within just six months of training, Angad excelled in amateur fights and secured titles in various promotions, now eyeing a spot in the prestigious UFC. In an exclusive interview with News18 Sports, Angad shared his journey and aspirations, aiming to tap into his untapped potential and secure his spot among the MMA elite.

Different MMAs in UFC

There are many mixed martial arts forms that are impressive. Some of them are practiced in combat sports. Here is a list of these art forms.

1. Wrestling
2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
3. Boxing
4. Kickboxing
5. Muay Thai
6. Sambo
7. Taekwondo
8. Karate
9. Wushu and more.

Scope of UFC in India and MMA in India

The MMA sphere is evolving rapidly, with growing participation and interest. Here are some prominent key points highlighting the scope of MMA and UFC in India:

Popularity

People between the ages of 16 and 35 in India are the main viewers of the UFC fights. MMA India is gaining popularity since it provides a fully fledged career path with financial benefits.

Professional fighting leagues

The emergence of the Super Fight League has opened the gates for fighters and wrestlers to train MMA and become a fighter in the UFC and ONE Championship. 

Training facilities

With increasing MMA fights in India, mix martial arts in India have gained the attention of people across the country. People are searching mma classes Delhi, mma in Mumbai, mma Chandigarh, mma in Noida, mma in Pune on google to know more about training facilities. The MMA India federation is also helping athletes to get the exposure they need.

Youth engagement

MMA and UFC resonantes well with the youth in India. People under the age of 24 years are more inclined towards combat sports hence opening a expansion opportunities for fight promotions in India.

Benefits of watching UFC events

UFC is popular in the world because it offeres diverse weight categories fights fro MMA fans that can be easily accessible through pay-per-view. They also upload some of the fights on their youtube channel. People in bars, restaurants enjoy combat sports and create a sense of social connection. 

Apart from the entertainment point, UFC events contribute to the economy by generating jobs and revenue.The international appeal expands through events in various part of the world like UFC Brazil, UFC Spain, UFC Saudi Arabia, etc. Fans enjoys the fight and give support to their favorite fighters both emotionally and financially when they purchase pay per views.

Upcoming UFC events in 2024

1. UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2
2. UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill
3. UFC 301- Pantoja vs Erceg
4. UFC 302- Dustin Poirier vs Islam Makhachev
5. UFC 303- Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler
6. UFC 306
7. UFC Fight Night 241
8. UFC Fight Night 242
9. UFC Fight Night 243

Conclusion

The future is bright for UFC in India. You can experience knockouts moments in famous places like Knockout MMA Laxmi Nagar and Combat Kinetics Chennai.  Discover the intensity of MMA Delhi, Bangalore MMA, Chennai MMA, MMA Chandigarh, and understand how different parts of India are contributing to make UFC India a reality.

With events happening in Chennai MMA Anna nagar brings joy on faces. In conclusion, with the hard work of Indian MMA fighters, MMA India will see boom in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where to Watch UFC Live in India?
Catch UFC action live in India on Sony Pictures Sports Network, broadcasting UFC events in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and English.

2. Can Indians Join UFC?
Yes, Indian fighters can compete in the UFC by showcasing their skills, winning matches, and earning a spot on the UFC roster.

3. Are Indians Participating in MMA?
Yes, Indians are actively participating in MMA, with fighters like Angad Bisht, Anshul Jubli, Ritu Phogat, and Bharat Kandare representing India on global platforms.