When Sangram Singh decided to enter the world of MMA, there were doubts about whether he really belonged in the cage. It wasn’t just among the fans – Sangram himself had these questions. Starting at 38, an age when many MMA athletes decide to retire, it was a bold step into the unknown. Sangram has already overcome his battle with rheumatoid arthritis before becoming a wrestler. In wrestling, he was crowned the world’s best professional wrestler and later secured the Commonwealth heavyweight titles in 2015 and 2016.
Now 40, he is 2-0 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 take on Florian Coudier in Tigre, Buenos Aires. Sangram started MMA at the age of 38 (Courtesy: Sangram Singh)
But now Sangram realizes that his goal in MMA goes beyond just getting wins. It is about putting India on the global MMA map. With a deeper understanding of the sport, a bigger squad and more intense preparation before the third game, his perspective has evolved.
“When I made my debut in Tbilisi in October 2024, I really didn’t know what to expect. I’ve spent decades as a fighter, but MMA is a completely different space. It’s faster, more demanding on the 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 if I belonged there.”
“By the time I fought in Amsterdam at the Levels Fight League against Hakim Trabelsi, my understanding of the sport deepened. I began to work more seriously on combinations, Jujutsu and transitions. Now, as I prepare for Argentina, I have six trainers, a full support team and have undergone the most intense preparation of my life. My understanding of what this sport requires has changed significantly.”
ACTING AS A BRIDGE
Sangram is witnessing a shift when it comes to MMA in India and believes it can act as a bridge connecting the country’s up-and-coming athletes to the global stage.
“I see the change. My nephews don’t watch wrestling anymore, they watch MMA and they can name every UFC fighter. That’s where the sport is going 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 enter the sport,” Sangram said.
However, despite the growing interest in the sport, Sangram still talks about the challenges of creating a path for MMA fighters in India. He believes that the lack of structured academies and limited sponsorship is hindering the development of talent. Sangram believes he has evolved as a fighter (Courtesy: Sangram Singh)
“The real gap lies between interest and opportunity. Much of India’s sporting talent, especially in smaller towns and villages, never finds the right path. Many young athletes don’t know where to train, who to turn to or how to get 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 path from amateur to professional competition. Athletes can train for years, but without financial support and the right system, their journeys often end prematurely,” said Sangram.
FAILURE TO OBEY RESTRICTIONS
At 40, the question remains: how long does Sangram plan to compete? According to him, the answer is simple — if his body allows him.
For now, the goal is much bigger.
The Fit India icon wants to build something lasting for Indian MMA as he continues to mold future talent. For that, he is willing to look beyond personal bests and accolades.
“I stopped listening to those limitations a long time ago. When I saw the rise of MMA and its popularity among a younger audience, it felt like another challenge that I wanted to take on.”
“I respect age, but I don’t let it dictate my decisions. As long as my body allows me to train properly and compete fairly, I will continue. Apart from my own career, I want to build something lasting for Indian MMA. I work with athletes at national games, mentor young talents and support children’s education.”
“My aim is to create better structures for upcoming fighters, connect Indian talent with international platforms and show the government and corporate sponsors that the sport is worth investing in. If even a few athletes from India compete at the highest levels because of something I helped build, that will mean more to me than any personal record,” Sangram said.
– The end
Published on:
02 Apr 2026 05:00 IST
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