Sangram Singh set to create history as India's first male MMA wrestler

Sangram Singh, former Commonwealth heavyweight champion is all set to become the first Indian male wrestler to be a part of mixed martial arts (MMA).

With this move, he is also set to be only the second Indian overall to compete as an MMA fighter after Puja Tomar. Here's what Sangram said in a release on Tuesday:

“Wrestling has given me so much including the love from the people of my country and I hope that they will continue to do the same in my new endeavour."

"It is my honor to represent India on the MMA world stage and hopefully inspire the next generation of athletes that want to pursue a career as an MMA fighter,” he added.

Sangram Singh has had an illustrious career, spanning across almost 25 years for India. He possesses the requisite skills of a wrestler and is well-equipped to transition into an MMA fighter. The style also fundamentally includes skills that a wrestler would have.

“MMA is the future, its growing popularity in the last few years speaks for itself. India has one of the highest viewerships for the sport and I hope that the fans of the sport can support me in the same manner,” he concluded.

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Sangram Singh scripted a historical comeback after a gap of 6 years

After being away from the action for a long period of six years, Sangram hit headlines with a memorable comeback at the Dubai Pro Wrestling Championship in February 2024.

The Indian wrestler participated in a high-octane clash and an intense showdown against Pakistan's Muhammad Saeed on his return. It was the perfect opportunity for a highly anticipated comeback and the 38-year-old certainly made it count.

The comeback was grand and successful as Sangram beat Muhammad Saeed in a relatively one-sided affair at the Dubai Pro World Wrestling Championship, displaying his prowess on the mat.

With this emphatic win, the decision to make the move to MMA does not come as a surprise. His wealth of experience as a wrestler will most likely come in handy as he sets himself up to transition into an MMA fighter. MMA is certainly the next step toward the future for Singh with the popularity of the sport growing by the day.