Indian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and Fit India icon Sangram Singh will become the first Indian MMA competitor to fight in Argentina on April 5 in Tigre, Buenos Aires, marking a historic milestone for Indian combat sports.
Speaking ahead of the bout against Florian Coudiere, Singh described the opportunity as significant and expressed pride in representing India abroad. “This is a very big thing for me. I am getting a very big opportunity. In a true sense, I am getting a chance to serve my country. I am the first Indian to get a chance to play there, and if I win this match on 5th April, it will motivate a lot of sponsors and youngsters,” he said.
Originally scheduled to face French fighter Mauteu Moteiro, Singh’s opponent changed due to Moteiro’s knee injury, with Coudiere stepping in as the replacement. Sangram explained that while he had prepared extensively for his original opponent, he has adapted his training to handle the new challenge. “I had to learn a lot of things. Last time I worked on punch, kick. I also worked on Jujutsu. I have prepared a lot for my old opponent. He had an injury, and now my opponent has changed. It is very difficult. I don’t know much about him. I don’t know what he does, so this time it will be a little difficult, but I prepared myself for this as well. I am very excited,” he said.
Singh acknowledged the unpredictability of sport but remains confident. “I have prepared a lot this time. You are not perfect in sports. You can only prepare. I believe that if anyone says anything to me, I don’t answer. You can answer with your actions in the ring,” he added.
Sangram Singh has previously secured rapid victories in his MMA career, defeating Pakistani fighter Ali Raza Nasir in just 90 seconds in Tbilisi and Tunisian wrestler Hakim Tarabelsi in Amsterdam.