India’s mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete Sangram Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win an MMA fight on Argentine soil. The match took place at the Tigre Sports Club stadium in Buenos Aires, where Singh defeated French fighter Florian Coudier, who is 16 years his junior, in one minute and 45 seconds, according to a press release.
This victory marked Singh’s third consecutive MMA win, adding to previous successes in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. His wrestling techniques played a significant role in this fight.
Double Commonwealth heavyweight champion Sangram Singh commented on his win, saying, “Win or lose doesn’t matter to me. I either win or learn. I often say that passion has no age. As the Prime Minister often says, dream high and set about making them come true. My dream of becoming the first Indian came true when I won the fight in Argentina.” He also thanked the organisers and his coach Bhupesh, who has supported him for 25 years, adding, “He also worked day and night to make me succeed.”
Singh revealed that he received numerous congratulatory messages from India and abroad after the victory. Describing his preparation, he said he “worked hard with his coach all day. Sweated profusely. Drank half a glass of water throughout the day.” Competing in the 83 kg weight category with a two-kilogram allowance, he noted, “I also had no idea why the entire stadium was cheering me on during my fight.”
Regarding the fight, Singh detailed how an early punch he threw was saved by Florian from hitting his face, instead striking his shoulder. Florian responded with a kick to the ribs and a counterattack kick. Singh described Florian as strong in appearance but with fast movements of hands and feet. His wrestling experience proved decisive, as he caught Florian’s kick, knocked him down, and used wrestling leg attack techniques. He then applied a wrestling hold and choke until the referee called the fight after asking three times.
Singh also noted that he won his third MMA fight with ease, defeating a Pakistani fighter in 90 seconds, while his second fight was won in the second round.