{"id":582510,"date":"2026-04-03T08:37:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T08:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/582510\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T08:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T08:37:08","slug":"age-does-not-matter-sangram-singh-opens-up-on-mma-indias-rising-combat-sports-scene-other-sports-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/582510\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Age Does Not Matter’: Sangram Singh Opens Up On MMA & India’s Rising Combat Sports Scene | Other-sports News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 12:06 IST<\/p>\n

Sangram Singh continues his MMA career and is gearing up to face a younger fighter in Florian Coudiere of France.\"font\"\"new\"new<\/a>\"Sangram<\/p>\n

Sangram Singh feels that influence of MMA is on the rise. (Picture Credit: IG\/sangramsingh_wrestler)<\/p>\n

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Sangram Singh, former Commonwealth heavyweight champion, has had a long career as an international-level Greco-Roman wrestler besides his work as an actor, model, and motivational speaker.<\/p>\n

He is scheduled to face Florian Coudiere, a French MMA fighter on Sunday (April 5) in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Coudiere is 15 years younger, providing an interesting challenge for Sangram as he continues to explore professional MMA.<\/p>\n

In 2012, after a game in South Africa, Sangram<\/a> was named the \u2018World\u2019s Best Professional Wrestler\u2019 by World Wrestling Professionals for his style, stamina, and wrestling ability. He remained a professional wrestler until 2024, when he made his MMA debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, defeating Pakistan\u2019s Ali Raza Nasir in 90 seconds.<\/p>\n

Asked about his transition from wrestling to MMA, Sangram told News18 Sports, \u201cToday, combat sports are popular and are being integrated everywhere, even in football training. Whether it is soccer or MMA, UFC and other combat disciplines, young athletes are getting exposure early.”<\/p>\n

\u201cFor example, when I travel through airports, I often meet 12- to 15-year-olds who are already passionate about fighting. In India, there are a million kids practising combat sports.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI participate a little and when a match goes viral, it inspires even more youngsters to take up the sport. Compared to today, only four to five per cent of kids were involved in combat sports in India,” he added, noting MMA\u2019s growing influence.<\/p>\n

At 40, when most MMA athletes are in the twilights of their careers, Sangram continues to compete in MMA, a proof of the longevity of his athletic career. When asked what keeps him going, he said, \u201cI have been playing for a long time. Even as a youngster, I represented my state and for the past 30-35 years, I have been following the same routine, same exercises, same diet.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI eat vegetarian, take supplements and use Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicines. Age does not matter to me; whether I am 40, 42, 45, or 47, I will keep going as long as I can.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I play a match, it inspires young athletes. If I can compete at this age, they see that even U-14 players can achieve so much in their 20s or 30s. That is my focus; nothing else matters.”<\/p>\n

\u201cSince I don\u2019t play a team game, I don\u2019t worry about being dropped or other pressures. If I have the courage and ability, I will continue to play,” he added.<\/p>\n

On the appeal of MMA and why wrestlers can transition to it, Sangram, Fit India Brand Ambassador, explained, \u201cWhat is MMA? Today, it is a popular sport, but it is hard and combines boxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, everything. It is more than just a sport, which is why it is interesting to watch.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way it is planned, the way you prepare, the way you move forward and the way your mind works, it all makes it exciting. This world is different from wrestling. In wrestling, if you lose or get injured, the match can end. But MMA has a different intensity. It is like a bullfight in Spain, the same kind of energy. In India, there is no bull-fight, but we are seeing changes in combat sports. Our nation is becoming more competitive in these disciplines,” Sangram said.<\/p>\n

Indian MMA is rising, driven by wrestlers entering the cage. Notable figures include UFC veterans like Puja Tomar, the first Indian to win a UFC bout, Anshul Jubli, and Bharat Kandare, along with grapplers such as Ritu Phogat and Arjan Singh Bhullar, former ONE Heavyweight Champion.<\/p>\n

Recognised for his transition from wrestling to professional MMA, Sangram shared his vision for the sport: \u201cIt is great that MMA will now be included in the Asian Games. I believe that in the next five years, MMA will become a major sport in India. The kids practising it today will help the sport rise in the nation over the next 5-7 years.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that in that time period, the world will learn to grow wary of Indian fighters,” he added.<\/p>\n

On transitioning from wrestling to professional MMA, Sangram said, \u201cIf wrestlers want to move into professional wrestling or MMA, they have to work twice as hard, because it takes a long time and requires a different skill set. Hard work is essential if you want to perform on the world stage.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next important thing is dedication. You have to remember that injuries can happen and you are responsible for yourself. Along with your regular training, you need to include some combat sports training.”<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a wrestler, it is easier to succeed in MMA compared to athletes from other sports. The game is all about strategy. If someone comes at you, you maintain your stance and keep your guard up, so they cannot punch.”<\/p>\n

\u201cYou watch their movement and if they come down, it shows they are stronger than you. Look at Khabib (Nurmagomedov), how he maintained his consistency and became a world champion,” Sangram concluded.<\/p>\n

First Published:<\/p>\n

April 03, 2026, 12:06 IST<\/p>\n

News<\/a> sports<\/a> other-sports<\/a> ‘Age Does Not Matter’: Sangram Singh Opens Up On MMA & India’s Rising Combat Sports SceneDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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