Meet wrestler turned MMA star, who created history with win over Pakistani fighter, he was Bigg Boss contestant and met his wife…
Former Indian wrestler Sangram Singh had a sensational start in his alternate career – in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – defeating Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir, who was 17 years younger than him in the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. Sangram created history by posting the fastest win ever registered by an Indian fighter in the 93 kg division.
Born in Madina village in Rohtak, Haryana, Samgram began his sporting career with Delhi Police in 1999. In All India Police Games 2005, he represented Delhi Police at Chawla (New Delhi) and successfully had a bronze medal. He was awarded the title World’s Best Professional Wrestler by World Wrestling Professionals (WWP), after a match in South Africa in 2012.
Sangram Singh Creates History!
Indian wrestler #SangramSingh became the first Indian male wrestler to win #MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight at the Gama International Fighting Championship at Tbilisi in Georgia.#MixedMartialArts | pic.twitter.com/zgVxcdJMaA
— Arvind Pal Dahiya (@Arvind_P_Dahiya) September 23, 2024
In July 2015, Sangram won the WWP Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship after defeating Joe Legend in the ‘Last Man Standing’ fight in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Following this win, he was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indian Parliament.
Sangram Singh took part in Bigg Boss 7
Sangram participated in the Bigg Boss season 7 and was one of the finalists that year. It was on this show that he met his girlfriend and now wife Payal Rohatgi. Sangram got married in a traditional ceremony to Payal back in July 2022.
Anticipating a smooth transition from wrestling to MMA, Sangram Singh’s performance exceeded expectations on his debut in the octagon for India vs Pakistan match. Sangram gained a clear victory by showcasing his grappling skills and strategic acumen. Singh has a background in traditional wrestling and an unwavering dedication to training.
“I am immensely proud to bring this victory home for India,” Sangram said after his win. “This victory is a step in the direction of MMA in India having a better future. It transcends personal achievement. It is my hope that the acknowledgement on a global scale will motivate the Indian government to implement programs that support mixed martial arts (MMA) and inspire young people to pursue this sport. I have no doubt that this will encourage a great deal of young athletes to find their inner strength strive for greatness and overcome obstacles in the mixed martial arts world.”
This historic victory not only emphasizes Sangram’s individual accomplishment but also points to an increasing awareness of Indian fighters in the international mixed martial arts community.